Drugs , chemical compounds and erectile dysfunction
Updated: Nov 29, 2023
Some medications can cause possible sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction) or other sexual problems. It is important to note that specific effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience these side effects.
Here are some medications known to affect sex function, with an explanation of how they can contribute to erectile dysfunction:
1- Antidepressants :
* Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil), are commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. Although these medications can help relieve mood disorders, they may also cause sexual side effects. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to be associated with increased serotonin levels, which may affect the sexual response cycle.
2- Antipsychotics :
* Conventional antipsychotics :
Old medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) can lead to sexual disorders. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it can be related to its effect on dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which are involved in the sexual response.
* Atypical antipsychotics :
Some newer medications to treat psychosis, such as risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zepexa), can also cause sexual side effects, although they are less severe compared to conventional antipsychotics. The mechanisms are not fully understood but are thought to relate to multiple neurotransmitter systems.
3- Blood pressure medications :
* Beta receptor inhibitors
such as atenolol and propranolol, that are used to manage high blood pressure can lead to sexual disorders. Beta receptor inhibitors can reduce blood flow and interfere with the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. The mechanism involves reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a role in the sexual response cycle.
* Thiazide diuretics
such as hydrochlorothiazide, which is also used to treat high blood pressure, can have similar effects due to their effect on blood flow and electrolyte balance.
4- Drugs for hyperplasia of the state :
Medications such as finasteride (Propicia) and dutasteride (Avodart), called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, are prescribed to treat conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss in men. These medications can cause sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction and reduced libido. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve hormonal changes, in particular reducing levels of dehydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of testosterone.
5- Hormonal drugs :
* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT):
In some cases, HRT, which is used to balance hormones, can lead to sexual side effects in both men and women. The mechanisms may vary depending on the specific hormones being given but often involve changes in hormone levels, which can affect sexual desire and performance.
6- Diabetes medications :
Some diabetes medications can have side effects that affect sexual function. For example, some medications may cause weight gain or fluid retention, which can lead to discomfort and low self-confidence, potentially affecting sexual confidence.
7- Chemotherapy drugs :
Drugs that slow the growth of cancerous tumors by suppressing the effect of androgen will confine or reduce testosterone and will necessarily lead to a certain degree of impotence.
8- Pharmacological compounds that affect the central nervous system :
Most chemical compounds, whether manufactured in the laboratory or extracted naturally from plants, that interfere with the central nervous system and affect it weaken the ability to erection and can lead to complete sexual dysfunction by affecting the transmission of nerve impulses between sensory cells in the penis and the brain, which prevents or delays erection, In addition, the effect of these compounds on the smooth muscles in the blood vessels induces a lack of blood flow to the blood vessels in the penis, which causes the erectile dysfunction of the compounds we mention.
* Alcohol
* Cocaine, heroin, opium, and cannabis
* Nicotine, tobacco derivatives, and marijuana
* Amphetamine and barbiturates
* Excessive use of central tranquilizers such as Valium, Tramadol, and Codeine
9- Various medicines, such as :
* H2 histamine receptor antagonists
* Antiepileptic drugs (Depakin)
* Medications are used for Parkinson's disease.
* Muscle relaxant drugs
* Hormone therapies (estrogens)
It is important to remember that the severity and prevalence of sexual side effects can vary from person to person. If you experience sexual problems while taking any medication, it is critically important to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you adjust your treatment plan, consider alternative medications, or offer a solution to manage side effects while maintaining treatment for the underlying medical condition.