Blood Pressure Meds & Erectile Dysfunction

Looly · 10-14-2006, 10:06 PM

Husband went for a flu shot today. His blood pressure was taken and he had elevated blood pressure. Dr suggested he take 25 mg of Toprol. Me, myself, having an awful time with Toprol, I suggested he speak to the dr about another form of medication. But then again, I also suggested he take his b/p for a week here at home and see what he averages rather than medicate himself on one reading. In addition I have read that Toprol causes loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. Men, is this true? Dr then said maybe he could take Altace. Anyone have similar problems with Altace. Signed....a concerned wife

Gojoe · 10-15-2006, 01:45 AM

I agree about taking several bp readings over a period of time before beginning medication based on a single elevated reading. Was this the first time or has his bp been high in the past?

Any of the antihypertensives can cause ED, but the beta blockers like Toprol are especially notorious in this regard. My ED began when I was taking 250 mg of Toprol, but the doctor said it could have been because my heart was failing. Anyway, I am on another beta blocker now plus Altace and still have the problem even though my heart is working better.

mariposa9 · 10-15-2006, 02:23 AM

Speaking from personal experience, WITHOUT QUESTION!

I've been on HCTZ for a few years, and atenolol for about 3 months. There couldn't be two worse bp meds for erectile function. It's gotten so bad, that I have VOWED to get off both of these meds.

I work out all the time, but my diet has never been the best. I simply am not conscientious as I should be; thus, fruits, vegetables (spinach and bananas are great)from here on in, and along with other things, I'm gonna give up pizza forever. My conscious will rule. It's gonna be difficult, but I know I can do it. I've cut my atenolol to 6mg per day (started at 25), and my HCTZ to 12 per day, and my bp so far is great. I've been eating nothing but fruits, salads, fish, and chicken. No more junk food. Today, I drove by Jack in the Box, and saw their ad for their new Outlaw burger. My mouth started salivating, but it eventually went away. I like to eat the things I like to eat, but I love to *beep* So the bad foods have gotta go!

I suggest your husband stay away from those terrible meds, invest in a treadmill, workout everyday on it like I do, and make positive changes in his diet. Because in my experience, as much as women "understand" when Mr Softee arrives, for a man, it's a terribly embarrassing feeling, and a huge blow to his ego.

mariposa9 · 10-15-2006, 02:24 AM

Speaking from personal experience, WITHOUT QUESTION!

I've been on HCTZ for a few years, and atenolol for about 3 months. There couldn't be two worse bp meds for erectile function. It's gotten so bad, that I have VOWED to get off both of these meds.

I work out all the time, but my diet has never been the best. I simply am not conscientious as I should be; thus, fruits, vegetables (spinach and bananas are great)from here on in, and along with other things, I'm gonna give up pizza forever. My conscious will rule. It's gonna be difficult, but I know I can do it. I've cut my atenolol to 6mg per day (started at 25), and my HCTZ to 12 per day, and my bp so far is great. I've been eating nothing but fruits, salads, fish, and chicken. No more junk food. Today, I drove by Jack in the Box, and saw their ad for their new Outlaw burger. My mouth started salivating, but it eventually went away. I like to eat the things I like to eat, but I love to *beep* So the bad foods have gotta go!

I suggest your husband stay away from those terrible meds, invest in a treadmill, workout everyday on it like I do, and make positive changes in his diet. Because in my experience, as much as women "understand" when Mr Softee arrives, for a man, it's a terribly embarrassing feeling, and a huge blow to his ego.

cartner · 10-15-2006, 05:31 AM

Hi lolasmom,

What was his BP reading? is it very high?

Actually, I have experienced somewhat ED, I'm 24 years old, when I was on Beta-Blocker for 3.5 years. Also I experienced deep Depression, vision problems and inability exercise so Beta-Blockers are not good and I guess that doctors should make them the last solution.

I tried all the drug classes and I found that CCBs have no side effects on me (no ED at all

), but also it's not working 100%. I started with Norvasc 5 mg for a week but it didn't bring my blood pressur even 1 point down. I'm now on Cardiazim 120 mg SR and it's the best medication I have been on.

I use supplements to help in reducing my blood pressure. I take Magnesium 250 mg, Flaxseed 1,000 mg and Vitamin C 500 mg. But this is not enough though, I exercise 6 days a week and I'm on a diet. No more salt added to anything I eat, and I eat boiled potatoes a lot because it contains something that brings BP down (I forgot what it's). Being in an ideal weight also helps a lot.
BP causes ED and the medications too

but not all of them

thank god. Also it's depend on the age and the health too.
Good luck,
Michael