Does Adderall cause erectile dysfunction?

In this article:

• Does taking Adderall cause erectile dysfunction?
• How long does Adderall-induced ED last?
• How do you fix or prevent erectile dysfunction from Adderall?

In this article

• Does taking Adderall cause erectile dysfunction?
• How long does Adderall-induced ED last?
• How do you fix or prevent erectile dysfunction from Adderall?

Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine), a brand-name prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is used as a first-line treatment to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall may also be prescribed to treat narcolepsy.

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the amount of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. Adderall XR addresses ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, extreme restlessness, difficulties paying attention, and acting without thinking and is dosed once a day due to its long-acting formulation. Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a potential side effect when taking Adderall.

RELATED: Does Adderall cause anxiety?

Does taking Adderall cause erectile dysfunction?

According to Aleece Fosnight, PA-C, a medical adviser at Aeroflow Urology in Arden, North Carolina, “Adderall has been known to cause erectile dysfunction in users. However, the exact mechanism is not fully understood.”

Like any medication, Adderall does have some side effects. Common side effects of Adderall can include the following:

• Changes in eyesight
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Seizures
• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Difficulties sleeping or insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Emotional lability
• Nervousness
• Dizziness 
• Cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension, heart palpitations, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and myocardial infarction (heart attack)

David Shusterman, MD, a urologist Chief Physician and Founder of New York Urology in New York, states that in addition to these side effects, there’s evidence Adderall may have positive and negative impacts on sexual function. 

“Research on Adderall has shown a range of effects on user’s lives, with some men reporting ED and a decreased desire for sex, while others have experienced the opposite effect,” he says. 

Potential reasons why people who take Adderall experience ED are blood flow constriction, changes in sexual desire, and low testosterone levels. 

Why does Adderall cause erectile dysfunction?

Adderall, like most meds, has the potential to cause unpleasant side effects. Men taking this prescription drug may experience positive or negative changes in their sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a condition where it is difficult to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is a common male sexual dysfunction. Below are possible risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction while taking Adderall prescription medicine. 

• Blood flow constriction: Adderall affects the cardiovascular system. “The way Adderall works in the brain is to narrow the blood vessels in the brain, causing changes in cardiovascular activity,” Dr. Fosnight says. “[An] increase in blood flow is essential for genital arousal or erections, and if Adderall causes constriction of blood flow, this may be one way that it can affect penile arousal.” The narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) may lead to vascular erectile dysfunction, which can arise from cardiovascular problems.

• Changes in sexual desire and performance: As an amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, Adderall may cause a lower libido or sex drive. A low libido may lead to a decrease in sexual desire, as well as:
  • No interest or a decreased interest in any sex.
  • A decrease in sexual fantasies or thoughts.
  • Unhappiness or distress about having a low sexual desire for sexual activity. 

Not all men taking Adderall experience adverse effects on their sexual health. Research reveals that some men found taking Adderall increased their sex drive. Adderall belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. According to research, stimulants can increase sex drive, thus improving sexual performance. Or, in some instances, a dose of Adderall may result in hypersexuality or excessive masturbation. 

• Decrease in testosterone: Research suggests amphetamine drugs may inhibit the production of testosterone, leading to low T levels, known as male hypogonadism. Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for developing male features. These hormones are primarily found in the testes. Because Adderall may impact testosterone levels, male hypogonadism could be a risk factor for developing erectile dysfunction. 

How long does Adderall-induced ED last?

The length of Adderall-induced ED can vary depending on how your body adjusts to the stimulant medication.

“It may take several weeks for the body to acclimate to the medication and changes in cardiovascular activity,” Dr. Fosnight says. “Adjusting the dosage of the medication can also be beneficial to improve erectile ability.”

According to Dr. Shusterman, if you stop taking Adderall, it can take two to four weeks for the side effects to wear off. 

How do you fix or prevent erectile dysfunction from Adderall?

If you’re showing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, there are a few options for treatment.

Below are some methods for quickly reducing or stopping ED symptoms:

• Medication change: “If you’re still having trouble during this time, you might want to try a different medication for erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Shusterman says. “If the problem continues after that, seeing a urologist for more help is a good idea.”
• Oral medications for ED: There are several medications designed to treat ED symptoms, such as Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Stendra (avanafil). These ED treatments work by relaxing regional muscles and allowing increased blood flow to the penis. 
• Injectable medicines and suppositories: Alprostadil injections and intraurethral suppositories can treat certain types of erectile dysfunction. They work by relaxing your muscles and blood vessels in the penis to encourage an erection. 

“If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction due to Adderall, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about other medication options,” Dr. Shusterman says.

Erectile dysfunction from Adderall may be preventable if you make adjustments to your lifestyle habits.

Here are five ways to lower your risk of erectile dysfunction while taking Adderall:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent or delay cardiovascular conditions like diabetes and prevent high blood pressure. Also, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce inflammation, prevent ED, and increase self-esteem in your sex life. 
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Aim to eat fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats. Try to avoid foods high in sodium and fat. Also, if you drink alcohol, reduce your consumption to lower your risk of erectile dysfunction.
• Engage in regular physical activity: Physical activity increases blood flow to the penis. If you’re new to exercise, you can start by walking or doing activities like gardening before transitioning into more intense physical activity. 
• Avoid illicit drugs: Taking illegal drugs can make it challenging to get or keep an erection. These drugs can prevent you from getting aroused or feeling sensations during sexual intercourse. 
• Quit smoking: Seek help to stop smoking. Smoking is a significant cause of heart disease (CVD), which can affect almost every part of your body, including the penis.
• Control diabetes: If you have diabetes, maintaining your hemoglobin A1c less than 7 helps the body supply blood to small blood vessels, including the penis.

In most cases, medication-induced sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, are not permanent. However, if you start experiencing symptoms, notify your healthcare professional immediately to discuss treatment options.

“Many people experience a gradual return of their libido and function after they stop taking the medication,” Dr. Shusterman says. “It can take several days to several weeks after stopping or changing a medication for erections to return.”

“Finding the balance between using the ADHD medication Adderall and having optimal erectile function is a conversation that needs to be had with your healthcare provider,” Dr. Fosnight adds. “Sometimes Adderall can be taken as needed, which leads to a decreased impact on erectile function.”