Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) affect the movement of calcium into the cells of your heart and blood vessels. As a result, CCBs relax blood vessels and reduce the heart's workload.
Compared to most other blood pressure drugs, CCBs seem to cause fewer sexual problems. However, several case reports have shown that CCBs have the potential to cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Specific effects include:
CCBs block calcium activity, which causes blood vessels to dilate and lowers blood pressure. The same mechanism that causes this decrease in blood vessel constriction can also decrease the contractions essential for penile rigidity and orgasmic sensation.
Other possible mechanisms by which CCBs may affect sexual activity include:
Few sexual effects from CCBs have been reported in women with normal sexual functioning. However, for women who already have sexual difficulties, side effects of CCBs that indirectly affect sexual function may worsen the problem. For example, headache, flushing, swelling, bloating, lightheadedness, and weakness can dampen sexual desire and response for many women.
As you adjust to your new medication, the sexual side effects may go away.
There are many CCBs, and some may be more likely to affect sexual function than others.
Ask your doctor if you should try a different CCB. You might also discuss the option of lowering the dosage with your doctor. Never change the dose or stop taking your medication without guidance from your doctor.
Depending on your condition, there may be other medications that can manage your medical symptoms without affecting sexual function. For example, ACE inhibitors can sometimes be used in place of CCBs.
This involves maintaining your current level of CCB while adding a second medication to offset the sexual side effects. This option is generally less desirable since antidotes frequently have their own side effects and may adversely interact with the primary medication you are taking. Drugs that may be prescribed as antidotes include:
The efficacy of herbal supplements to treat the sexual side effects of CCBs is not clear. Care should also be taken with herbal products because, unlike medications, they are not strictly regulated. It is very important to talk to your doctor before using herbal supplements. Yohimbine, a supplement sometimes used to treat sexual side effects, should not be used by people with high blood pressure or those who are taking medications such as CCBs for high blood pressure.
American Heart Association
National Institutes of Health
Canadian Urological Association
Sexuality and U - The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
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Last reviewed July 2014 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.