BLUECHEW blog

A sudden change in your sexual performance can be a stressful situation. But did you know that prescription medications cause up to 25% of erectile issues?

The good news? Research shows that erectile issues associated with medications are often reversible once the medication is discontinued. And if your medications’ benefits outweigh the sexual side effects and can’t be stopped, sexual issues typically respond positively to erectile-enhancement drugs like the ones offered by BlueChew.

Below, we’ll dig into the science behind which drugs are most likely to cause erection problems, share real-world examples (so you know what medications to be on the lookout for), and discuss how BlueChew’s compounded medications can help you stay confident and perform your best—even if certain prescriptions are part of your routine.

Can Medications Cause Erection Problems?

Yes—and it happens more often than you might think. With up to 60% of Americans currently using prescription medications, if you’re not informed of the possible side effects of your medications that may impact your sex life, you’re less likely to get the appropriate treatment to help you get back in the game.

While the benefits of many medications often outweigh the risks, it’s important to know what medications are the typical culprits behind erection issues, especially if you’ve noticed changes in your sexual performance after starting a new prescription.

Prescription Drugs That May Impact Erections

Before diving into specifics, it helps to understand that erectile health is impacted by many bodily systems working together. If medications impact any one of these systems, erectile troubles may be the result. 

Prescription medications can cause changes in multiple systems linked to erection quality. The most common culprits include:

• Blood pressure changes – reduced blood flow to the penis can result in less than ideal erections.
• Hormonal shifts – suppressing testosterone or increasing prolactin can alter sexual function.
• Neurological effects – affecting nerve signaling, which is crucial for arousal and sexual stimulation.
  Psychological side effects – anxiety and low libido can prevent your brain from sending appropriate signals to trigger an erection.

Here’s a breakdown of the major drug types, examples you might recognize, and the why behind their effect:

1. Antidepressants (Especially SSRIs and SNRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressants that have been widely studied for their role in causing sexual dysfunction. Because they impact neurotransmitters in the brain associated with sexual function, like serotonin, they can alter the quality of erections and your sexual responses.

According to research, up to 40% of individuals taking antidepressants will experience some form of sexual dysfunction during their treatment. Studies suggest that these effects may persist even after discontinuation in some cases.

Common SSRIs linked to erectile issues include:

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Citalopram
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)

Fortunately, research has demonstrated that treatment with PDE5 inhibitors, like the ones offered by BlueChew, can help improve erectile function, even if the antidepressant drug is continued. 

2. Beta-Blockers

Used to treat high blood pressure, beta-blockers can lower sympathetic nervous system activity and reduce blood flow to the penis, both essential for achieving an erection. 

Research confirms their potential to impair sexual function, particularly in older men or those with cardiovascular disease.

Common beta-blockers that have been shown to impair erectile function include:

• Carvedilol (Coreg)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor)
• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Bisoprolol (Zebeta)

Treatment with PDE5 inhibitors has been shown to improve erectile function, even when the medication is continued.  

3. Diuretics

Thiazide and Loop diuretics are two other classes of blood pressure medications that have been linked to increasing the risk of erectile troubles. Due to their impact on smooth muscle contraction, electrolytes, and nerve function, they can negatively impact erection quality.

Research has shown that men taking thiazide diuretics had up to double the risk of developing erectile issues.

Common diuretics that have been linked to erectile issues include:

• Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
• Chlorthalidone
• Lasix

4. Opioids

Opioid use—whether for acute pain, chronic pain, or recreational purposes—can negatively impact the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and suppress testosterone production, ultimately interfering with erectile function. Other research demonstrates that because opioids affect the nervous system, they may detrimentally impact sexual arousal, reducing erection quality.

Research has shown it can impact sexual function in up to half of the individuals taking them.

Opioids commonly associated with erectile issues include:

• Codeine
• Fentanyl (Innovar)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percodan)

According to research, PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil may improve erectile function associated with opioid use in up to 40% of individuals.

5. Antihistamines

Antihistamines have been linked to erectile dysfunction, including both prescription-strength and over-the-counter medications. 

This is because histamines have been shown to play a role in healthy erections. Antihistamines block the effects of histamines, potentially impacting erectile function. Research has shown that up to 60% of men taking a popular over-the-counter antihistamine, cimetidine, experienced erectile issues.

Common antihistamines linked to erectile issues include:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
• Meclizine (Antivert)
• Promethazine (Phenergan)
• Ranitidine (Zantac)

6. 5‑Alpha‑Reductase Inhibitors

Typically prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness, 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors lower levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone crucial for both prostate growth and sexual function.

By reducing DHT, these medications may blunt libido and impair the physiological mechanisms involved in erections.

Studies show a clear association between 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects, including decreased libido, reduced ejaculatory volume, and erectile dysfunction. In some cases, symptoms may persist even after stopping the drug.

Common 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors linked to erectile issues include:

• Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
• Dutasteride (Avodart)

For men affected by these side effects, PDE5 inhibitors may help restore erectile function—especially when 5‑alpha‑reductase therapy is discontinued or stabilized.

7. Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers

Used to manage conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, many antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are linked to reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, and erectile difficulties.

These effects are often due to elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia), which suppress dopamine—a neurotransmitter essential for sexual arousal and erection.

Antipsychotics most commonly associated with sexual side effects include:

• Haloperidol
• Risperidone
• Amisulpride

In some cases, switching to a medication with a lower risk of sexual side effects or adding a PDE5 inhibitor, the active ingredient in the medicines offered by BlueChew, can improve erectile function without compromising psychiatric care.

What To Do If You Think Your Medications Are Affecting Your Erections

Even though you may be taking one of these medications, it does not mean it is the reason for your erectile issues. It is crucial never to stop a medication without medical clearance and supervision.

So, what should you do if you suspect that your medications are the cause?

• Talk to your provider: Your medical provider can dig deeper into the potential causes of your erectile issues. Other causes of erectile issues exist, and it is important for a trained medical provider to help you determine the potential root cause.
• Review alternatives: In some cases, your doctor may recommend switching to a different drug class. Never switch medications without your doctor’s recommendation.
• Track timing: Keep a note of when your erection issues started in relation to new medications.
• Explore treatment options: There are many treatment options available for erectile issues caused by medications. BlueChew may help offset the effects of certain medicines and improve your erections.

How Can BlueChew Help?

If you’re struggling with erectile issues due to the side effects of your current medications, BlueChew may be able to get your sex life back on track.

Research has shown that these medications may improve erectile function in individuals taking antipsychotics, antidepressants, beta blockers, and opioids. 

And with BlueChew’s multiple medication options for sexual enhancement, you can tailor your treatment to your unique needs. Not sure which medication to choose? Check out our comprehensive guide for all the details.

Final Thoughts

From blood pressure medication to antidepressants, a wide variety of commonly prescribed drugs can quietly affect your sexual performance. 

Fortunately, you’re not stuck suffering from the side effects. 

If your erections aren’t what they used to be, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider—and potentially consider proven treatments like BlueChew that may help boost your bedroom confidence.

How To Get Medication Through BlueChew

Interested in getting your hands on a prescription for daily erection-enhancing medications? BlueChew has got you covered.

Select a plan, complete an online intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your plan, which will be shipped directly to your door.

No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.

With plans starting as low as $25 per month, BlueChew can fit into anyone’s budget. Plus, there’s no commitment—you can easily cancel or switch plans anytime.
Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.

FAQs

Can I just stop taking my medication if it’s causing erection problems?

No. You should never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly discontinuing certain drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms, worsening of your medical condition, or other complications. Always speak with a doctor before making any changes.

How do I know if my medication is causing erectile dysfunction?

If you notice erection issues shortly after starting a new medication—or after increasing the dose—it’s important to notify your healthcare provider. Tracking the timing and discussing your complete medication list can help identify potential culprits.

Which medications are most likely to cause erectile problems?

The most common offenders include antidepressants (especially SSRIs/SNRIs), beta-blockers, opioids, diuretics, antihistamines, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and antipsychotics. These drugs can affect hormones, blood flow, nerve signaling, or libido.

Are the sexual side effects reversible?

In many cases, yes. Erectile issues caused by medications often improve after switching drugs or lowering the dose. Even if the medication must be continued, treatments like PDE5 inhibitors—such as those offered by BlueChew—can often restore erectile function.

Can BlueChew help if I’m taking one of these medications?

BlueChew offers medications like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil, which are PDE5 inhibitors shown to improve erectile function even in men taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, or beta-blockers.

Is it safe to use BlueChew with my current prescriptions?

That’s something only your licensed medical provider can determine. When you complete BlueChew’s online intake, your medications and health history will be reviewed to ensure treatment is safe for you.

What if I don’t know which medication is causing the problem?

That’s okay. Your medical provider can help you pinpoint the likely cause and work with you to explore safe and effective treatment options—whether that means adjusting your prescriptions or adding something like BlueChew to the mix.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

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