Michael Castleman, author of Great Sex: A Man’s Guide to the Secret Principles of Total-Body Sex talks about in interchange between drugs and sex. Over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs are not the best companions for a healthy, satisfying sex life. If you find that your sexual function is impaired, the drugs you take and their dosages may be the problem.
Let’s review some common drugs in all three categories, as well as their side effects:
Over- the- Counter Drugs
Alcohol– Used widely for its tendency to relax and decrease inhibitions, people don’t realize that if ingested at more than two glasses per hour it actually depresses the central nervous system. This means erectile function and sexual responsiveness decrease.
Tobacco– Vaginal lubrication and erectile function are limited in smokers due to tobacco’s propensity to narrow the arteries that carry blood to the vaginal walls and genitals.
Painkillers/Allergy Medications– Aleve, Tagamet, Zantac, and antihistamines, like Benadryl and Dramamine, have been connected to sexual problems like loss of libido, erectile impairment, and poor ejaculation.
Prescription Drugs
Blood Pressure Medications (antihypertensives)-Investigate closely the effects of your blood pressure medication, as many have been found to cause decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Thankfully, there is a good possibility that an alternative medication with fewer side effects can be found.
Antidepressants– Unfortunately, the most popular antidepressants are the most sexually problematic. Be careful with Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, and Luvox. Ask your doctor’s advice about alternatives like Wellbutrin or Remeron.
Anti-Anxiety and Psychiatric Medications- Mood altering drugs are similar to alcohol, creating problems with libido, erectile function, orgasm and ejaculation. Supril, Thorazine, and Xanax are a few problematic varieties.
Seizure Medications- Medications for seizures and convulsions also impair sexual function. Investigate whether certain types, such as Diamox, Epitol, or Tegretol are to blame for loss of libido or erection problems.
Miscellaneous Prescription Drugs- Examine all your prescription drugs for sexual side effects. Common prescriptions like Valium, niacin, and estrogen can impact libido.
Illegal Drugs
Whatever the drug of choice, the temporary high of illegal drugs usually leads to perpetual sexual lows. Regular use just ends up depressing desire and function. The primary exception is marijuana, which has a variable sexual effect.
Read the full article here: Do You Take Drugs That Might Cause Sex Problems?
