Xanax (alprazolam) can cause sexual side effects including low libido and erectile dysfunction (source: https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.12231). Xanax is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is also sometimes used to treat insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Xanax belongs to the class of benzodiazepines, which works by slowing central nervous system activity. Some of the most common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, dry mouth, irritability, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.2
This article will explain why Xanax causes sexual dysfunction in some people, how to deal between Xanax and your erectile dysfunction.
Does Xanax cause erectile dysfunction?
Many prescription drugs used to treat mental health issues have sexual side effects. Recent research shows that Xanax (alprazolam) is linked to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can involve difficulty getting or keeping an erection, abnormal ejaculation, and delayed or diminished orgasms.
In clinical trials, people who took Xanax for symptoms of panic disorder experienced sexual dysfunction. Among people who took Xanax, 7.4% reported having sexual side effects compared to 3.7% of people who received a placebo (an inactive pill).
In another study, people with symptoms of panic disorder experienced decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction when taking Xanax. Findings from a 2013 Boston-area community health survey also associated long-term benzodiazepine use with increased symptoms of erectile dysfunction in people aged 30-79 (Source: https: //bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.12231).
Xanax Sexual Side Effects
Xanax has been linked to a number of possible sexual side effects, including:
– erectile dysfunction – anorgasmia (decreased ability to orgasm) – delayed ejaculation – low libido – orgasmic dysfunction
The risk of sexual side effects from Xanax may increase for people who take it more often, for a longer time, and/or at a higher dose. A 2018 case study found that higher doses of alprazolam may increase the risk of anorgasmia in male patients. (source: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open/article /alprazolaminduced-dosedependent-anorgasmia-case-analysis/C3CF8D75D4E24532314001529CFCAE7E)
The causes of erectile dysfunction
Why Xanax sometimes causes erectile dysfunction is not entirely clear. However, the researchers believe the answer may be related to how the drug affects the central nervous system.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax work by slowing central nervous system activity and increasing brain levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells), particularly dopamine and gamma-amino acid. butryric acid, a neurotransmitter that acts as a kind of sedative.
Although this mechanism effectively reduces stress, it can have the same inhibiting effect on libido. A low libido can lead to erectile dysfunction and other types of sexual dysfunction.
Even if your erectile dysfunction symptoms started around the time you started taking Xanax, it's possible that your symptoms are due to another physical or mental health issue. Other common causes of erectile dysfunction can include:
– Heart disease – Arterial hypertension – Thyroid disorders- diabetes – multiple sclerosis – low testosterone – taking other prescription medications – drug or alcohol use – stress – depression – relationship problems – lack of sleep
Most people take Xanax to treat symptoms of anxiety and other mental health issues. Because anxiety and depression have both been linked to (and can exacerbate) erectile dysfunction, it's important to treat your underlying conditions as well as any sexual side effects you may be experiencing with Xanax.
Manage erectile dysfunction with Xanax
There are several ways to manage Xanax-related sexual dysfunction, including:
Lower your dose : Under the supervision of your doctor, you may be able to take a lower dose of Xanax to decrease the severity of sexual side effects.Take Xanax less frequently : Chronic and frequent use of benzodiazepines is linked to higher rates of sexual breakdown. Taking Xanax less often can improve your sexual functioning. Discuss your dosage schedule with your doctor before making any decisions. Switching to another drug : Your doctor may be able to prescribe you another anti-anxiety medication with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Taking drugs for erectile dysfunction : Taking prescription drugs to treat erectile dysfunction can counter the sexual side effects of Xanax. Treat underlying conditions : Treating the symptoms of underlying conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can improve your overall sexual health.
Consult your doctor
If you experience erectile dysfunction or other sexual side effects while taking Xanax, be sure to let your doctor know. He may be able to prescribe you another medicine, reduce your dose or refer you to another specialist who can help you.