In the article, we will be covering what adderall is and how it treats ADHD, why Adderall could be the reason you might be experiencing erectile dysfunction, and how you can treat adderall-induced erectile dysfunction.
Adderall is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a very common neurological disorder that makes it difficult to focus on a single task for extended periods of time, organization and impulse control.
Containing both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine as active ingredients, Adderall is able to treat ADHD by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are neurotransmitters which regulate your attention-span and ability to focus. By increasing these neurotransmitters, you will see an increase in your attention-span and ability to focus while seeing a decrease in impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.
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Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a common sexual condition that affects your ability to get hard or maintain an erection long enough for sex.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by either physical factors or psychological factors. In most cases of erectile dysfunction, both factors can come into play.
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction can include health issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction can be caused by conditions like stress, anxiety, depression and being nervous to perform.
Before we get into how adderall and other ADHD medication might be causing erectile dysfunction, let's explain how an erection works.
There are two chambers in the penis that are made of spongy muscle tissues. When you are aroused, your brain sends a signal that elicits a hormonal response and allows the arteries to open fully.
When the arteries are fully open, blood flows through so fast that it does not have enough time to exit through your veins. The blood is then trapped in the two chambers in your penis, causing your penis to harden and voila! You have an erection!
Adderall is considered a stimulant and can constrict your blood vessels. This constriction can lead to an increase in blood pressure and makes it difficult for enough blood to flow freely to your penis. With the reduction of blood flow, you might find it hard to get hard and experience erectile dysfunction despite your arousal.
If you suspect that Adderall might be causing your ED, you should inform your doctor about your ED and discuss your options moving forward. Your doctor might suggest to lower your dose of Adderall on the days you plan to have sex to reduce the severity of your ED. If your prescription of Adderall requires you to take a dose of it various times throughout the day, your doctor might suggest not taking it before having sex.
Alternatively, if you've just been prescribed Adderall recently, your doctor might suggest that you give your body time to adjust to the new medication. It is possible that your ED might improve and eventually go away by itself after a few weeks of adjustment.
If your ED is severe, your doctor might suggest even switching to a different ADHD medication like Ritalin.
In all cases, it is important that you do not stop taking Adderall to treat your ED without consulting your doctor first. This is to prevent any adverse withdrawal symptoms (either physical or psychiatric) from occurring.
Besides adjusting your ADHD medication, your doctor might suggest prescribing your oral medication like Viagra, Cialis or Avanafil. These medications are often prescribed as a first line of ED treatment.
Known as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), these medications restrict the enzyme PDE5 which degrades cGMP, a molecule that relaxes the muscle tissues in your body. By inhibiting and slowing PDE5, these ED medications are able to relax your muscles and the walls of your blood vessels. This allows for blood to flow more readily into your penis and makes it easier to get and remain hard.
Contrary to popular belief, ED medication like Viagra, Cialis or Avanafil won't immediately give you a hard on after you take it. You will still need to be sexually aroused for that to happen. However with the help of the medication, you'll find it much easier to get hard and for longer.
While taking ED medication is safe for most men, it is possible you might experience mild side effects like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chest Pains
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Nasal Congestion
Yes.
Studies have found that Adderall and ED medication like Viagra or Cialis do not contraindicate and no significant side effects have been reported from taking these two medications together.
However, this does not mean that interactions between Adderall and ED medications are impossible. You should always consult your doctor before taking these two medications together.
You should contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you start to experience the following serious side effects:
- You experience priapism, the prolonged erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours
- The dizziness, nausea or chest pain you experience doesn’t go away after having sex
- You experience a sudden decrease or loss in hearing
- You experience a sudden loss of vision in either one or both eyes
