Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that affects millions of men worldwide, and it can be both frustrating and challenging to deal with. While there are many causes of ED, from physical conditions to psychological factors, one often overlooked factor is the medication you're taking. Indeed, for about 1 in 4 men with ED, medications may be the underlying cause. If you've been struggling with firm and reliable erections, it's worth considering whether your current prescriptions could be the reason.

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we understand the profound impact that ED can have on your quality of life. We're here to help you identify potential causes and explore effective treatments. This article will guide you through the medications most likely to cause ED and the most effective erectile dysfunction treatment options available.

Medications most likely to cause erectile dysfunction

Certain medications are more likely to contribute to erectile dysfunction. Below, we’ll discuss some of the top offenders:

• Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar): Finasteride is commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male-pattern hair loss. While it effectively reduces the activity of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, it can also lead to ED and other sexual side effects.
• Dutasteride (Avodart): Similar to Finasteride, Dutasteride is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used to treat BPH. Although it can be effective in managing prostate enlargement, it can also diminish your ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
• Amlodipine (Norvasc, Katerzia): Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is typically prescribed for high blood pressure and angina. Though not always associated with ED, some men have reported experiencing erectile difficulties while taking this medication.
• Paliperidone (Invega): Paliperidone is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. One of the unfortunate side effects of this medication can be ED, which may result from its impact on dopamine levels in the brain, affecting sexual function.
• Citalopram (Celexa) and Sertraline (Zoloft): Both Citalopram and Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prescribed for depression and anxiety. While they can be effective in managing mood disorders, they can cause sexual side effects like ED.
• Isotretinoin (Absorica, Claravis, Zenatane): Isotretinoin, commonly known by its brand names like Accutane, is used to treat severe acne. While it’s not usually linked with ED, some users have reported sexual side effects, including erectil