Sexual dysfunction can have a host of causes ranging from depression to drugs. Because of their widespread use, we do know a good deal about the effects of the more commonly used drugs to treat high blood pressure and the likelihood of causing sexual dysfunction. No drug is totally free of sexual side effects, however. This probably has as much to do with the patient as with the drug. As we age, the likelihood of having high blood pressure along with sexual dysfunction increases. Here is my list on drug classes used to treat high blood pressure and the likelihood of sexual dysfunction:
Drug Class
Example
Likelihood of Sexual Dysfunction
Diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Low
Beta blockers
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Low
Calcium Channel blockers
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Low
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors *(ACE inhibitors)
Lisinopril (Zestril)
Very low
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Very Low
The ACE inhibitors and ARBs are the least likely to cause sexual dysfunction in men.
