Side effects of certain medications taken for treating some health conditions can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) in some males. ED can potentially be a side effect of many medications.

It is necessary to understand that not everyone who uses such medications will experience ED symptoms. Also, the type and severity of the side effects can vary among individuals.

Men with pre-existing ED take certain medications that potentiate the chances of ED, the symptoms may worsen. This is why, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider.

They may either adjust your treatment plan or recommend alternative treatment options.

Drugs that lead to erectile dysfunction (ED)

Certain classes of drugs known to contribute to ED symptoms are as follows:

Antidepressants

Antidepressant medications used for managing clinical depression might contribute to erectile dysfunction and other issues related to sexual function in men.

The effects of antidepressant medications increase the serotonin hormone levels in the body. The boost of serotonin can give rise to issues related to sexual function.  

Usage of antidepressants can affect the sexual functioning. It leads to low sex drive or low libido, which diminishes the individual’s desire for sex. The erection function gets impacted big time.

The person may struggle to achieve erections due to antidepressants, as it reduces nitric oxide (NO) levels. No is a chemical that keeps the blood vessels dilated for increased blood circulation.

A decrease in NO levels because of antidepressants can cause the blood vessels of the penile to become narrow. This prevents blood flow to the penile and the person develops ED symptoms.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic drugs are primarily used to treat issues related to mental health such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others.   

How exactly these medications affect the erection function is not fully understood yet. Such medications treat mental health illnesses by leading to the imbalance of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate erection function.   

The effects of the drugs can affect the release of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitter systems in the brain. This may lead to sexual side effects like difficulties with sexual arousal, low sex drive or libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory disorders.  

Antihypertensive drugs

Antihypertensive are the blood pressure medications. The side effects of such medications can contribute to sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction (ED), and low sex drive.

Such medications trigger hormonal imbalances. They are of various types that are classified under the category of diuretics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers.   

Certain drugs among these, including, ACE inhibitors, alpha-blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers rarely contribute to erectile dysfunction. While several others like beta-blockers and diuretics can lead to erectile dysfunction.    

Mostly beta-blockers and diuretics are the categories of antihypertensive drugs that lead to ED. The effects of these drugs reduce the flow of blood to the penile and impact the erection function.  

Chemotherapy drugs  

Chemotherapy medications can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can be a potential side effect of such drugs. These medications are recommended for cancer treatment.

These medications are extremely powerful as they kill cancer cells or slow down their growth and multiplication. The purpose of chemotherapy is to prevent cancerous growth.

The therapy targets cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells and tissues in the body. The cells that support the erection function can get impacted, leading to impairment of sexual response.

Anti-anxiety medications

A class of drugs under anti-anxiety drugs known as Benzodiazepines is associated with erectile dysfunction. These are a class of medications commonly prescribed to manage issues like anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and insomnia. 

The side effects of using benzodiazepine will not be experienced by everyone. The impact on erection function can occur in some individuals. The effects of this drug can affect sexual arousal and erection function.

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists  

Antihistamine drugs can lead to potential sexual side effects. This includes a decrease in sex drive or libido and struggles with the erection function.        

Individuals using such medicines may develop difficulties in achieving or sustaining their erections. Erectile dysfunction can be a potential side effect of using this drug.    

Note that, not all antihistamine drugs trigger sexual side effects. A few types of it can be linked to erectile dysfunction.

Hormone-altering drugs   

Drugs that trigger hormonal imbalances, such as some types of hormone therapy used in the treatment of prostate cancer, can contribute to ED.  

Normally, men without any health condition can make use of ED medicines like Tadalista 40. These medicines boost blood flow to the penile and help get stronger erections.