Sexual side effects of high blood pressure medications

Some high blood pressure medicines can affect sex drive or the quality of sex.

• Water pills. Also known as diuretics, water pills can decrease blood flow to the penis. This can make it difficult to get an erection. They also can empty the body of zinc. Zinc is needed to make the sex hormone testosterone.
• Beta blockers. These medicines, especially older beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL) are often linked with sexual problems.

Taking medicines exactly as prescribed can help lower the risk of side effects, including sexual problems. If that doesn't work, talk to your care provider about other medicines that may have fewer side effects.