Lithium & Impotence

Lithium is an anti-psychotic, mood-stabilizing drug mostly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic depression). When you are prescribed lithium for treatment with bipolar disorder, its main use is to reduce manic episodes, both in the short and long term. You may also be prescribed lithium for other forms of depression as well. Lithium has a long list of side effects, which vary depending on your health and the severity of your condition. Impotence is a listed side effect you could get from taking lithium.

History

• Lithium was developed first as a medical treatment for gout, and in the late 19th century was first used as treatment for mania. Lithium was abandoned toward the turn of the century for medical usage, though usage began again in the mid-20th century. During the early 20th century, lithium was an ingredient in 7-Up and marketed as a hangover cure, but was removed as an ingredient in 1950.

Function of Lithium

• Lithium affects your central nervous system (CNS) and reacts with neurotransmitters and receptors. It increases the synthesis of your serotonin, and decreases the release of norepinephrine (the stress hormone). You may not feel the effects of lithium for up to a month when you begin your treatment, so often you may be prescribed other anti-psychotic drugs in conjunction.

Impotence

• Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a sexual condition where you struggle to have or maintain an erection. Your penis will grow erect when you are sexually aroused as blood enters and remains in your penis. However, if you have erectile dysfunction, sexual arousal will not cause the blood to enter and remain in your penis. You may develop erectile dysfunction most commonly through psychological problems, though there are physical causes such as cardiovascular disease, hormonal insufficiencies, neurological issues and side effects of drugs.

Lithium & Impotence

• Side effects of lithium may include tremors, affected taste, weight gain and nausea, as well as impotence. While impotence is not a common side effect, if you do have it there are possible treatments. A 1989 study published in "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry" into the effects of apomorphine show that "Lithium ... does not prevent apo-induced erections. This provides further support indicating that Apo induces erections by an effect on D2 receptors."

Combating Lithium Impotence

• As well as apomorphine, you can also use other methods to combat impotence caused by Lithium. You can use erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra or herbal equivalents. If impotence caused by lithium is causing you concern, seek advice from your doctor. Impotence is dependent upon your personal condition, so not all treatments may be suitable for you.