It used to be given to reduce libido

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Specializes in Oncology, Corrections.

Hello, I hope someone can answer this. The subject came up here at work, in the county jail. Does anyone know what they used to give to prisoners and the mentally ill in asylums to reduce their libido? It's considered unethical now. It's like, the opposite of an aphrodisiac.

It's not chemical castration. I think that's a more modern term. It's one word and it seems to me it starts with a "P"...? But maybe not.

If I'm not mistaken, I think they used to give it to all of them, to keep them from having relations with each other. But I could be wrong.

A couple times, in the past, an inmate has said to me "I'm not taking that medicine, you guys put ____ in them." (I assured them we did not!) Or, some have said they put it in the water or the food.

It came up in conversation and now it's driving us crazy!

Anyway, I appreciate your time.

Thanks

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Saltpeter*

*Yes, I'm old

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Saltpeter*

*Yes, I'm old

Remember somebody mentioning that when I first started nursing school. Yes, we are old.

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It was widely rumored to have been used in the military as well.

Saltpeter in the Military

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Specializes in Oncology, Corrections.

I guess that must be it. I could swear there was another term. More of a classification of meds, you know, an example would be aphrodisiacs. "You guys put aphrodisiacs in the water." Rather than naming a specific one, such as oysters, or in this case, saltpeter.

If I recall, it wasn't a real formal term. It might have been slang.

But I cannot find it anywhere so I am beginning to think it doesn't exist. Oh well. Lol.

Thanks for your replies.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I remembered 'saltpeter' also.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

"anaphrodisiac"

Saltpeter is potassium nitrate.

But maybe you are thinking of potassium bromide? There was an "urban legend" about it being used in the British and Russian armies.

(I am not full of knowledge, I just used Wikipedia.)

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My lady better not see this topic! :nailbiting:

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Think I need to get my husband some Saltpeter. :saint:

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Is that a play on words? Seems like they could have chosen a better name! :roflmao:

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections.

yes its saltpeter. However, I seem to remember that some anti-depressants reduce sexual performance in men.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

Prozac in particular has that effect, Zoloft to a lesser extent. Prozac in low doses is used to treat premature ejaculation due to its propensity to delay orgasm.

Regarding saltpeter, despite the apparent suggestive nature of the name, the origin has nothing to do with sex, sex organs or sexual activity. It is far more bland (from Dictionary.com):

"potassium nitrate," c.1500, earlier salpetre (early 14c.), from Old French salpetre, from Medieval Latin sal petrae "salt of rock," from Latin sal "salt" (see salt (n.)) + petra "rock, stone" (see petrous). So called because it looks like salt encrusted on rock.

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