If you are taking medication(s) for a specific condition or disorder and you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, there could be a link between the two. Certain medications, while successful at treating the condition or disorder they are designed to treat, can actually affect hormones and blood flow causing erectile dysfunction. If you do take medication and are experiencing erectile dysfunction it is important to talk to your doctor about any and all concerns and to continue taking the medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Medication Types That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction appears to be much more common in older males since they are more likely to require medication for an underlying health condition but erectile dysfunction can happen to any male in any age group. If you do take medication for an underlying health condition and are experiencing erectile dysfunction then it would be a good idea to speak with your doctor about any and all prescription or over the counter medications that you take regularly. The most common types of medications that cause erectile dysfunction include but may not be limited to the following:
- Diuretics and Hypertension Drugs
- Mental Health Drugs
- Antihistamines
- Opioids
- Acid Reflux Medications
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Prostate Cancer Medications
- Chemotherapy Drugs
Recreational and commonly abused drugs and substances can also cause erectile dysfunction, such as:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Nicotine
A Closer Look at the Medication Types That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Diuretics and Hypertension Drugs
Diuretics and hypertension (high blood pressure) medication can decrease appropriate blood flow to the penis, resulting in erectile dysfunction. These medications can also drain the body of zinc, a necessary component in producing testosterone. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have hypertension and are experiencing erectile dysfunction. Those with hypertension should not take erectile dysfunction medications but a change in dosage or medication for your hypertension may be possible.
Mental Health Drugs
Medication that helps fight mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can cause erectile dysfunction, but the reason for this is not fully understood. Mental disorders can cause erectile dysfunction on their own, so if you are taking medication for a mental disorder and experiencing erectile dysfunction, it may be difficult to pinpoint which one is causing your erectile dysfunction. However, it is theorized that as serotonin is increased in your system, dopamine levels may decrease. A drop in dopamine could cause erectile dysfunction since dopamine is a significant chemical needed to allow a person to feel stimulation and arousal.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine in the body, a chemical that is not only involved in allergic reactions but also in healthy erections. Commonly used antihistamines that can cause erectile dysfunction by reducing blood flow to the penis include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Opioids
Long term use of opioids can cause low testosterone levels and ultimately result in a lowered sex drive and erectile dysfunction. The most common types of opioid medications include hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine.
Acid Reflux Medications
Similar to antihistamines, there are certain acid reflux medications can affect the amount of histamine produced in your system and can cause erectile dysfunction. Cimetidine (Tagamet) has the highest risk factor for experiencing erectile dysfunction, while ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid) have the lowest risk.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are typically prescribed to help reduce inflammation and can mimic the effects of different hormones inside the body. This can reduce the body's natural levels of testosterone and result in decreased sexual desire and the body's ability to produce a healthy erection. Prednisone, prednisolone, and hydrocortisone are some of the most commonly prescribed corticosteroids.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants work by reducing the activity of the body's natural immune system. Sirolimus, everolimus, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine may be prescribed to help control an autoimmune disorder or prevent the rejection of an organ after an organ transplant procedure. Unfortunately, a side effect of immunosuppressants is decreased sexual desire and function.
Prostate Cancer Medications
Since medications for prostate cancer can have a huge effect on your hormone levels, they can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Depending on the type of treatment you are receiving for prostate cancer, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels may also be damaged or affected, also resulting in erectile dysfunction.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Men receiving chemotherapy may experience a lack in sexual desire and difficulty achieving an erection. While receiving chemotherapy, it is not uncommon to experience short term erectile dysfunction which should fade away after your treatment has ended.
Conclusion
If you are taking medication for an underlying health condition or are receiving treatment for a type of cancer, developing erectile dysfunction could be upsetting and frustrating. It is important to speak with your doctor about any and all concerns you are experiencing with your medication. Adjustments to your dosage or an alternative prescription might be a possibility so you should be sure to provide an updated and complete list of any and all medications, prescription and over the counter, to your healthcare provider.
References:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/some-drugs-may-cause-your-erectile-dysfunction
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure-and-sex/art-20044209
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10035-erectile-dysfunction
