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Medications That Cause ED

According to the National Institutes of Health, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects 15 million to 30 million American men. Some causes of ED are advancing age, lifestyle choices, disease and some common medications.

  1. What Is ED?

    • The NIH describes ED as the "repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse." This differs from impotence, which may also encompass low sexual desire or problems with ejaculation or intercourse.

    What Medications Cause ED?

    • Some common medications can have ED as a side effect. These include blood pressure drugs; antihistamines such as over-the-counter cold remedies; antidepressants, especially SSRIs like Prozac and Zoloft; tranquilizers; appetite suppressants; and cimetidine, an ulcer drug smiliar to Tagamet.

    What Can Help?

    • Cutting back on medications that include ED as a side effect is the first course of action. Talk to your doctor about using a different class of drug if ED is affecting you or your partner. Making healthful lifestyle choices may also improve sexual performance.

    Warnings

    • Be careful when using dietary supplements that have not been approved by the FDA, as some may interfere with prescription medications. This is especially important when using "herbal Viagra," as some herbal preparations contain potentially harmful ingredients.

    ED Drugs

    • A number of prescription drugs are available in the United States to treat ED. Among them are Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

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