List of Medications

• Prescription medications that list erectile dysfunction (ED) as a possible side effect is quite long. Some include the following: nifedipine, spironolactone, ramipril, clomipramine, naproxen, hydralazine, trihexyphenidyl, amoxapine, nortriptyline, nizatadin, dicyclorriine, timolo, buspirone, verapamil, captopril, carteolol, clonidine, clozapine, benztropine, prochlorperazine, chlorthalidonelclonidine, misoprostol, nadolol, oxybutunin, methadone, Phenobarbital, quazepam, amitriptyline, lithium, moricizine, hydrochlorothiazide, terazosin, propranolol, guanethidine, digoxin, leuprolide, isocarboxazid, thioridazine, phenelzine, ketoconazole, labetalol, disopyramide, desipramine, nortriptyline, famotidine, desipramine, felodipine, finasteride, nifedipine, fluoxetine, metoclopramide, methotrexate, diazepam, iabetalol, imipramine, guanfacine, carbamazepine, cimetidine, ranitidine, bupropion and pindolol.
  
  

Types of Medications

• Common medications that can cause ED include diuretics, antihistamines, Parkinson's disease medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammaotry disease (NSAID) pain relievers, sedatives, muscle relaxants, certain cardiac medications, hormones, certain cancer drugs, chemotherapy medications and certain anti-seizure medications. Some of the most prevalent medications include blood pressure medications, antidepressants and alcohol/drug abuse.
  
  

Blood Pressure Medications

• High blood pressure by itself can result in an increased risk of ED. Some anti-hypertensive medications exacerbate the problem or create ED as a side effect. The main offenders include the following:
  Thiazide is a diuretic medication, which can lead to potassium loss. Dosage adjustments or switching to a different medication can alleviate the problem.
  Beta blockers are often used as part of combination therapy.
  Potassium sparing diuretics are often used for hypertensive men with kidney problems.
  Calcium channel blockers are commonly used in patients with high blood pressure and rarely cause erectile problems.
  
  

Antidepressants

• Tricyclic antidepressants (like nortriptyline, doxepin, amoxapine, amitryptyline, trimipramine or imipramine) work by reducing your brain cells' capability to reabsorb serotonin and dopamine. They also block other receptors in the brain, giving them a higher incidence of side effects like ED.
  selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) also can pose an increased risk of sexual side effects. ED has been reported occasionally.
  
  

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

• Alcohol abuse can, over time, lead to erectile dysfunction since it can interfere with the body's balance (affecting your brain, muscles, hormonal levels, blood vessels and nerves). Similarly, using or abusing opiates, nicotine, marijuana, barbiturates, amphetamines, methadone or cocaine will have an effect on your central nervous system, sometimes resulting in permanent damage to vital blood vessels and causing chronic ED.
  
  

Considerations

• If you are experiencing ED, talk to your doctor, as options are available like dosage adjustments, changing medications and taking a day off once a week. Do not discontinue any medications on your own. Following your doctor's advice will safely treat any underlying conditions and help you get your sex life back on track.