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Medication-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Dr. Lisa Lawless

Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert

finger puppet nurse, patient, Drug-induced Sexual Dysfunction

Drugs That Interfere With Sexual Function

Illicit drugs, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, can be a problem for sexual performance. For example, many painkillers compete with testosterone for the testosterone receptors and thereby cause a decline in sexual responsiveness. Sexual performance can be a fragile thing. When one has sexual problems, it is vital to explore health issues such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or injury. If no physical challenges are present, there may be an emotional or mental component. In most cases, there are simple solutions. Take the time to visit your physician, find out more, and see our guide: How to Talk To Your Doctor About Sex.

Medications That Can Cause Sexual Issues:

Blood Pressure Medications

Beta-blockers, Verapamil (Calan), Reserpine (Hydropes), Clonidine (Catapres), Methyldopa (Aldomet)


Diuretics

Thiazides, Spironolactone (Aldactone), Hydralazine


Antidepressants

Prozac, Lithium, MOA's, Tricyclics


Stomach Medicine

Tagamet and Zantac, plus other compounds containing Cimetidine and Ranitidine or associated compounds in Anti Cholesterol Drugs


Antipsychotics

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Pimozide (Orap), Thiothixine (Navane), Thiordazine (Mellaril), Sulpiride, Haloperidol (haldol), Fluphenazine (Modecate, Prolixin)


Heart Medicine

Clofibrate (Atromid), Gemfibrozil, Diagoxin


Hormones

Estrogen, Progesterone, Proscar, Casodex, Eulexin, Corticosteroids Gonadotropin-releasing antagonists: Zoladex and Lupron


Cytotoxic Agents

Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Roferon Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories


Others

Alprazolam, Amoxapine, Chlordiazepoxide, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Clomipramine, Fluvoxamine, Fluoxetine, Imipramine, Doxepin, Desipramine, Clorprothixine, Bethanidine, Naproxen, Nortriptyline, Thioridazine, Tranylcypromine, Venlafaxine, Citalopram.

Other Areas To Explore

Keep in mind that herbs are also a form of natural drugs, so make sure that when reviewing medications, you also explore the possibility that an herbals supplement may be causing issues with sexual functioning. For more information, please see our related guides:


Men's Health


Women's Health


General

Sex Toys For Disabilities

Sex With Cancer

Sex & COVID

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