The word party (or club) drug refers to a variety of drugs found at house parties and dance club. Party/Club drugs are sometimes referred to as “designer drugs”.  Drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine, have also been called “date rape drugs” because they have been used in situations of sexual assault.

Club drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘ecstasy’), methamphetamine (‘crystal meth’) and ketamine (‘Special K’) are becoming more and more popular. Many youngster take these designer drugs to enhance sensory experiences at ‘circuit parties’ and ‘raves’. These drugs also enhance sexual experience. However, many of these drugs have adverse effects on sexual function, as well as on sexual decision- making. This review examines four common club drugs, their systemic effects and their effects on sexual function, and hypothesizes on the causes of sexual dysfunction due to these drugs.

Effects of ‘traditional’ recreational drugs, such as cocaine, alcohol and marijuana, on erectile and sexual dysfunction have been well documented. However, over the past decade, new, synthetic designer drugs have been emerging. The use of these agents is on the rise, especially among young individuals who attend ‘raves’ and ‘circuit parties’. The four most common ‘club drugs’ include 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA: ‘ecstasy’), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine (‘Special K’) and methamphetamine (‘crystal meth’, ‘crank’, ‘ice’). Little is known about their effects on sexual function. The purpose of the present review is to analyze the available literature on club drugs to examine their systemic effects and to hypothesize on their effects on erectile function, as well as sexual risktaking behaviour.

MDMA is the most popular club drug being used and is probably the most recognized. This oral drug is an amphetamine derivative that is chemically related to both amphetamines and hallucinogens. An incidence study in the United States has found a 69% increase in use by college students from 1997 to 1999. Users state that they use this substance to increase sensory stimulation at raves and dance parties. Effects include increased positive mood and feelings of intimacy with others, and increased stamina and energy. Many of these raves and circuit parties start in the early hours of the morning and extend into the late afternoon. Patrons state that they ‘require’ the drug to enhance the experience and to be able to endure the long hours of the parties. However, they document that they develop a tolerance to the positive effects of the drug, and, hence, they do not use it regularly.

GHB is another club drug that is gaining popularity. This drug was sold in health food stores due to its purported anabolic, muscle-building effects. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States pulled this drug from retail markets in 1991. This compound is structurally similar to the central inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Methamphetamine is a club drug known by many names, including ‘crystal meth’, ‘crank’, ‘ice’ and ‘speed’. This drug is another amphetamine derivative and can be manufactured from ephedrine. As with all designer amphetamines, this drug is purported to produce feelings of euphoria, energy and a ‘high’

Ketamine is a derivative of phencyclidine, a known psychotropic recreational drug. Anaesthetists commonly use this drug for induction of anaesthesia. Ketamine is reported to produce analgesia and amnesia. Ketamine is documented to cause vivid, technicolour visual, auditory, and proprioceptive hallucinations. This effect is the allure of ketamine as a recreational drug.