Plugging Viagra | Rectal Sildenafil Use And Abuse

Male erectile dysfunction drugs are sometimes sought out for recreational abuse. Men who abuse Viagra often mix the drug with other street drugs, which leads to risk of dependency and adverse side effects.

Sometimes plugging Viagra is a preferred method of abuse because it bypasses the controlled release properties of the drug and causes it to be absorbed directly into the small intestine.

This method increases a person’s risk for dangerous side effects, such as overdose, and can increase the risk for addiction.

What Is Meant By Plugging Viagra?

Plugging Viagra refers to the rectal administration of the substance directly into the small intestine.

People who administer the medication rectally may dissolve a capsule or tablet of the medication into sterile water and inject the solution into the anus using a hydroponic syringe.

This method is potentially dangerous because a lower dose is needed to get the desired effect compared to other methods, and the likelihood of someone correctly adjusting the dose is small.

How Should Viagra Be Taken?

Viagra works by relaxing and widening blood vessels throughout the body. This effect may aggravate pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or hypotension.

The only safe method of taking the drug is when prescribed under the guidance and instruction from a qualified healthcare professional.

Side Effects Of Plugging Viagra

Taking Viagra without a prescription comes with risk of adverse side effects.

Men who plug Viagra are exposed to higher doses of the drug because plugging circumvents the digestive system, resulting in increased risk of negative side effects and overdose.

Additionally, adverse side effects may be more likely when Viagra is mixed with other prescription medications or street drugs.

Abusing Viagra may increase the risk of heart attack, strokes, or heart rhythm irregularities.

Other side effects of Viagra include:

• nosebleeds
• headaches
• upset stomach
• flushing (reddening and warming of the face)
• trouble sleeping
• fever
• an erection that lasts longer than normal
• respiratory infection
• nausea
• vomiting
• bronchitis
• sore throat
• runny nose

Viagra Overdose

Overdose may occur when taking high doses of this medication either through taking more than is prescribed or through plugging.

The following symptoms are an indication that you need emergency medical help:

• low blood pressure
• blurry vision
• confusion
• dizziness
• fainting
• lightheadedness
• trouble speaking
• nausea or vomiting
• sleepiness
• weakness
• priapism (an erection that won’t go away)
• sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
• sudden hearing loss
• tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
• shortness of breath
• chest pain (angina)
• heart attack, stroke, or irregular heart rate

Viagra Addiction

Addiction to Viagra may occur when used habitually to get high before sexual activity. Men may develop both psychological and chemical dependency, as they associate the drug with pleasure and stress relief.

Addiction may be more likely when mixing the drug with other illegal substances. People who use high doses of Viagra can develop chemical tolerance, meaning they’ll need larger amounts of the drug to gain the desired effect.

Tolerance can easily lead to greater risk of overdose when rectal administration is the preferred method of abuse.

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Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff