Often, the reason some men have erectile dysfunction is that they have mental health issues that prevent them from adequately getting an erection. If you're one of these types, then you probably take Xanax as well.
Now the big question is whether it would be a good idea to mix Xanax and Viagra, but luckily, we're here to answer your questions.
Does Xanax Affect Your Erectile Dysfunction?
Xanax has been widely used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and panic attacks. While it may appear unrelated to a seemingly physical condition like erectile dysfunction, science has reason to believe that Xanax can actually cause erectile dysfunction.
The reason behind this is that Xanax is a kind of depressant for your body, particularly in your nervous system. It slows it down and reduces your response time. For both men and women, Xanax can reduce your libido and make sex less stimulating.
Very little research has been done to discuss the effects of Xanax on sexual activity.
Existing studies on it are trying to identify the impact of Alprazolam in inducing orgasms. Their tests involved a 30-year-old male with signs of anorgasmia, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Before the test, the patient had not taken Xanax for six months before this test, but his other medications remained constant.
The results of this test found that when they increased his dosage of Alprazolam from 1 mg to 2.5 mg, he experienced cases of anorgasmia (1). This effect is worth noting later when discussing the interaction between Xanax and ED medication.
In the case of Viagra, what you should avoid are medicines called nitrate, guanylate cyclase stimulators, and oral antifungal medication. Select antibiotics such as telithromycin and erythromycin are also best to be avoided as well as medication used to treat high blood pressure.
How Does Viagra Work for ED
Viagra or sildenafil is a kind of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) that is generally used to treat erectile dysfunction. What it does is help pump blood down below to help them get an erection whenever they want to have sex. The effect of it usually lasts around four hours, and it's one of the first and most effective treatments of its kind.
Numerous studies have backed the success of Viagra, and patients that have used this have testified that it significantly improved their sexual activity. Not only does it help them get an erection when needed, but it also greatly improves the quality of their sexual intercourse (2).
Can You Take Xanax & Viagra Together
As it stands, there has yet to be data that does in favor or against the use of these two medications together. However, looking into the functions of these two shows that their interactions might clash.
In the old days, Viagra was known to increase blood pressure, which is one of the main reasons why it's so effective at erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, Xanax is known for calming and soothing the nerves. There's reason to believe that taking Xanax can reduce the effectiveness of Viagra.
On another note, these two medications treat separate body functions. Xanax is mainly for the nerves, while Viagra is for blood flow. It is quite possible that taking these two together would have little or no adverse side effects.
Just to be on the safe side, though, your best bet is to consult with a medical expert on the matter. Numerous factors can influence their interaction, such as your physical health and the presence of other medications.
When to Consult
If you start to experience any adverse reactions or side effects that are uncommon or unrelated to the intended effects of your medications, then you should start calling your doctor. These often involve headaches, rashes, shortness of breath, hypertension, diarrhea, blurry vision, weight loss, loss of appetite, and other similar symptoms.
When it comes to combining conditions, you have to be wary of which medications to pair with what. Chemicals such as these can react violently to those that are incompatible with them. Your best bet is to avoid taking them together if you're unsure or ask a professional. For those being treated with ED, we understand that you may have other underlying issues that need treatment.
Very few studies have tackled the interaction between these two but as it stands, taking Xanax and Viagra together has yet to show any side effects. If you really want to be on the same side, though, you can try taking them at different times. That way, their reactions won't take effect simultaneously.
