Viagra and similar types of drugs are prescribed to those male patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). However, of late it has been seen that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (Viagra belongs to this family) are the most common drug family to be abused by people. In the year 1998, Viagra got introduced in the market and since then, men diagnosed with ED had only increased.
There are several risk factors leading to ED such as obesity, older age, heart disease, diabetes and high BP. However, it has been seen that men who do not suffer from ED are using these drugs. To put it in the words of Dr. Rowena DeSouza, MD and an associate professor of surgery at the University Of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, “We are seeing more and more young men without any risk factors for ED asking for ED drugs. They look a lot like the young men dancing around in the TV advertisements, probably too healthy to have ED.”
Further, Dr. DeSouza said that even doctors who are completely fit have been seen purchasing these drugs just to get an erection for a longer period of time. This is according to him is “recreational use, not appropriate use.”
A report published in the journal, “Current Drug Abuse Reviews” pointed out two concerns regarding abuse of this drug. First, easy access to online pharmaceutical stores that do not comply with the rules of the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program. Second, the ED drugs available at these stores can be contaminated, unsafe and fake, posing a great risk to the health of the users.
There are several dangers associated with misusing Viagra and similar other drugs. One can increase the cardiovascular risks if he:
- Takes medicines for chest pain (i.e. nitrates) simultaneously
- Suffers from coronary heart disease
- Has congestive heart failure
- Has low BP
- Takes several medicines for high BP
- Has exercise intolerant
Further, if this drug is used recreationally, then there is a high risk of getting dependent on it. For instance, men using Viagra for longer erections have been found to develop ED when not using this drug. This might lead to more aggressive treatments in the future to cure erectile dysfunction like implants and injections.
There are other dangers involved with the abusing of Viagra as published in several reports.
- Increased unsafe sex among men having male partners
- Increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Dangerous and fatal mixing of ED drugs with the club drugs such as amyl nitrite and ketamine
To conclude, men should be cautious and responsible while using this drug. Dr. DeSouza warned, “If you have not been properly evaluated by your doctor and properly prescribed an erectile dysfunction drug, you should not be taking one.” One should always consult a doctor before starting to use Viagra or other similar drugs. Also, while consulting a doctor, tell him/her about other drugs which you have been taking, to avoid risks of drug interactions. Remember, a longer erection, lasting for hours is both dangerous and painful.
Millions of men are known to have benefited from this drug with safe and appropriate use. But if one does not have ED, he does not need them.
