Can you take Viagra with antidepressants safely

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Written By Julie Ingram
can you take viagra with antidepressants

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Viagra and antidepressants are among the most often prescribed medications.

As per the National Library of Medicine, antidepressants may cause sexual side effects. 

One such sexual side effect is Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It is an inability to get or maintain a firm erection. 

Viagra, containing Sildenafil, is useful in treating Erectile Dysfunction

But the main concern is, can you take Viagra with antidepressants?

This article will explore the safety of using Viagra in combination with antidepressants.

Can antidepressants cause Erectile Dysfunction

Can antidepressants cause Erectile DysfunctionSource: kaspars-grinvaids
Can antidepressants cause Erectile Dysfunction

Yes, some antidepressants can cause Erectile Dysfunction as a side effect. 

They reduce sex drive. Thus, leading to difficulty in getting or maintaining a firm erection.

These antidepressants that cause ED include

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs like Lexapro and Fluoxetine)
  • Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (Zyban)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (Pamelor)

Although all the above categories can cause ED, SSRIs are responsible for most cases. This type of ED is known as antidepressant-induced ED or SSRI-induced ED. 

Fact
Not everyone using antidepressants experiences ED. But 30-60% of people prescribed SSRIs experience some sexual side effects.

How antidepressants cause Erectile Dysfunction

Antidepressants like SSRIs selectively block serotonin reuptake in the nervous system. 

As a result, serotonin increases. 

This increase may affect other hormones and neurotransmitters like testosterone and dopamine. 

Testosterone impacts sexual desire. And dopamine helps in achieving orgasm. Disturbance in the functioning of these factors can cause Erectile Dysfunction. 

Also, many antidepressants can inhibit blood flow to the penis. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that blocks Nitric oxide production (NO). 

NO is necessary for blood vessel dilation to increase penile blood flow. Hence, it is difficult to get or sustain an erection.

Furthermore, antidepressants like Escitalopram and Sertraline increase prolactin levels.It is a hormone whose increase can cause low libido and Erectile Dysfunction in males.

If you have ED, can you take Viagra with antidepressants

Can antidepressants cause Erectile DysfunctionSource: Canva-pro
Can antidepressants cause Erectile Dysfunction

Yes, it is usually safe to take Viagra with antidepressants.

Antidepressants cause sexual side effects like Erectile Dysfunction. Viagra, on the other hand, helps reduce these ED symptoms.

PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra (Sildenafil) work by improving blood flow to the penis. 

Enhanced penile blood flow helps individuals to get or maintain a firm erection.

Viagra starts working within 30 to 60 minutes.

There are no known medicinal interactions between Viagra and antidepressants. 

As per studies, Sildenafil (Viagra) was effective at treating SSRIs-induced Erectile Dysfunction.

In fact, Viagra (Sildenafil) may enhance the antidepressant effects of medicines.

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How does Viagra (Sildenafil) enhance the effects of antidepressants

It’s unclear exactly how Viagra improves the effects of antidepressants. 

But one study on mice examined how combining Sildenafil with different antidepressants affected their behavior in a water test.

The study included antidepressants like Sertraline, Fluvoxamine, and Citalopram, which belong to SSRIs. It also included the antidepressant Maprotiline, which belongs to the Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. 


Results showed that when Sildenafil was taken alongside, some antidepressants were more effective at reducing the immobility time of the mice in the water. 

But the effectiveness was visible only at certain doses of Sildenafil. For example: 

1. A 20mg/kg dose of Sildenafil combined with Sertraline reduced the immobility time of mice by 75%. But lower doses of Sildenafil did not have this effect. 

2. Sildenafil, at 30mg/kg dose when taken with Fluvoxamine, enhanced its antidepressant effects by 30%. But lower doses of Sildenafil had no enhancing effects. 

3. Likewise, 30mg/kg of Sildenafil, when taken with Citalopram, enhanced its antidepressant effects by 50%. 

4. When Sildenafil was taken at higher doses (30 and 40 mg/kg) with Maprotiline, it increased the antidepressant effects of Maprotiline by 35%. 

In summary, combining antidepressants with specific doses of Sildenafil may enhance their effectiveness.

Warning
Researchers conducted the above study on mice. So, its human effectiveness is not well-established. Consult your doctor to determine Viagra’s safety and effectiveness in your case.

Conclusion

So, can you take Viagra with antidepressants? 

Absolutely yes, you can take Viagra with antidepressants. They have no major interactions. 

Antidepressants manage depression and anxiety. But may cause Erectile Dysfunction as a side effect.

In that case, Viagra may help treat ED by increasing penile blood flow. It does not affect the actions of antidepressants. 

In fact, Viagra may enhance the effects of antidepressants. 

But interactions may vary from person to person.

So, consult your doctor to get individualized advice and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Viagra interact with antidepressants?

There are no major interactions between Viagra and antidepressants. It is usually safe to take Viagra with antidepressants. But interactions may vary from person to person. It depends on the individual medical and health conditions. So, consult your doctor to determine the best approach for you.

Can you get hard while on antidepressants?

Yes, you can get hard while on antidepressants. Although antidepressants cause Erectile Dysfunction, Viagra helps reduce these ED symptoms. It is safe to take Viagra with antidepressants. They have no major interaction.

Can antidepressants stop you from ejaculating?

Antidepressants like Lexapro may cause side effects like delayed ejaculation. They can also lead to an inability to achieve orgasm. But not all types of antidepressants cause these sexual side effects. SSRIs are the common type of antidepressant to pose sexual side effects.

Can you take Viagra with Sertraline?

Yes, you can take Viagra with Sertraline. The antidepressant Sertraline belongs to SSRIs that treat Anxiety and Depression. It may cause sexual side effects like Erectile Dysfunction (ED). But Viagra (Sildenafil) is effective at treating SSRI-induced ED. Also, there is no interaction between Viagra and Sertraline.

Can you take Viagra with Zoloft?

Yes, you can take Viagra with Zoloft. Like other antidepressants, it is safe to use Zoloft with Viagra. Although they have no interaction, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor will determine the safety of this combination based on your health issues.

Can I take Viagra with Citalopram?

Yes. It is safe to take Viagra with Citalopram. As per one study, Viagra may enhance the efficacy of Citalopram when taken together.

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