Teen Death Related to Erectile Dysfunction Drug

Joe Loudon, a 16 year old from Orinda, CA, died at a party recently, and the autopsy results found that in addition to alcohol, he also had an erectile dysfunction medication, Papaverine, in his system. It is unknown whether he took the drug voluntarily, or someone slipped it into his drink, coerced him to take it, or gave it to him without revealing the type of drug. His parents said that they had no knowledge of how this drug could have been in their son’s possession. They are looking for leads about how he may have gotten the drug.  

Teens and Viagra: What do we know?

While it’s not known why Joe Loudon had an erectile dysfunction drug in his system, his story raises the question of why some teens may seek out erectile dysfunction medication. While most teens would never be exposed to the infrequently used older medication Papaverine that was in Joe’s body, there are teens who may consider experimenting with a more common erectile medication, such as Viagra.  There is a good deal of info about teens and Viagra… 

Research has found that the use of erectile dysfunction medication is not very common among teens. College students and twentysomethings are more likely than teens to use it recreationally. Yet, stories of teens using Viagra certainly grab media attention, such as the story from Barnstable, MA in 2003 when a 14-year-old Hyannis Middle School student allegedly gave Viagra to three classmates and one of them took it.  Another similar story occurred in Baltimore, MD. Also, there was a story in PA of a high school student who was caught putting Viagra in a classmate’s applesauce. Clearly, dangerous pranks and peer pressure are the issues in these cases.

It’s important to note that true erectile dysfunction is very rare among teens, with the actual percentage being unknown, but an estimate is about one percent to six percent reporting problems occasionally or regularly achieving erection. If erectile issues are present in teens, they may be due to anxiety related to a new experience or discomfort with condoms – or more serious clinical erectile dysfunction as a result of trauma to the penis, or a vascular issue. Therefore, teens generally are not taking erectile medications to actually treat a diagnosed sexual problem. Those who take it would be taking it without a doctor’s knowledge, recreationally. According to a small study of teens who have used Viagra, most stole it from a relative or acquaintance. Peer pressure or partner pressure presented as a factor in their use of the drug, with 84 percent reporting that they were with friends or a girlfriend the first time they took the medication.

There are several reasons why teenagers may experiment with erectile dysfunction medication. Of course, a common reason why teens may be tempted to take an erectile dysfunction medication is out of sexual curiosity. Teens may mistakenly think that these medications will increase sexual potency, make them somehow “better” sexually, or make them last longer. Premature ejaculation is common in this age group, and they may be hoping to find a pill to help. However, they do not realize that Viagra will not help them last longer.  (While it may help men maintain an erection after ejaculation, usually teens have a short refractory period anyway and would naturally be able to have an erection quickly after ejaculating.)

Beyond sexual curiosity, another major reason why some teenagers may think they want Viagra or other erectile dysfunction drugs is that they may have heard a rumor that it can improve their athletic performance. Research has been discussed in The NY Times and NY Daily News about the use of Viagra to relieve constriction of blood vessels in the lungs, improving blood flow, breathing, and athletic endurance.

Another reason why teens may try Viagra or another erectile medication is to attempt to increase the effect of other drugs or alcohol; despite the fact that this is a very dangerous use of these medications. Sometimes this is also related to sports performance, as someone on steriods may think it will enhance the affect of the steriods, or resolve steriod-related erectile dysfuction. There have also been reports of teenagers and twentysomethings taking Viagra with alcohol or with Ecstasy (the combination called “Sextasy”), since Ecstasy or alcohol may heighten desire while lessening erectile ability. This dangerous combination could be deadly, and at the very least contributes to a reduction of safer sex practices.

Teenagers, (or anyone of any age who does not have clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction and a prescription from a doctor), must stay away from Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or any other erectile dysfunction medication. They can certainly cause physical side effects like dizziness, headache, chest tightness, vision problems including loss of vision, irregular heartbeat, and more severe issues. Teachers and parents must teach teenagers about drugs — and sex.