sildenafil-citrate and Amphetamine-Related-Disorders

Recent studies show that Viagra and methamphetamine use are associated with unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM). In Long Beach, California, we have reported on an association between Viagra use and the use of amphetamines during sex. The current research investigated the use of both Viagra and amphetamine in men in Long Beach, California. Data on 1,839 men recruited into HIV prevention and testing programs were collected using the Risk Behavior Assessment. A generalized logit model was constructed comparing ever having used both amphetamine and Viagra together and separately, as compared to never having used either (referent). Men who used both methamphetamine and Viagra showed a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV compared to those who used only one or neither drug. Of the 1,794 complete cases, 11.1% (199/1794) had used both amphetamine and Viagra. Of 20 potential risk and protective factors for use of amphetamine and Viagra, 12 were significant predictors: ever used gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ever used cocaine, ever used ecstasy, being infected with HIV, race=White compared to other, ever having hepatitis B, ever using crack, ever given money to have sex, living in a hotel, ever been in drug treatment, and ever using heroin. The protective factor was being heterosexual. Viagra use was associated with insertive, and methamphetamine was associated with receptive, anal intercourse. GHB use appears to play a more important role than previously thought.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Chi-Square Distribution; Hepatitis B; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Methamphetamine; Middle Aged; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Piperazines; Prevalence; Purines; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones; Syphilis

The popularity of methamphetamine among gay men has been documented; however, few studies have examined the complex behavioral and psychological motivations behind methamphetamine use, particularly over time. This study aimed to (i) identify the trajectories for methamphetamine use; (ii) explore factors related to methamphetamine use; and (iii) determine factors which predict changes in usage over a year.. This analysis utilized hierarchical linear modeling to identify the trajectories for methamphetamine use and explore factors related to patterns of methamphetamine use.. A sample of 293 gay and bisexual men who indicated methamphetamine use at baseline were drawn from Project BUMPS (Boys Using Multiple Party Substances), which was a longitudinal, mixed-methodologies study of 450 club drug-using gay and bisexual men.. Participants were assessed via quantitative measures in four waves of data collection over the course of a year (baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months post-baseline).. Frequency of methamphetamine use is related to reliance on the drug to avoid unpleasant emotions and physical discomfort, outcome expectancies for use and combining the drug with Viagra. Those with higher levels of drug-related sensation-seeking and those who combine use with Viagra show more consistent use over time, although a decrease in use is noted for most of the sample.. Longitudinal analyses support the idea that methamphetamine is used by gay men to mask feelings of discomfort and to enhance sensations as well as sexual pleasure. Longitudinal non-intervention studies of drug use may have intervention-like effects.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Bisexuality; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Methamphetamine; Middle Aged; Models, Psychological; Piperazines; Purines; Risk-Taking; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones; Vasodilator Agents

Recent anecdotal evidence suggests that it is becoming increasingly popular among ecstasy users to attempt to negate certain side-effects or enhance the drug experience through the concomitant use of pharmaceutical drugs or supplements. This study was designed to explore the practice of deliberately using pharmaceuticals for any reason in association with ecstasy and related drug (ERD) use. A cross sectional survey was conducted with 216 adults who had used ecstasy at least once in the previous 6 months. Generally, this sample was young, well educated, and likely to be in some form of paid employment. Males were slightly overrepresented within the sample. About one quarter of the sample had deliberately taken a pharmaceutical substance for its putative effects on the euphoric effects of, or recovery from, ecstasy use. Those who reported using pharmaceuticals were significantly more likely to be male, had more 'apparent' years of use, and were more likely to have injected ERDs. As a result, there appears to be a need for harm reduction information for ecstasy users regarding the risks associated with the mixture of ERDs with pharmaceuticals and supplements. Particular attention should be paid to informing users of the potentially fatal serotonin syndrome that is likely to arise from combining serotonin-enhancing substances, such as ecstasy or SSRI and MAOI groups of antidepressants.

Topics: Adult; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Antidepressive Agents; Benzodiazepines; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Interactions; Female; Humans; Male; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Piperazines; Purines; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones