Can Xanax Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

March 18, 2021

4 mins

Anxiety is a very common psychological condition that people have today. The 2020 Stress in America Survey found that about 18% of adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, and this figure only represents the proportion of individuals diagnosed and that seek treatment. Anxiety is truly affecting the population at an alarming rate and represents one of the causative agents of the mental health crisis in america. 

These findings are not very surprising when you consider the circumstances that people have been put in due to the Coronavirus pandemic. People were laid off, unable to pay rent, forced to stay inside, and had to face the realities of a virus that could cost people their lives. Not only is this affecting the mental health status of adults, but children during this time have endured their fair share of adversity due to this pandemic.

A review conducted in 2013 found that Xanax was the most prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States. With the current environment of the world and the wider acceptance of seeking mental health care by the population the prescription of Xanax has most likely increased and will continue to for years to come. 

Below is a more detailed look into this prescription medication as well as how it related to erectile dysfunction. Equipped with this knowledge you can become more informed about treatments for anxiety and erectile dysfunction. 

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What is Xanax?

Alprazolam, more commonly known as Xanax, is considered under the drug class of benzodiazepines. 

Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are drugs that are able to cross the blood brain barrier and interact with the receptors on neurons within the brain. More specifically Xanax interacts with GABA receptors in the brain to amplify their effect. This makes Xanax an agonist and essentially amplifies the effects of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. 

The GABA neurotransmitter is responsible for the suppression of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS consists of both the brain and spinal cord. In simple terms, Xanax acts by reducing nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord. The effects of this action leads to a sensation of calming and an altered perception where things may seem fuzzy.

What is Xanax Used for?

Xanax, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. When a person has an anxiety or panic disorder, it increases the stimulation and release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones lead to an excitation of the central nervous system and suppression of GABA. 

In this situation, Xanax provides an extra punch to the GABA present in the brain. Because GABA levels are often reduced due to the stress response, it results in a decreased feeling of anxiety and allows those suffering from these disorders temporary relief. 

What are the Side Effects of Xanax?

Because Xanax directly impacts the functioning of the brain, it is easy to understand that it isn’t without a certain level of risks and side effects. The most common side effect experienced when prescribed Xanax is lightheadedness and drowsiness according to a FDA fact sheet on Xanax. Other side effects include memory lapses, decreased ability to concentrate, decreased coordination, and many more. 

People who take Xanax should also be aware that it is addictive and should follow a weaning schedule. Additionally in some cases Xanax can increase the chances of suicidal thoughts and increase paranoia. Xanax also has many different interactions that need to be effectively conveyed to the patient. If you have a question regarding your Xanax prescription, it is advised that you reach out to your doctor. Xanax is a controlled substance and requires you to be diligent when taking it. 

Are There Xanax Alternatives?

While Xanax is effective in alleviating panic and anxiety disorders, in isolation it does not treat either one. Xanax should be utilized as a temporary solution to these disorders because the body can build up a tolerance to the medication and it is incredibly easy to become addicted to it. 

Alternatives to Xanax include psychological therapy, self care, and medications like SSRIs. 

SSRIs are a class of drug that increases the synaptic availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin plays a key role in mood and by increasing synaptic concentration, you can effectively elevate mood and help with anxiety symptoms. Unlike Xanax, SSRIs are much safer for extended use and can be a better option as SSRIs are far less addictive. 

Does Xanax Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

While the utilization of Xanax is typically for short term treatment of anxiety or panic disorders, it can pose a detrimental effect to your ability to carry out day to day activities, including your ability to maintain or attain an erection.

As discussed previously, Xanax works by suppressing the CNS and slowing brian activity. Getting an erection is a much more involved process than people typically think. An erection involves an interplay between your brain, mindset, circulatory system, reproductive system, and endocrine system. 

While the exact mechanism behind how Xanax impacts erectile is not exactly known, it can be inferred the suppressive effects of Xanax on the CNS has something to do erectile dysfunction.  

Underlying Stress and Erectile Dysfunction

Another aspect to consider is that the conditions Xanax aims to treat can actually be a causative agent of erectile dysfunction. 

It is well understood that anxiety and stress can be causes of erectile dysfunction. Stress-induced erectile dysfunction is a complex form of erectile dysfunction that requires a treatment plan that involves treating the ED while also treating the underlying stress simultaneously. Many anxiety medications can increase ED symptoms and ED can cause further stress. This cycle can spiral into a very complex and difficult issue treat. 

Because of the complexities of this certain combination of issues, it is incredibly important to have open conversations with your physician to go through the possible treatment options. 

A licensed physician can help you navigate the complexities of your given situation and present the possible routes of treatment you can get. 

REX MD takes this a step further and allows patients to have direct access to a licensed physician from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Decreasing barriers to seeking care is important, especially when those with anxiety or panic disorders. Being in the comfort of your own home can alleviate some of that stress and allow you to get the timely and affordable care you deserve. 

How is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

Erectile dysfunction treatment has come a long way and there are now numerous viable options to treating erectile dysfunction. In the not so distant past, men with ED had no viable options for effectively treating ED. Today there are many different medications that are able to achieve the same result, an erection. 

Viagra® is typically the first ED medication that comes to most people's minds. The little blue pill is what started the whole segment of ed medications and is still immensely popular today. ED medications work by competitively inhibiting the Phosphodiesterase V (PDE5) enzyme. By doing so it increases the availability of nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum stimulates vasodilation in the penis and allows for an erection to occur. 

Other options include Cialis® and Levitra. Both of these are considered to work under the same mechanism of Viagra and increase NO concentrations in the corpus cavernosum. The differences between Viagra vs. Cialis vs. Levitra comes down to its chemical composition and the way that the altered structures interact and are metabolized in the body. 

Conclusion

In summary, Xanax is a prescription drug that alters the chemistry in your brain to restore levels to a near normal level. In the case of anxiety and panic disorders, Xanax increases the potency of GABA which is typically in lower concentrations for those with anxiety or panic disorders. When prescribed correctly, Xanax can be an effective tool in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. 

Xanax however has potential side effects, one of which is the potential to cause alterations to your sexual health. The suppression of the central nervous system can result in a decreased sex drive in addition to the ability to attain or keep an erection. The exact way in which Xanax impacts your sexual health is not completely understood; there are indications that the utilization of Xanax can lead to ED. While this association exists it is difficult to know whether or not the drug is to blame or if it is the stress associated with the psychological conditions that leads to ED. 

Due to the complex nature of stress, Xanax, and ED it is important for you to consult your physician to find the best course of action for you and your needs. Your personal doctor can offer you solutions like switching your medication or referring you to an ED specialist.