Also referred to as ED, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Research suggests that erectile dysfunction occurs in over 52% of men. Studies demonstrate that approximately 40% of men get ED at the age of 40, and nearly 70% of men get ED at the age of 70.1 Simply put, it becomes more common as you age. However, age isn’t the only contributing factor. Erectile dysfunction after drug use is also common, and many men have experienced ED as a result of addiction. As a rehab in Boston with staff experienced in the addiction field, we’re sharing a list of drugs that cause erectile dysfunction that you should be aware of.
List of Drugs That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by several factors, including vascular disease, neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, mental illness, and physical trauma. Chronic illness and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause ED. But that isn’t all. Several drugs may cause erectile dysfunction when abused or misused. Below are some common prescription and illicit drugs that cause erectile dysfunction that may have affected you or someone you know.
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Medications That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Many prescription drugs cause ED. While these medications may treat other diseases or conditions, in doing so, they can also affect your hormones, nerves, and blood circulation, resulting in ED or worsening ED symptoms. Some common medications that cause erectile dysfunction include:
- Diuretics
- Antihypertensives or blood pressure medications
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Drugs for Parkinson's disease
- Antiarrhythmics
- Tranquilizers
- Muscle relaxants
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Histamine H2-receptor antagonists
- Hormones
- Chemotherapy medications
- Prostate cancer drugs
- Anti-seizure medications
Of these medications, several can cause dependence and addiction, including antihistamines like Benadryl, antidepressants, tranquilizers like Benzos, and anti-seizure medications. If ED can occur when these medications are taken correctly, you can only imagine how much more severe side effects can be if they’re abused. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is increasingly common in the United States. The opioid crisis can attest to this problem, with over 760,000 reported opioid-related drug overdose deaths since 1999.2 If you’re addicted to your medication, our prescription drug addiction treatment at Banyan Massachusetts can help you recover physically and psychologically.
Illegal Drugs That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Illicit drug abuse and erectile dysfunction are also tightly linked. Certain drugs are known for their repercussions, such as meth mouth as a result of methamphetamine addiction, but rarely do people consider what drugs cause ED problems. In addition to certain medications, several addictive drugs can cause erectile dysfunction as well, including:
- Chest pain (this is the most common symptom; it usually feels like a crushing or tight pain that may move to the jaw or left side of the body)
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Nicotine
- Opiates
Aside from the well-known complications that these substances can produce, ED is the most underrated. Each of these drugs works heavily on the brain to create a sedative or energetic high. While drugs like alcohol and opiates may relax you, amphetamines and cocaine may excite you. The effects of alcohol and drugs on the brain are what contribute to tolerance, physical dependence, and addictive behavior. Particularly, when it comes to drugs like opiates, alcohol, and cocaine, quitting without the help of PHP treatment can be difficult. As your drug use persists, the more likely you are to experience erectile dysfunction as well as a number of other undesirable side effects.
ED isn’t the only repercussion of drug and alcohol abuse. From heart disease to mental illness, long-term substance abuse can have a severe impact on your health, relationships, career, and overall quality of life. If you’re currently battling addiction or have a loved one who is, call Banyan Treatment Centers now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our drug and alcohol treatment in Massachusetts.
Source:
- NIH - Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study
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