Does Xanax Cause Sexual Side Effects?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety-related conditions. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by calming brain activity.

Common Xanax side effects include drowsiness or dizziness. But you may also wonder how Xanax impacts your sexual health. This topic is often overlooked in routine discussions about this medication. Here, we’ll explore Xanax’s sexual side effects and how to handle them if they occur.

Does Xanax cause sexual side effects?

Sexual side effects can happen while taking Xanax, but they’re not a common issue for most people.

Xanax works by binding to GABA receptors (binding sites) in the brain. This increases the calming effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a chemical that helps quiet down nerve activity in the brain. These calming effects help manage anxiety, but they may also impact your sex life.

For some people, the calming effects of Xanax may lead to reduced energy levels, less interest in sexual activity, and other sexual problems. But for others, Xanax may reduce their anxiety related to sexual activity. This may lead to increased arousal and more fulfilling sexual experiences.

Let’s take a look at the possible sexual side effects of Xanax for men and women.

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Sexual side effects of Xanax for men

Sexual side effects of Xanax for men can include:

• Trouble having an orgasm

• Increased or decreased libido (sex drive)

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Delayed or premature ejaculation

Sexual side effects of Xanax for women

Sexual side effects of Xanax for women can include:

• Difficulty reaching orgasm

• Increased or decreased libido

Some women also experience changes in their menstrual cycle while taking Xanax, which may impact both mood and interest in sexual activity. 

How common are sexual side effects while taking Xanax?

Experiencing sexual side effects while taking Xanax appears to be relatively uncommon. In clinical trials, fewer than 1% of people taking Xanax for anxiety reported libido changes. (In comparison, over 40% of people reported drowsiness.)

Among people taking Xanax for panic disorder, sexual side effects were slightly more common: 

• 14% of people reported decreased libido 

• 8% reported increased libido 

• 7% reported sexual dysfunction

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Experiencing sexual side effects from Xanax also seems to be more likely with higher doses. Overall, it’s hard to say exactly how likely sexual side effects are, since everyone responds differently to the medication. If you experience sexual side effects while taking Xanax, reach out to your healthcare team for guidance.

Do sexual side effects from Xanax go away?

They might. Like other Xanax side effects, sexual side effects may go away over time as your body adjusts to the medication. You may also find that as Xanax reduces anxiety, you’re able to better enjoy your life, including sexual activity.

But for some people, unwanted sexual side effects may persist. If that’s the case for you, talk to your prescriber. They may recommend lowering your dose, switching the time of day you take Xanax, or trying a different medication altogether.

How can you manage sexual side effects from Xanax?

Lifestyle changes can make a difference in improving your sex life. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress-reducing practices such as yoga may support both anxiety relief and sexual health. Getting enough sleep can also help. Lubricants may help with side effects such as vaginal dryness or pain. Try to avoid habits that may worsen these symptoms, such as smoking or heavy alcohol use.

But if Xanax’s sexual side effects are affecting your quality of life, let your prescriber know. They can help you decide whether a dosage or medication change is appropriate. Your prescriber may also suggest adding another medication to help manage your symptoms, such as:

• Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) for ED

• Vyleesi (bremelanotide) or Addyi (flibanserin) to improve libido in women

Is Xanax more likely to cause sexual side effects than other anxiety medications?

It depends. There aren’t many studies that compare Xanax to other medications directly when it comes to sexual side effects.

Among the other benzodiazepines, Xanax may be less likely to cause ED than clonazepam. But there isn’t much evidence to show whether Xanax is more or less likely to cause sexual problems than other benzodiazepines overall. 

Xanax may also be less likely to cause sexual side effects than some antidepressant medications that treat anxiety. This includes certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). But Xanax may be more likely to cause sexual side effects than other anxiety medications, such as Buspar (buspirone).

That being said, everyone responds to medication differently. So it may take a few tries to find a medication that works for you without affecting your sex life.

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Written by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia Weiser, PharmD, has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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