Prescription Drugs And Erectile Dysfunction: 5 Drugs

Keeping Men Down

Sep 10, 2014 08:00 AM By Anthony Rivas

Most men who take prescription medications know that

theyre going to come with a list of side effects, which
usually include drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, or upset
stomach. Sometimes, theyre a bit more serious,
encompassing everything from skin irritation to allergic
reactions and anaphylactic shock. But most of these guys
forget one of the more unwanted side effects: erectile
dysfunction.
Around the country, erectile dysfunction, or simply ED,
affects as many as 30 million men, according to
the Department of Health and Human Services. Though this
figure probably doesnt include all those men taking
prescription
meds,
they
certainly
experience
the
same effects, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem,
and a decreased quality of life. Neverthless, its important to
know which medications may cause these side effects, and
speak to a doctor about possible alternatives or just
prepare to have trouble keeping it up. Here are five of them.
BENZODIAZEPINES
Its interesting that benzodiazepines, which are commonly
used for anxiety but also seizures and insomnia can
cause ED, and thus further anxiety. In fact, youll find that its
a running theme. Anxiety is well known to cause ED, as
increased levels of stress harm the body and take away from
a mans libido.
Though common benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan,
Valium, and Librium, may help calm a mans anxieties
through sedative effects, they may also end up lowering a
mans desire to have sex, as well as his ability to stay erect.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Another condition that causes ED in itself, major depression
affected
an
estimated 16
million
adults in
2012.
Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders,
obsessive compulsive disorder, and evenlong-term pain. One
of the major forms of antidepressants, called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are comprised of the
drugs Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro.
Up to 60 percent of people taking SSRIs may experience ED,
according to Medscape. Though its unclear how it causes
ED, experts suspect it relates to the way the drugs influence
function of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine,
and dopamine, all of which relate to feelings of well-being.
BETA BLOCKERS
High blood pressure damages blood vessels, including those
in a mans penis; causing ED. But beta blockers, one of the
drugs most commonly prescribed to people who have blood
pressure, may also cause them to experience ED. Drugs that
fall into this category include Sectral, Lopressor, Cogard, and
Tenormin.
Just like antidepressants, these drugs also affect
neurotransmitters
in
the
brain, specifically
epinephrine(adrenaline). In this particular case, they
counteract the stimulatory effects of the molecule, tamping
down on a persons excitement. At the same time, some
evidence suggests beta blockers also messes with the areas
of a mans nervous system that make him erect.
ANTIHISTAMINES
Millions of men suffer from allergies, but some of the most
common drugs, such as Benadryl and Dramamine, may be
causing them to have ED, too. Though its unclear exactly
how it causes ED, personal accounts of its effects suggest
that it could alter the way mens nervous systems react to

stimulation around the penis. It also seems to be temporary,

with sensation coming back gradually after ending use.
H2 BLOCKERS
Also called H2-receptor antagonists, this category of drugs
include the popular heartburn drugs Zantac and Pepcid.
Theyre used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like gastric
ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux
disease.
For the most part, they cause ED when taken in high doses,
and the drug Tagamet (cimetidine) is most likely to give men
problems. Along with Ed and a decreased libido, they can
also lower a mans sperm count.
Though life on these drugs may seem grim within the sexual
arena, taking them is important for treating whatever
disease a doctor has prescribed them for. Also, by talking
with a doctor about alternative treatments, lowering doses,
or taking supplements, anyone who takes these drugs may
be able to get some of their sexual health back.