Medications That Can Dampen Your Sex Life
A variety of medications commonly taken by seniors have side effects that can dampen libido and sexual function. In most cases, lowering the dosage or switching to a different medication can help alleviate side effects. The most common troublemakers include:
· Antidepressants. The biggest offenders are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft) and the newer serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Effexor, but the older classes of antidepressants, tricyclics and MAO inhibitors, also cause problems. All four categories can decrease sex drive and cause impotence, delayed orgasm, and premature ejaculation.
· Blood pressure medications. ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and certain diuretics can all cause impotence in men.
· Cholesterol-lowering medications. Statins and fibrates can both cause impotence.
· Prostate medications. Finasteride, taken for benign enlarged prostate, is associated with impotence, decreased sex drive, and ejaculation disorders. A medication for prostate cancer, cyproterone acetate, can cause impotence.
· Antihistamines. These can dry up not just a runny nose but also vaginal lubrication.
· Tamoxifen. Used to treat breast cancer in both sexes, it may cause vaginal dryness in women and impotence and reduced desire in men.
· Acid blockers. These meds for ulcers and upset stomach are associated with decreased libido and impotence.