Aphrodisiacs/Anaphrodisiacs
anabolic steroids
anaphrodisiac mimic testosterone-DHT increase muscle mass "stacking" female facial hair development and lack of menstruation liver tumors, juandice, fluid retention, high blood pressure, shrinking testes, decreased sperm, breast development
opiates
anaphrodisiac sedatives pain pills, heroin sexual downders-can lead to asexuality
saltpeter
anaphrodisiac used in fertilizers, food additives, gun powder sexual downer used in Vietnam War anemia, headache
amyl nitrite "poppers"
aphrodisiac decreased vasocongestion release of spinal reflexes-premature ejaculation blocks testosterone and estrogen production increases production of prolactin
alcohol
aphrodisiac depressant less inhibition permanent damage to gonad cells decreased blood flow to genitals, ED decreased libido feminization, gynecomastia, impotence, regressed testes
spanish fly
aphrodisiac irritating to bladder and urethra causes blistering, parasitic infestation priaprism
marijuana
aphrodisiac sedative, stimulant, and hallucinogen suppresses motivation toxins some report greater sexual pleasure and sex drive, others do not
methamphetamine
aphrodisiac stimulant euphoria, increased energy and alertness, diarrhea, nausea, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, insomnia, agitation, irritability, compulsions, violence increased blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, blood sugar, bronchodilation increased libido
cocaine
aphrodisiac stimulant mimics sympathetic nervous system-releases dopamine and norepinephrine crash after high delayed or absent orgasm ED with continued use 20-30 minute high
MDMA (ecstasy)
aphrodisiac stimulant and hallucinogen mimics serotonin euphoria, increased energy decrease in hostility and insecurity feelings of intimacy, empathy with others can increase sexual arousal often contaminated permanent loss in serotonin fibers-poor impulse control, rage
nicotine
aprhodisiac most addicting of all drugs stimulant and depressant reaches brain very quickly release of nor-epinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins impaired fertility, decrease in libido irregular cycles ovarian regression most effects are reversible
benzodiazepines
valium, librium, rohypnol aphrodisiac helps bring down anxiety can cause ED, lack of orgasm, etc. date rape type drugs additive to alcohol-both bind to GABA receptor decreased brain activity