February 27, 2008

As sad as the story is, it is an indication that medications must be respected. In nearly all cases, medications serve as a valuable treatment for a specific condition. They can relieve pain, alleviate symptoms and extend the lives of human beings.

And if they are abused, medications can also take lives away. This was the case when a Russian man showed disregard for both the intended use of Viagra, and also his own life.

Apparently, a mechanic took a bet from two women who dared him to satisfy them, non-stop, for an entire half-day. During the sex binge, the mechanic reportedly consumed most of a bottle of Viagra.

The man soon died of a heart attack, according to Moscow police, as quoted in the story.

Although many sentiments of a humorous variety were posted on blogs and message boards regarding the story, the fact of the matter is that the patient information for Viagra states no erectile dysfunction pill should be taken within the same 24-hour period as another (whether it be Viagra, Cialis or Levitra).

Even though the Russian man was only 28 years old (and probably not a true candidate for an ED pill), no amount of youth was able to save him from the effects of the overdose. His blood pressure may have dropped to unsafe levels, causing the heart attack, but a doctor I consulted with said it’s too hard to tell what may have happened. The story does not divulge many details. Other substances or drugs could have played a part.

It is true that any outstanding medical conditions that a person may have could be exacerbated by an overdose of medication. Just as medications might interact with one another, a person’s medical conditions can come into play with an overdose as well.

In any case, sheer common sense, combined with strict adherence to the patient and prescribing information for every medication, is what prevents these types of sad stories. Medications can heal and save lives, but they must also be respected.

Brian Bujdos