Some medications may affect your libido negatively or positively. If you're taking any prescription drugs for depression, anxiety, ADHD, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, prostate enlargement, hormone imbalances, pain management, sleep problems, mood stabilizers, or other conditions, it's important to be aware that they might impact your sexual desire or performance.
Antidepressants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications that can lower libido. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Paxil, which increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being. They also block dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to sexual arousal.
Some antipsychotic medications, used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have been known to cause sexual side effects. For example, Risperdal has been shown to decrease testosterone production, resulting in low sex drive and erectile dysfunction.
Antihypertensives like Diovan, Lopressor, and Norvasc work by relaxing blood vessels, but they can also make it harder to get an erection due to reduced blood flow. Blood thinners like Coumadin and Warfarin can cause bleeding during intercourse and impair clitoral sensation.
Blood sugar control meds like metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin may suppress testosterone levels, leading to decreased interest in sex. Cholesterol-lowering statins like Lipitor and Crestor may reduce testosterone production, causing men to experience less frequent or strong orgasms.
Testosterone replacement therapy is often recommended for men with low levels of this hormone, but it's not without risks. It can cause acne, facial hair growth, mood swings, prostate enlargement, aggression, and male infertility.
If you're taking any prescription drugs that affect your libido, talk to your doctor about ways to manage them safely while maintaining intimacy in your relationship. You might need to adjust the dosage or try a different drug altogether. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Your healthcare provider should understand your concerns and help find solutions.