Drugs That May Cause Erection Problems
March 18, 2021
4 mins
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that many men of all ages experience. Fortunately, there are a lot of medications available to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, medications to treat other health conditions can cause erectile dysfunction.
Issues with erectile function are a side effect of many medications for depression, hypertension, anxiety disorders, and many other conditions people manage daily.
In the following article, discover more about different types of medications that may lead to erectile dysfunction.
Antidepressants and ED
Antidepressants are medications used to treat conditions associated with depressive disorders. The most common type of antidepressant prescribed is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They prevent symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Serotonin can elevate mood and decrease symptoms of depression by connecting to binding sites in the brain.
Health experts believe changes in serotonin levels may affect erectile function. One proposed theory is that an increase in serotonin causes a decrease in dopamine and testosterone, two vital components for feeling sexual arousal and reaching an orgasm.
If you experience ED while taking SSRIs, speak with a healthcare provider about potential alternate options for treatment.
Antihistamines and ED
Antihistamines are a medication you can find OTC (over-the-counter) if you're experiencing symptoms of allergies. This type of drug blocks the function of histamine. Histamine is a chemical messenger that can trigger inflammation in the body. A build-up of inflammation can lead to allergy symptoms. When you experience an allergy, histamine is released when the body perceives an allergen as a threat.
Some health experts believe lower levels of histamine may cause some issues with penile function in some men. While rare, a decrease in histamine caused by these types of medications may affect the ability to reach an erection.
High Blood Pressure Medication and ED
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a health condition that typically doesn't show any symptoms. Men with hypertension experience elevated blood pressure levels that put a strain on the body and heart.
This can lead to heart attacks and many other life-threatening conditions. Hypertension can effectively be controlled by taking blood pressure medication, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting a good amount of exercise.
Not all high blood pressure medications work in the same way. However, most of them work by decreasing cardiac output, lowering blood volume, or dilating blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by alterations to blood circulation.
Opiates and ED
Opiates are drugs used to help manage pain. It's important to follow directions from a healthcare provider when taking opiates. Hydrocodone and morphine are popular opiates prescribed by healthcare professionals. This class of drugs has an increased risk of addiction.
Some studies have found a relationship between opiate use and erectile dysfunction. However, it's still unclear whether opiate use has a direct effect on erectile function.
Nicotine and ED
Nicotine, unlike the other drugs discussed, is a recreational drug found in cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that can cause the narrowing of blood vessels and hypertension.
Changes in the blood vessels may lead to erectile dysfunction. The penis needs a strong and stable blood flow to maintain an erection.
Alcohol and ED
While not always seen as a drug, drinking alcohol excessively may affect your ability to reach an erection. When you drink, alcohol has a suppressive effect on the brain that can cause a disconnect with how you respond to sexual arousal.
Excessive or chronic alcohol consumption is associated with many different sexual dysfunctions including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and low libido.
Chemotherapy and ED
Chemotherapy uses different drugs to target cancerous cells and reduce the size of cancerous tumors. You may experience many side effects when going through chemotherapy.
When looking specifically at its effects on male sexual health, erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of chemotherapy. This is especially common for people who have cancerous tumors near their genitalia.
Xanax and ED
Xanax treats panic and anxiety disorders. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that decreases the activity of the central nervous system, which can effectively provide relief to those suffering from anxiety or panic disorders.
The risk of erectile dysfunction while taking Xanax is rare. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you do experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction while taking the medication.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Medication and ED
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate is enlarged. The risk of BPH typically increases with age. There are many different treatment options available for BPH. Some medications may increase your risk of erectile dysfunction more than others.
Finasteride decreases testosterone levels in the body. Lower testosterone levels increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. If you are taking BPH medications and experience ED, speak with a healthcare provider about alternate medications.
One of the alternatives to finasteride is Cialis®. Cialis® is a drug that can treat both ED and BPH. Unlike Viagra®, Cialis® can effectively treat two conditions simultaneously.
When to Speak with a Healthcare Provider
There are many different possible drug-related causes of erectile dysfunction. If you are taking medication and experiencing erectile dysfunction, speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
In some cases, a healthcare provider can prescribe a new medication or alternate treatment plan. If there is no suitable alternative, a healthcare provider may prescribe you ED medication to support normal sexual function.
How Rex MD Can Help
REX MD has treatment options for many medications that treat erectile dysfunction. A team of licensed healthcare professionals at Rex can connect you with erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) to help you get back to a stress-free sex life.
Get started on treating your erectile dysfunction today with these medications.
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