Medications & Erectile Dysfunction

Medications & Erectile Dysfunction

Numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications can have side effects. One particular and undesirable side effect is erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, according to a Harvard Special Health Report, around 25 percent of all ED cases Medication and EDinvolves a drug side effect. And, although these medications are meant to treat certain conditions or diseases, many are also affecting a man’s blood circulation, hormones and nerves, resulting in an increased risk of ED or the condition itself.

If you’re struggling with ED and believe it’s a side effect of a specific medication you’re taking, don’t stop using the medication, but give your doctor a call. They might either change the dosage of the drug or change the drug altogether. You might also be a candidate for GAINSWave™ for erectile dysfunction and male enhancement that we offer here at Savannah Age Management Medicine.

You should know what the most common medications (prescription and over-the-counter) that cause erectile dysfunction are, including the generic brands as well, which we detail below:

Most Common Medications That Can Cause ED

Some examples of medications along with their brand and generic names are as follows.

1. Antidepressants, Antiepileptic and Anti-Anxiety Medications

These types of medications are commonly prescribed to patients. But, they can affect your sexual function in various ways depending on what type of medication you’re taking and the way in which it works. The central regulation of erections depends on serotonin and dopamine; therefore, erectile function can become worse when either of these processes are affected. The two antidepressants that seem to have the least effect on ED are Remeron (mirtazapine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion).

Others include:

  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Anafranil (clomipramine)
  • Elavil (amitriptyline)
  • Dilantin (phenytoin)
  • Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
  • Ativan (lorazepam
  • Valium (diazepam)

2. Beta-Blockers

This class of medication definitely seems to cause ED. There’s no clear reason why they do, but these low blood pressure medications can indeed cause the condition and are among those medications patients typically can’t stop taking. However, doctors can switch these medications to a different type of blood pressure medication — doctors prefer ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.

Some examples of beta-blockers and their brand/generic names include:

  • Catapres (clonidine)
  • Tenormin (atenolol)
  • Aldomet (methyldopa)
  • Lopressor (metoprolol)

3. Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Muscle relaxants

Any type of medication that depresses your nerves like Valium, Xanax, Lyrica or alcohol can impact ED, including sleep aids. It’s a reversible effect, thankfully and is more likely due to direct nerve signal suppression or potentially hormonal signaling. Also, using narcotics may cause testosterone suppression which may alter penis blood flow.

Norflex (orphenadrine) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are examples of muscle relaxants that cause ED.

4. Androgen Blockers

Androgen blockers are commonly prescribed for treating prostate cancer, but they can decrease the libido and cause ED. Usually, it takes a few months to a few years before you notice these medications’ full impact. Not to mention, you can’t discontinue using many of them.

Other examples of drugs used for prostate cancer that could cause ED are:

  • Lupron (leuprolide)
  • Eulexin (flutamide)

Other drugs or substances that may potentially result in ED include these frequently abused and recreational drugs:

  • Cocaine
  • Alcohol
  • Barbiturates
  • Opiates
  • Amphetamines
  • Marijuana
  • Tranquilizers
  • Methadone
  • Antihistamines
  • Nicotine

While certain medications can cause ED in some men, they won’t necessarily cause the condition in others. If you suspect the medication you’re taking is causing your erectile dysfunction or has a negative sexual performance effect, talk with your doctor. And remember, never stop taking your medication without consulting with your doctor first.

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or looking for male enhancement help, call us here at Savannah Age Management Medicine at (912) 925-6911. Medications & Erectile Dysfunction.

Harry Collins

Harry Collins

Doctor Harry Collins is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Life Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. Dr. Collins received his certification in Age Management Medicine with the nationally renowned Cenegenics Medical Institute. Cenegenics' certification in Age Management Medicine is jointly sponsored by Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation (CERF) and the Foundation for Care Management in Las Vegas, Nevada. CERF and the Foundation for Care Management are accredited with honors by seven sponsoring organizations including the American Medical Association and American Board of Medical Specialties.