Medications and sexual health

[calbon]

I understand certain medications can effect a man's sexual health in various ways. What about when you get to the age when you end up on more than one medication? I am 50 years old, and I am now taking three medications, an anti-depressant, prostate medication, and cholesterol mediction (wellbuterin, flomax, & crestor). I am sure each one of these may have some side effects on sexual health on their own, but what about the combination?

[Brandye]

You should discuss this with the doctor who did the prescribing. You are correct in assuming that drug interactions can have greater effects than any one.

In your case, you are mixing a psychotropic with an alpha blocker. Either or both of these can cause hypotension (low blood pressure). The combination can amplify the effects and could result in erectile dysfunction. If this shows up, discuss it with your doctor. Do not mess with any of the dosages on your own! If things are working properly, there is nothing to be concerned about.

You already recognize that you have an enlarged prostate which, alone, can have some effect. The drugs can add to that but likely not for several years. It is worth monitoring.

[calbon]

Thank you for a prompt reply.
This is something I should discuss at my next physical this fall. I have been experiencing some mild symptoms of e.d., and was tending to chalk it up to getting older, but did get to wondering about medications as I gradually began to pile up the presriptions. I was however expecting to see improvement in the quality of my erections upon becoming tobacco free (9 mos). Should I?

[Brandye]

Yes, quitting should help. The fact remains that you are on two meds that may contribute.