Some medicines can cause erectile dysfunction, low desire or ejaculation problems, such as some antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, prostate medicines and hormone therapy. Do not stop any medicine yourself: the condition it treats may be the real cause, and there is often an alternative your doctor can choose.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Which medicines can affect erections?
Medicines known to affect sexual function, as listed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, include:
- Antidepressants, especially some that act on serotonin, which can also cause low desire and delayed ejaculation.
- Some blood pressure medicines, such as some diuretics and beta-blockers.
- Antipsychotics and some other psychiatric medicines.
- Hormone therapy for prostate cancer and anti-androgens.
- Some medicines for enlarged prostate that can affect ejaculation or desire.
- Opioid painkillers.
- Anabolic steroids, which reduce the body’s own testosterone.
Alcohol and smoking also weaken erections.
How do you know the medicine is the cause?
- The problem started after a new medicine or a dose change.
- There are no other clear causes such as diabetes or artery disease.
- The doctor still checks other causes, because the condition being treated, such as high blood pressure or depression, may itself be the cause.
What does the doctor do?
- Review all your medicines, including supplements and herbs.
- Adjust the dose or change the medicine with the prescribing doctor; guidelines recommend modifying chronic therapies that reduce desire.
- Treat the erectile dysfunction itself if changing the medicine is not possible, with attention to interactions.
Important warning
Do not stop blood pressure, heart, antidepressant or epilepsy medicines suddenly, as this can cause serious problems. ED tablets must not be combined with nitrates or riociguat. Read about erectile dysfunction and heart medicines.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop a medicine if I think it causes erectile dysfunction?
No. Stopping some blood pressure, heart or antidepressant medicines suddenly can be dangerous. Discuss it with the doctor who prescribed it; there is often an alternative.
Do all blood pressure medicines cause erectile dysfunction?
No. Some types are more linked to erection problems than others, and high blood pressure itself causes erectile dysfunction. Your doctor chooses the right medicine for you.
Can I take ED tablets with my medicines?
With many medicines yes, but they must not be combined with nitrates or riociguat and need care with alpha-blockers. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.
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Book a consultation
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess erectile dysfunction and review your medicines at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.