Sexual dysfunction is a condition that is likely to occur in some males for several reasons. This sexual deficit can further impact the well-being of the person and their relationship with their partner/spouse. Gabapentin is a medicine prescribed to manage and prevent seizures and relieve pain. Unfortunately, it is linked to the potential development of erectile dysfunction. If you have been prescribed gabapentin and are concerned, it is important to know whether Gabapentin causes erectile dysfunction in males, does Gabapentin affect testosterone levels or do you know how this may affect your sexual performance? There is also a possibility that the use of certain medicines to treat other medical conditions could unfortunately contribute to inducing sexual disorders in individuals.
It is found through clinical studies that certain drugs have been attributed to causing sexual dysfunction in people. A few of these types of drugs include anti-depressants, psychotropic drugs, cardiovascular drugs, beta-blockers, opioids, and other medications that are available as prescription-only and off-label. Some people are worried about does Gabapentin causes impotence in males. This is a very common question for young youth who are suffering from this.
Here, we’re going to take a quick look at does Gabapentin make you last longer in bed or does Gabapentin affect a man sexually and Gabapentin horniness and what can be done about it. Let us know about what is the relation between Gabapentin and Erectile Dysfunction.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an over-the-counter (OTC) or off-label sedative medication drug used for treating conditions such as epilepsy (especially focal seizures), chronic pain due to nerve damage psychiatric disorders, etc., in both men and women. The drug helps decrease or minimize the development of abnormal excitement in the person’s brain by stimulating the neurotransmitter called Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), hence its name. There is also some possibility does Gabapentin helps with erectile dysfunction.
Gabapentin is a generic drug that belongs to the class of anticonvulsant medications. It is also used as an essential component in various branded medication drugs such as Gralise, Gabarone, Horizant, Neurontin etc.
Gabapentin is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and UK, and it is commonly suggested by healthcare professionals to patients.
Dosage Strengths:
Gabapentin dosage is available in the form of oral tablets, capsules, and solutions. Their dosage strengths are listed as follows:
(i) Oral Capsule: 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg
(ii) Oral Tablet: 600 mg and 800 mg
(iii) Oral Solution: 250 mg/5 ml
Uses of Gabapentin Drug in Medical Treatment
Gabapentin is used for the treatment of various disorders and health complications occurring in human beings. A few common uses of this drug include treatments such as:
(a) Focal seizures: Focal seizures (also termed partial seizures) are mild seizures that affect a section of the brain called the frontal lobe. Such seizures are a type of epilepsy that mainly occurs in people due to strokes, brain infections, brain tumors, head injury, or during abnormal birth.
(b) Psychiatric disorders: Psychiatric disorders are interchangeably known as mental disorders or mental illnesses that affect a person’s behavior and cognitive function. This mental disorder or illness usually occurs in people
Gabapentin can also be used in conjunction with other medications as an interaction drug to treat conditions occurring in people.
Gabapentin Doses:
The drug can be taken with or without a meal or as directed by a doctor/physician. The tablet or capsule should not be crushed or chewed but should be swallowed whole with water.
Also, doctors/physicians may increase or decrease the doses of this medication depending on the person’s condition and to minimize the side effects.
Can Gabapentin Cause Erectile Dysfunction In Men?
Some research and studies carried out find that taking higher doses of gabapentin drug could cause other health complications and disorders in individuals. For example, according to various clinical tests, a few males have been reported to experience sexual dysfunction caused by the prolonged use of this drug.
This led most men to show signs of:
- Increased or decreased sexual desire (libido)
- Lack of sexual arousal (low testosterone level)
- Premature ejaculation (early orgasm)
- Ejaculation dysfunction (anorgasmia)
- Hypo-sexuality
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Hypersexuality
- Urinary tract problems
- Other associated complications
The above-mentioned signs of sexual dysfunction occurring in males can have a significant impact on their relationship with their partner/spouse and their well-being.
Can Gabapentin Cause Permanent Erectile Dysfunction?
Dealing with antidepressants and sexual side effects from any medication can be stressful. If you’ve developed ED from gabapentin or a similar medication, it’s far from uncommon to panic and assume that the change in your sexual function is permanent. Currently, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that gabapentin causes permanent sexual performance issues such as erectile dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction caused by gabapentin can also occur in both men and women.
How Gabapentin Affects Men’s Sexual Health?
Most men may experience sexual disorders when taking certain medications quite regularly and/or for an extended period.
If a male takes Gabapentin dosage for nerve pain or focal seizure occurring due to an underlying condition. The effect of the drug may cause other problems and gabapentin side-effects also.
The primary function of gabapentin medication is to alter the electrical activity taking place in the brain and regulate the neurotransmitters that transmit messages from and to the central nervous system in the person’s body. Since, the drug is beneficial in the treatment of conditions like seizures, relieving nerve pain, etc., its prolonged use may cause various health complications in such individuals.
Thus, erectile dysfunction in males is caused by the use of gabapentin medication. May affect their sexual health in addition to overall health.
What Are The Side Effects Of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a sedative drug that is used in the treatment of epilepsy, neurologically-induced pain, and psychiatric disorders in people. However, Gabapentin’s long-term use may also cause mild or severe side effects in the person owing to its regular and/or prolonged use.
Below are a few long-term side effects of Gabapentin that may occur in people when taking it for an extended period.
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unusual eye movements
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Erectile dysfunction
- Allergic reactions
Precautions To Follow Over Erectile Dysfunction:
It is advised to not take this medicine more often or increase the dose without first consulting a doctor.
In case anyone is experiencing one or more side effects mentioned above or any kind of changes immediately consult with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest you take Tadalafil, Sildenafil, Levitra, and Avanafil for the treatment of Erectile dysfunction. These are the common drugs mainly used for ED.
Seek Medical Assistance Of Gabapentin:
Persons who are experiencing Gabapentin interaction with the use of other medication drugs. Should seek medical assistance immediately from certified healthcare professionals.
Getting early treatment can also aid in minimizing or preventing the condition from becoming worse.
Conclusion:
Medications are used for treating health complications in people that are caused in various ways. It is, therefore, imperative to consult a qualified doctor/physician when seeking medical treatment and avoid self-medication as much as possible. People experience erectile dysfunction when they take this medication, even after its prescription period. Always prefer your sexologist and your doctor regarding your sex life or anticonvulsant medicine.