More and more people are joining the growing "sextasy" trend, mixing ecstasy with Viagra, as well as other types of drugs, to increase levels of euphoria, according to a new study.
Such short-term pleasure can come with some significant long-term pains, however. Mixing the drugs may result in what is known as "serotonin syndrome," which occurs when too much serotonin builds up in the body, according to scientists from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center in Australia.
Serotonin is often referred to as the "happy hormone," but too much of it can cause adverse side effects like disorientation, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat and even coma.
In 1998, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the use of Viagra and since then it has increased in sales year in and year out. However, its users are no longer restricted to older men who want to enhance their sex drive. Today, the drug is considered a party drug, and is often combine with other lethal drugs.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles are concerned about the growing trend of combining Viagra with "poppers," or amyl nitrate, as the practice may result in a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause a stroke or heart attack.
