Medicines That Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Several common medicines can cause erectile dysfunction, including some blood pressure tablets (especially thiazide diuretics and some beta blockers), antidepressants such as SSRIs, finasteride, opioid painkillers and some hormone treatments. If erection problems started after a new medicine, don’t stop it yourself — ask your GP or pharmacist, who can often change the dose or switch to an alternative.
- The NHS says ED can be a side effect of some medicines and a doctor may change your medicine.
- Thiazide diuretics are the most common blood pressure cause; alpha blockers are less likely to cause problems.
- Recreational drugs, alcohol and nicotine can also cause erection problems.
- Stopping some medicines suddenly can be dangerous.
Which medicines can cause erectile dysfunction?
The table below is based on the US National Library of Medicine’s list. It is not complete, and most men taking these medicines don’t develop ED.
| Group | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure medicines | Thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide); beta blockers (e.g. propranolol, metoprolol) | Thiazides are the most common cause in this group; alpha blockers are less likely |
| Antidepressants | SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline), tricyclics, MAOIs | Can also reduce desire or delay orgasm |
| Anxiety and antipsychotic medicines | Diazepam, lorazepam, haloperidol, chlorpromazine | — |
| Prostate and hair-loss medicines | Finasteride | Used for enlarged prostate and hair loss |
| Opioid painkillers | Codeine, morphine, oxycodone, methadone | Long-term use can lower testosterone |
| Hormone and cancer treatments | Anti-androgens, LHRH agonists, some chemotherapy | Often used for prostate cancer |
| Antihistamines and heartburn medicines | Diphenhydramine, promethazine, cimetidine | — |
| Others | Digoxin, some NSAIDs, pseudoephedrine, Parkinson’s medicines | — |
How can you tell if a medicine is causing your ED?
- Timing: problems started within weeks of starting a new medicine or changing the dose.
- Pattern: desire may be fine but erections are weaker, or desire itself has dropped (common with antidepressants).
- Leaflet: the patient information leaflet lists sexual side effects.
- Other causes: the condition being treated — depression, high blood pressure, diabetes — can cause ED by itself. That’s why a professional review matters.
How should you talk to your doctor about medicine side effects?
Many men find this awkward. Clinicians hear it all the time. You could simply say:
Options your prescriber may consider include a lower dose, switching to a medicine in a different group, changing when you take it, or adding treatment for ED. A pharmacist can also give a quick, confidential first opinion.
What should you never do if you think a medicine is causing ED?
Also avoid buying ED medicines or “herbal Viagra” from unregulated websites. The NHS warns many sites sell fake medicines, and some supplements have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs.
Can alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs cause ED?
Yes. Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and opioids are all listed as possible causes. The NHS advises keeping alcohol to no more than 14 units a week. Our guide to sleep, alcohol and smoking covers this in detail, and performance anxiety covers the psychological side.
Thinking about a supplement?
Taking regular medicine? Some supplement ingredients can interact with prescriptions. Read our Nitric Boost review, then check it with a pharmacist before you start.
Read our Nitric Boost review → Supplements are not a substitute for medical assessment. Check with a pharmacist or GP before combining them with prescribed medicine.Questions people ask
Which blood pressure medicines cause erectile dysfunction?
Thiazide diuretics are the most common, followed by some beta blockers. Alpha blockers are less likely to cause problems. Never stop them without advice.
Can antidepressants cause ED?
Yes. SSRIs and other antidepressants can affect erections, desire and orgasm. A prescriber may adjust the dose or switch medicine.
Does finasteride cause erectile dysfunction?
It can in some men. Talk to your prescriber if you notice changes.
Will my erections come back if I change medicine?
Often, if the medicine was the main cause. Other causes, such as the condition itself, may still need attention.
Can I ask a pharmacist about medicine side effects?
Yes. Pharmacists can review your medicines confidentially and suggest what to discuss with your GP.
Sources
Medical note: This article is general education for adults, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Erection problems that keep happening should be checked by a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. Do not stop or change prescribed medicine without speaking to the prescriber.
