Drugs come with unintended results often known as side effects. Whether it’s prescribed or recreational, you could be harming your sexual health without even knowing it.
Check out this list of drugs and see how they may affect you and your ED.
Over-the-counter drugs
Heartburn medications in rare cases have been known to cause ED. These drugs are called H2-receptor antagonists and include ranitidine (Zantac) and cimetidine (Tagamet). They may block testosterone from producing, which could lower your sex drive.
Prescription drugs
Your doctor may have prescribed one of these drugs for a specific diagnosis. They are not intended to create ED, but could cause it. Take a look at the list below, and tell your doctor if you begin experiencing ED.
Antidepressants
- amitriptyline
- imipramine
- doxepin
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs)
Blood pressure drugs
- beta blockers, such as atenolol and metprolol
- diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone
Decrease or block testosterone
- older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate
- certain heart drugs, such as digoxin and spironolactone
- corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone
- antiandrogens, such as cyproterone, flutamide, and bicalutamide
- opioids, such as oxycodone and morphine
- older antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and haloperidol
Recreational drugs
If it’s illegal or a prescription that is misused, it will be categorized as recreational. Below is a list that can contribute to ED:
- amphetamines
- barbiturates
- nicotine
- cocaine
- marijuana
- heroin
If you are taking drugs for any reason and you’re beginning to experience ED, you need to consult with a physician. Full disclosure is important especially when it comes to drugs. A doctor may prescribe you ED medications to help treat your symptoms, but if you do not disclose your full drug use you could experience severe side effects that in some cases can be fatal.
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