List of Medications Linked to Sexual Dysfunction is Longer Than Patients Realize
For millions of people who take prescription medications, the treatment may come down to a choice: get help with a medical condition, or endure awkward and life-disrupting sexual side effects. The list of medications that can cause sexual dysfunction is longer than many patients realize, and doctors and patients should work together to find the right combination of prescriptions for a patient so that the patient doesn’t stop taking critical medications.
Several prescription medications can cause problems with patients’ sex life, but it can be difficult to pinpoint which medication is responsible, or if life factors are part of the problem. Factors like stress, emotional disturbances and anxiety can all interfere with sexual performance or complicate the side effects from medications.
Medications like antidepressants are long-known to cause sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual interest, a problem estimated to affect up to 50 percent of patients who are receiving treatment for depression. This is especially true with SSRI antidepressants, which can also prevent a patient from reaching orgasm. Tricyclic antidepressants cause similar problems. Because patients may stop taking these important medications due to sexual side effects, physicians are encouraged to talk with patients about sexual problems and modify the dosages if needed, but only under a doctor’s supervision.
For people with high blood pressure and heart problems, certain medications, such as lisinopril or enalapril can cause impotence. Even some eye drops in the beta-blocker family of drugs can cause sexual problems. For male patients fighting high cholesterol who are taking medications like fibrates or statins, the inability to become aroused may also be a problem.
A range of other conditions – including acid reflux, epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain or ulcer treatments – also have prescription treatments that are linked to a lack of interest in sex and the inability to perform sexually. Many patients may not be aware that these side effects can occur, making patient education a critical component whenever a prescription is started. If patients suspect their medication may cause sexual dysfunction, they may stop taking it and put their health or lives at risk.
Instead, patients can be switched to a different medication or their dose can be adjusted. Taking medications at different times of the day may also help with sexual problems. In some cases, medications for erectile dysfunction are not recommended to treat sexual problems caused by other medications because additional side effects can occur.
For some patients, just giving the medication time can help ease sexual problems. The problems may lessen as the medication is taken for longer periods. Sometimes patients can set aside times to engage in sexual activity, based upon when they took their medications, in order to help offset some of the side effects.
As physicians and patients work together to discuss and explore side effects and options, a right combination of medications with decreased sexual problems can often be reached, preventing dangerous self-adjustments to prescriptions and helping ensure successful treatment for illnesses without compromising the benefits of a healthy sex life.
