Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSexual Side EffectsRisk of EDCause of EDWhat You Can Do
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sexual Side Effects
Risk of ED
Cause of ED
What You Can Do
Xanax (alprazolam)is a drug commonly used to treatanxiety disorders. This class of medications is known to cause sexual side effects, includinglow libido(reduced sex drive) anderectile dysfunction (ED).In addition to treatinggeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD)andpanic disorder (PD). Xanax is also sometimes prescribed for insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures.Xanax belongs to a class of drugs calledbenzodiazepinesthat stimulate the release of a chemical calledgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows thecentral nervous systemdown. Some people attribute this effect to the sexual problems associated with Xanax.Verywell Health / Zoe HansenXanax Sexual Side EffectsXanax is known to cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, irritability, and constipation, but it has also been linked to a number of sexual side effects, including:Erectile dysfunctionDelayed ejaculationLoss of libidoAnorgasmia(inbility to orgasm)The risk appears to be dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses and/or the prolonged use of the drug are linked to an increased risk of these sexual side effects.As concerning as these side effects may be, many people who take Xanax do not have sexual side effects. If you do experience any, speak with your healthcare provider.Signs and Symptoms of Erectile DysfunctionDoes Xanax Cause ED?Many drugs, including benzodiazepines andantidepressants, are known to cause sexual side effects, including ED. Some studies suggest that Xanax and other benzodiazepines likeValium (diazepam),Klonopin (clonazepam), andAtivan (lorazepam)may cause this in up to 50% of users to some degree.While sexual problems like ED are common in males, especially in aging males, many studies suggest that the rate among benzodiazepine users may be twice that of the general population.According to premarket studies, 7.5% of males prescribed Xanax for panic disorder experienced sexual dysfunction compared to 3.7% of those who were given a placebo (sham drug). However, erectile dysfunction was a less common concern compared to problems like low libido or delayed ejaculation.In fact, the evidence to date remains split as to how likely Xanax is to cause ED, particularly when compared to other benzodiazepines.Some studies have reported that 43% of Klonopin users experience ED, while those who take Xanax are unlikely to do so. Other studies have shown the opposite, suggesting that Xanax is strongly linked to not only ED but also to other concerns like low libido and delayed ejaculation.Further research is needed.Can You Take Viagra With Xanax?Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated with a class of drugs calledPDE5 inhibitors, which includeViagra (sildenafil)andCialis (tadalafil). While Viagra and Cialis are not contraindicated for use with Xanax, using them together can amplify side effects, causing extreme dizziness, drowsiness, and a steep drop in blood pressure.How Xanax Causes Erectile DysfunctionIt is not entirely clear how Xanax causes ED, although many experts believe that it is directly related to increases in theneurotransmitterGABA. Among other things, high levels of GABA can cause vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) which may reduce blood pressure to the penis duringsexual arousal.The activation of GABA receptors can also cause a spike inserotoninlevels, the neurotransmitter of which can have an inhibitory effect on erections (as it does with certain antidepressants).Other researchers believe that the depressant effect Xanax has on neurotransmission is the main cause of the loss of libido. This, in turn, makes achieving and sustaining an erection all the more difficult.The risk of ED from benzodiazepine is likely multifactorial, meaning that a combination of physiological and psychological factors contribute to the risk. This is especially true if you have other risk factors for ED, including:DiabetesHigh blood pressureObesitySmokingDepression or anxietyAlcohol or substance use disorderLow testosteroneThyroid diseaseMultiple sclerosisRelationship problemsOther medicationsDoes Xanax Lower Testosterone?Xanax can increase levels of the stress hormone,cortisol, which can theoretically inhibit testosterone production in thetesticles. However, studies have shown that the increase in cortisol levels is not significant enough to have any impact on either testosterone or sperm production.Managing Erectile Dysfunction on XanaxED can be distressing under the best of circumstances, but dealing with it when undergoing anti-anxiety treatment can be even more difficult, forcing you to choose between your mental health and your sexual well-being.Fortunately, there are several possible ways to manage Xanax-related sexual dysfunction. Here are five tips to consider:Lower your dose: Under the supervision of your healthcare provider, you may be able to take a lower dose of Xanax to decrease the severity of sexual side effects.Take Xanax less often: Chronic benzodiazepine use is linked to higher rates of ED.Taking Xanax less frequently may improve your sexual function (again under the supervision of a healthcare provider).Switch to another drug: Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe another anti-anxiety drug likeBuspar (buspirone)that is less likely to cause sexual dysfunction.Seek treatment for ED: Taking a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra (sildenafil) orpenile injectionsto treat ED may counter the sexual side effects of Xanax.Treat the underlying condition: Treating the underlying conditions (such as anxiety, depression, low testosterone, or obesity) may improve your overall sexual health.How Anxiety Is TreatSummaryXanax (alprazolam), a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, can contribute to sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced sex drive, delayed ejaculation, and an inability to orgasm.While research is mixed on how common ED is in people taking Xanax, those on higher doses for longer periods are at greater risk. Options like lowering the dose, switching to a different anti-anxiety medication, or using ED medications like Viagra can help alleviate these side effects.Communication with your healthcare provider can lead to effective treatments and improvements in both anxiety and sexual function.
Xanax (alprazolam)is a drug commonly used to treatanxiety disorders. This class of medications is known to cause sexual side effects, includinglow libido(reduced sex drive) anderectile dysfunction (ED).In addition to treatinggeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD)andpanic disorder (PD). Xanax is also sometimes prescribed for insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Xanax belongs to a class of drugs calledbenzodiazepinesthat stimulate the release of a chemical calledgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows thecentral nervous systemdown. Some people attribute this effect to the sexual problems associated with Xanax.
Verywell Health / Zoe Hansen
Xanax Sexual Side Effects
Xanax is known to cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, irritability, and constipation, but it has also been linked to a number of sexual side effects, including:
The risk appears to be dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses and/or the prolonged use of the drug are linked to an increased risk of these sexual side effects.
As concerning as these side effects may be, many people who take Xanax do not have sexual side effects. If you do experience any, speak with your healthcare provider.
Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Does Xanax Cause ED?
Many drugs, including benzodiazepines andantidepressants, are known to cause sexual side effects, including ED. Some studies suggest that Xanax and other benzodiazepines likeValium (diazepam),Klonopin (clonazepam), andAtivan (lorazepam)may cause this in up to 50% of users to some degree.
While sexual problems like ED are common in males, especially in aging males, many studies suggest that the rate among benzodiazepine users may be twice that of the general population.
According to premarket studies, 7.5% of males prescribed Xanax for panic disorder experienced sexual dysfunction compared to 3.7% of those who were given a placebo (sham drug). However, erectile dysfunction was a less common concern compared to problems like low libido or delayed ejaculation.
In fact, the evidence to date remains split as to how likely Xanax is to cause ED, particularly when compared to other benzodiazepines.
Some studies have reported that 43% of Klonopin users experience ED, while those who take Xanax are unlikely to do so. Other studies have shown the opposite, suggesting that Xanax is strongly linked to not only ED but also to other concerns like low libido and delayed ejaculation.
Further research is needed.
Can You Take Viagra With Xanax?Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated with a class of drugs calledPDE5 inhibitors, which includeViagra (sildenafil)andCialis (tadalafil). While Viagra and Cialis are not contraindicated for use with Xanax, using them together can amplify side effects, causing extreme dizziness, drowsiness, and a steep drop in blood pressure.
Can You Take Viagra With Xanax?
Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated with a class of drugs calledPDE5 inhibitors, which includeViagra (sildenafil)andCialis (tadalafil). While Viagra and Cialis are not contraindicated for use with Xanax, using them together can amplify side effects, causing extreme dizziness, drowsiness, and a steep drop in blood pressure.
How Xanax Causes Erectile Dysfunction
It is not entirely clear how Xanax causes ED, although many experts believe that it is directly related to increases in theneurotransmitterGABA. Among other things, high levels of GABA can cause vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) which may reduce blood pressure to the penis duringsexual arousal.
The activation of GABA receptors can also cause a spike inserotoninlevels, the neurotransmitter of which can have an inhibitory effect on erections (as it does with certain antidepressants).
Other researchers believe that the depressant effect Xanax has on neurotransmission is the main cause of the loss of libido. This, in turn, makes achieving and sustaining an erection all the more difficult.
The risk of ED from benzodiazepine is likely multifactorial, meaning that a combination of physiological and psychological factors contribute to the risk. This is especially true if you have other risk factors for ED, including:
Does Xanax Lower Testosterone?Xanax can increase levels of the stress hormone,cortisol, which can theoretically inhibit testosterone production in thetesticles. However, studies have shown that the increase in cortisol levels is not significant enough to have any impact on either testosterone or sperm production.
Does Xanax Lower Testosterone?
Xanax can increase levels of the stress hormone,cortisol, which can theoretically inhibit testosterone production in thetesticles. However, studies have shown that the increase in cortisol levels is not significant enough to have any impact on either testosterone or sperm production.
Managing Erectile Dysfunction on Xanax
ED can be distressing under the best of circumstances, but dealing with it when undergoing anti-anxiety treatment can be even more difficult, forcing you to choose between your mental health and your sexual well-being.
Fortunately, there are several possible ways to manage Xanax-related sexual dysfunction. Here are five tips to consider:
How Anxiety Is Treat
Summary
Xanax (alprazolam), a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, can contribute to sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced sex drive, delayed ejaculation, and an inability to orgasm.
While research is mixed on how common ED is in people taking Xanax, those on higher doses for longer periods are at greater risk. Options like lowering the dose, switching to a different anti-anxiety medication, or using ED medications like Viagra can help alleviate these side effects.
Communication with your healthcare provider can lead to effective treatments and improvements in both anxiety and sexual function.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zoroufchi BH, Doustmohammadi H, Mokhtari T, Abdollahpour A.Benzodiazepines related sexual dysfunctions: a critical review on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Rev Int Androl.2021 Jan-Mar;19(1):62-68. doi:10.1016/j.androl.2019.08.003MedlinePlus.Alprazolam.Kaufman KR, Coluccio M, Linke M, Noonan E, Babalola R, Aziz R.Alprazolam-induced dose-dependent anorgasmia: case analysis.BJPsych Open. 2018;4(4):274-277. doi:10.1192/bjo.2018.35Wainipitapong S, Chiddaycha M, Charoenmakpol N.Sexual dysfunction and associated factors in Thai patients with psychiatric disorders.Gen Psychiatr.2023;36(2):e100989. doi:10.1136/gpsych-2022-100989Pfizer.Xanax alprazolam tablets, USP.Bella AJ, Shamloul R.Psychotropics and sexual dysfunction.Cent European J Urol. 2014;66(4):466-471. doi:10.5173/ceju.2013.04.art22MedlinePlus.Erection problems.DailyMed.Buspirone hydrochloride tablet.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zoroufchi BH, Doustmohammadi H, Mokhtari T, Abdollahpour A.Benzodiazepines related sexual dysfunctions: a critical review on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Rev Int Androl.2021 Jan-Mar;19(1):62-68. doi:10.1016/j.androl.2019.08.003MedlinePlus.Alprazolam.Kaufman KR, Coluccio M, Linke M, Noonan E, Babalola R, Aziz R.Alprazolam-induced dose-dependent anorgasmia: case analysis.BJPsych Open. 2018;4(4):274-277. doi:10.1192/bjo.2018.35Wainipitapong S, Chiddaycha M, Charoenmakpol N.Sexual dysfunction and associated factors in Thai patients with psychiatric disorders.Gen Psychiatr.2023;36(2):e100989. doi:10.1136/gpsych-2022-100989Pfizer.Xanax alprazolam tablets, USP.Bella AJ, Shamloul R.Psychotropics and sexual dysfunction.Cent European J Urol. 2014;66(4):466-471. doi:10.5173/ceju.2013.04.art22MedlinePlus.Erection problems.DailyMed.Buspirone hydrochloride tablet.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zoroufchi BH, Doustmohammadi H, Mokhtari T, Abdollahpour A.Benzodiazepines related sexual dysfunctions: a critical review on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Rev Int Androl.2021 Jan-Mar;19(1):62-68. doi:10.1016/j.androl.2019.08.003MedlinePlus.Alprazolam.Kaufman KR, Coluccio M, Linke M, Noonan E, Babalola R, Aziz R.Alprazolam-induced dose-dependent anorgasmia: case analysis.BJPsych Open. 2018;4(4):274-277. doi:10.1192/bjo.2018.35Wainipitapong S, Chiddaycha M, Charoenmakpol N.Sexual dysfunction and associated factors in Thai patients with psychiatric disorders.Gen Psychiatr.2023;36(2):e100989. doi:10.1136/gpsych-2022-100989Pfizer.Xanax alprazolam tablets, USP.Bella AJ, Shamloul R.Psychotropics and sexual dysfunction.Cent European J Urol. 2014;66(4):466-471. doi:10.5173/ceju.2013.04.art22MedlinePlus.Erection problems.DailyMed.Buspirone hydrochloride tablet.
Zoroufchi BH, Doustmohammadi H, Mokhtari T, Abdollahpour A.Benzodiazepines related sexual dysfunctions: a critical review on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Rev Int Androl.2021 Jan-Mar;19(1):62-68. doi:10.1016/j.androl.2019.08.003
MedlinePlus.Alprazolam.
Kaufman KR, Coluccio M, Linke M, Noonan E, Babalola R, Aziz R.Alprazolam-induced dose-dependent anorgasmia: case analysis.BJPsych Open. 2018;4(4):274-277. doi:10.1192/bjo.2018.35
Wainipitapong S, Chiddaycha M, Charoenmakpol N.Sexual dysfunction and associated factors in Thai patients with psychiatric disorders.Gen Psychiatr.2023;36(2):e100989. doi:10.1136/gpsych-2022-100989
Pfizer.Xanax alprazolam tablets, USP.
Bella AJ, Shamloul R.Psychotropics and sexual dysfunction.Cent European J Urol. 2014;66(4):466-471. doi:10.5173/ceju.2013.04.art22
MedlinePlus.Erection problems.
DailyMed.Buspirone hydrochloride tablet.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
