When a medication you’re taking starts to mess with your sex life, it’s not just in your head. Drug-induced sexual problems, sexual side effects caused by prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Also known as medication-related sexual dysfunction, this is one of the most underreported issues in medicine. You might notice lower desire, trouble getting or keeping an erection, delayed orgasm, or even complete loss of pleasure—and you’re not alone. Millions of people on common meds face this silently, thinking it’s just part of aging or stress.
It’s not. Antidepressants, especially SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine, are the top culprits. They work on brain chemicals that also control arousal and orgasm. Blood pressure meds, like beta-blockers and diuretics. Also known as hypertension drugs, they reduce blood flow to key areas, making arousal harder. Even statins, used to lower cholesterol. can drop testosterone levels over time. And if you’re on antipsychotics, like risperidone or haloperidol., you’re at higher risk for both low desire and trouble with performance. These aren’t rare side effects—they’re well-documented, but rarely discussed unless you bring them up.
Here’s the thing: stopping your meds isn’t always the answer. Many of these drugs treat serious conditions—depression, heart disease, psychosis—and giving them up could be riskier than the sexual side effects. The real solution? Talking to your doctor. There are often alternatives. For example, switching from an SSRI to bupropion can help preserve libido. Some blood pressure drugs like ACE inhibitors are less likely to cause problems than others. And in cases of erectile dysfunction, options like sildenafil aren’t just for recreation—they’re sometimes medically necessary to restore function.
You might feel embarrassed bringing this up, but doctors see this all the time. The more people talk about it, the more treatment options become available. If you’re on any long-term medication and your sex life has changed, write down the details: when it started, what’s different, how it’s affecting you. That info helps your provider make smarter choices. And if your current doctor brushes you off, find one who listens. Your health includes your sexual health.
The posts below cover real cases and comparisons: how certain drugs like antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and even pain relievers link to sexual side effects. You’ll find guides on alternatives, what to ask your doctor, and how to manage symptoms without ditching your treatment. This isn’t about fear—it’s about control. You deserve to feel good in your body, inside and out.
Many common medications-from antidepressants to blood pressure pills-can cause sexual side effects like low desire, erectile dysfunction, or trouble reaching orgasm. Learn which drugs are most likely to cause problems and what you can do about them.