For aging men, sex drive can be a risky factor. As one ages, one libido seemingly declines. However, it may not be age that is causing the condition. Rather, there are a series of medications that bring on negative effects to one’s sex drive.
Check out a list of ten drugs that affect libido down below:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
While depression certainly takes its toll on men’s libidos, many of the anti-depressant medications intended to combat the condition can also affect libido. Specifically, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac or Zoloft have a chance of lowering the user’s libido.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants are less common than SSRIs, but are still sometimes prescribed. The drug is often use to aid in nerve pain, such as those suffering from shingles. That being said, this drug is another hazard for those concerned with having a low libido.
Birth control Pills
Oral contraceptive birth control affects sexual hormones. Consequently, the drug can have a direct effect on the user’s libido. That being said, users may also experience an opposite effect. The condition has been recorded as affecting users negatively and positively, depending on the specific case.
Proscar
Proscar is used to treat prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate. An active ingredient within the drug, however, is finasteride. Finasteride prevents testosterone from acting normally within the body. Consequently, men taking the substance may experience a lower libido.
Propecia
Propecia is similar to Proscar. However, Propecia is used in an attempt to reduce hair loss in the user. That being said, the drug still uses finasteride. Lower libido may be experienced in those taking the substance.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are less of an issue, but still pose risks concerning libido. Most antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, are out of your system within 24-hours. Still, the substance has a chance of lowering the libido of the user.
Anti-seizure drugs
Tegretol and other similar Anti-seizure medications prevent impulses from traveling through nerves. As a result, things that were once sexually stimulating may no longer have much of an effect.
Opioids
Opiods, often used for pain relief, are also often massively addictive and negatively impactful on testosterone levels. Painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet may affect the user’s libido by reducing testosterone levels. We also recently posted another blog talking more about painkillers and their effect on testosterone levels in another blog post here.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers serve wonders for those with heart and blood pressure issues. That being said, drugs such as propranolol and metoprolol have been found to lower the libido of users.
Luckily, there are many types of beta blockers. Simply ask your doctor which one is right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Anti-anxiety medication such as Xanax and Valium reportedly lower the sex drive of some users. However, some studies suggest that the underlying issue may be the anxiety itself.
Consequently, it is best to stay aware when using certain anti-anxiety medications concerning your libido.
If you’ve been taking any medications like the ones listed here, it’s probably a good idea to get your testosterone levels checked. This is especially true if you’re experiencing any of the common, debilitating symptoms of low testosterone.
