Medications That Cause Low Libido: A Guide by Drug Category

Can medication cause low libido?

Yes. Some medications can reduce libido, meaning your interest in sexual activity. Others may affect physical arousal, erections, lubrication or orgasm, with or without changing your desire.

Low libido is one aspect of sexual function, rather than a term for every sexual difficulty. Knowing which change you’re experiencing can help your healthcare professional identify possible causes.

That said, medication isn't always the only cause of low sex drive. Stress, depression, anxiety, hormonal changes, fatigue, chronic illness, and relationship difficulties can all play a role too, sometimes alongside medication, sometimes instead of it.

Sexual side effects also vary a lot from person to person. Not everyone taking a given medication will experience reduced libido, and the likelihood depends on the specific drug, the dose, how long it's been taken, and individual health factors.

Which medications can lower sex drive?

• Antidepressants (SSRIs) - sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram, citalopram: reduced desire, delayed or difficult orgasm, arousal difficulties
• Antipsychotics - varies by medication: reduced desire, erectile difficulties, changes in orgasm
• Blood pressure medications - some beta-blockers, some diuretics: reduced desire, erectile difficulties
• Opioid pain medications - long-term opioid use: reduced desire, linked to hormone disruption and fatigue
• Other - certain anti-seizure drugs, hormonal treatments, some cancer treatments, some prostate medications: effects vary by drug and individual

Not everyone taking these medications will experience sexual side effects. The likelihood depends on dosage, duration of treatment, and individual health factors.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are among the medications most commonly associated with sexual side effects, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram, and citalopram.

Possible effects include reduced sexual desire, difficulty becoming aroused, delayed orgasm, or difficulty reaching orgasm.

It's worth keeping in mind that depression and anxiety themselves can also lower libido, which can make it hard to tell whether the medication, the underlying condition, or both are responsible.

Antipsychotic medications

Some antipsychotic medications can affect libido and sexual function by influencing hormones and neurotransmitters involved in sexual response. This may show up as reduced sexual desire, erectile difficulties, or changes in orgasm.

If you notice changes in your sex drive while taking a medication for a mental health condition, talk to your healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment.

Blood pressure medications

Certain treatments for high blood pressure, including some beta-blockers and diuretics, may contribute to sexual difficulties in some patients.

However, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease can affect sexual function, so medication isn't always the sole cause.

Opioid pain medications

Long-term use of opioid painkillers may affect sexual desire and function. Opioids can influence hormone regulation and often cause fatigue, both of which can contribute to reduced libido.

Other medications

A number of other treatments have also been linked to changes in sexual desire or function, including:

• Certain anti-seizure medications
• Hormonal treatments
• Some cancer treatments
• Certain medications affecting hormone levels
• Some medications used for prostate conditions

Could your medication be contributing to low libido?

If you’ve noticed a change, think about when it began. Details worth discussing with your healthcare professional include:

• Your sex drive changed after starting a treatment or increasing your dose.
• Your level of desire had been relatively stable before that change.
• You also noticed changes in arousal, lubrication, erections or orgasm.
• The problem continued even when other factors, such as stress or fatigue, improved.

These patterns don’t prove that medication is responsible, but they can help guide a conversation about possible causes.

What should you do if medication affects your libido?

If you notice a change in your sex drive or sexual function, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. You don’t need to be certain that medication is the cause to ask for support.

Before your appointment, it may help to note:

• When the change began, including whether it followed a new medication or dose adjustment.
• What has changed: your desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm or erectile function.
• Other symptoms, such as fatigue, mood changes, or pain.
• All the medications and supplements you’re taking.
• How the change affects you, including your wellbeing or relationships, if relevant.

Never stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice. Stopping certain treatments suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or other health risks.

Sexual health is part of overall wellbeing, and it's a completely reasonable thing to bring up with a healthcare professional. Talking openly about it is often the fastest way to identify the cause and find a solution that works.

Can my doctor do anything about it?

Depending on the medication and why you're taking it, your healthcare professional may consider whether the dose can be adjusted, whether another treatment could be appropriate, whether another condition is contributing to the problem, or whether the sexual side effect itself can be managed.

Frequently asked questions

What medications are most likely to cause low libido?

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, some antipsychotics, certain blood pressure medications, and opioids are the medications most commonly associated with sexual side effects.

Can antidepressants lower sex drive?

Yes. Some antidepressants may reduce sexual desire, affect arousal, or make orgasm more difficult.

Will low libido go away after stopping medication?

Sexual side effects can improve after a medication is changed or stopped, but this varies between individuals. Always discuss any treatment changes with your healthcare professional first.

Should I stop taking medication if it affects my sex drive?

No. Don't stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor.

Can low libido be caused by something other than medication?

Yes. Stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, hormonal changes, chronic illness, and relationship difficulties can all contribute to reduced sexual desire, with or without medication involved.

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Take care!