Many common medications - from antidepressants to blood pressure pills - can cause sexual side effects like low desire, erectile dysfunction, or orgasm problems. Learn which drugs are most likely to cause these issues and what you can do about them.
Drug-Induced Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Common Medications, and What You Can Do
When a medication changes your sex life, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s deeply personal. Drug-induced sexual dysfunction, a side effect caused by prescription or over-the-counter drugs that reduces libido, arousal, or the ability to reach orgasm. It’s not rare, and it’s not all in your head. Millions of people on common meds like antidepressants, blood pressure pills, or even heartburn drugs experience this, but few talk about it with their doctors because they assume it’s normal—or worse, they’re too embarrassed to bring it up.
It’s not just one drug. Antidepressants, especially SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine, are among the top culprits. They work by boosting serotonin, but that same mechanism can shut down sexual response. Beta-blockers, used for high blood pressure and anxiety, reduce blood flow and can cause erectile dysfunction. Even proton pump inhibitors, commonly taken for acid reflux, have been linked to lower testosterone and reduced sexual function in long-term users. And it’s not just men—women report decreased arousal, dryness, and trouble reaching orgasm too.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to live with it. Many people assume they must choose between treating their depression or their sex life. But that’s not true. Sometimes switching to a different antidepressant—like bupropion—helps. Sometimes lowering the dose or adding a small dose of another medication makes a difference. Sometimes it’s as simple as timing your pill differently or pairing it with lifestyle changes. The key is knowing what’s happening and speaking up.
You might be surprised how often this issue shows up in medical discussions. Posts in this collection cover how blood thinners affect circulation, how thyroid meds interact with supplements, and how even common painkillers can throw off your hormones. They all tie back to one truth: medications don’t just fix one problem—they ripple through your whole body. And your sex life is one of the first places those ripples show up.
What you’ll find below aren’t just articles about side effects. They’re practical guides from people who’ve been there—how to recognize the signs early, which drugs are most likely to cause trouble, and what alternatives exist that won’t leave you feeling broken. No fluff. No shame. Just real talk about how your meds might be affecting your most intimate functions—and what you can actually do about it.