My hubby has been on Tramadol for a number of months and has no interest in sex and cannot get an erection. Dont know if its the Tramadol or the pain and depression thats causing it.
He had kidney cancer 9 years ago and had an operation to remove is right kidney. Recovery was good in the first week or so but he started with pain on the right side within 2 weeks. He now falls as his right side gives way through going numb and he is someone that suffers from severe depression. Any help would be appreciated.
Has any man experienced loss of libido whilst using Tramadol?
Question posted by Bonnie321 on 21 April 2013
Last updated on 29 May 2018 by ReadyforNormal
8 Answers
As a woman that was on Tramadol for 5 years I will tell you that even I experienced a lack of interest where sex is concerned. I don't know why it is a side effect but my hubby was frustrated with me. I found myself having sex even when I was into it just for him. I was also on Lexapro which also had the same effect but didn't last as long. Once I came off of the Lexapro my libido was a little more active but still suppressed... a lot. The best thing is to stop taking the Tramadol. I'm sorry to say that even being on it only for months will still most likely cause him to have withdrawal side effects. But it is better to stop now than later!
Hi, i'm sorry i am just coming across this question... pain affects SO many areas of your life. I feel a bit reluctant to say this, but my dad had hip pain for 20 years, finally had a replacement 2 years ago and he is literally a different person! You wouldn't believe the change in him. He is so affectionate with my mum and so caring of me, my siblings & his new grandson. He has also been prescribed a low strength antidepressant (Citalopram 20mg). I don't like to delve too deep in to my parents business, but they are a very loving couple now. I know this doesn't pertain to the question about Tramadol, but maybe the Tramadol isn't the problem. I took Tramadol myself for many years & didn't experience any problems with libido
I have taken Tramadol in a very low dose (25-50 mg/day) for about 5 years, and also have used Viagra for about 7 years, and have perceived no negative effect on sexual function from the Tramadol. I am 77, and in good general health.
Constant pain can certainly tap your libido. Many pain meds can affect a mans ability to get and maintain an erection. Does he have back pain or just flank pain from the surgical site? Back pain and spinal problems can cause "saddle" numbness (basically numbness everywhere that would touch a saddle) and this nerve problem could definitely affect an ability to get and maintain an erection. Pain medications can cause problems getting and maintaining erections as well. Depression and antidepressants are also notorious for libido problems. Has he spoken to the Dr about his low libido and inability to get an erection? If it is the medication, perhaps he might be helped by Viagra (depending on his health) If it is a nerve problem, it may be more complicated. He and you should discuss your concerns with his Dr and perhaps consult a urologist and/or a neurologist.
It can be a combination of all three. Pain is a complex problem that impacts almost all aspects of the patients life and there is usually several contributing factors.
Hello Bonnie321. I researched your question and used several sources and I could not find that it is a side effect (libido) I used Tramadol some years ago and cannot recall one way or another if it was a problem of sorts. Very likely the depression is a factor in his case. Regards pledge
Hi pledge
Thanks for the reply. I think that I can discount Tramadol as the source of his problem.
Hes due back at the gp's this week so will see what happens there.
I would have to think it would be linked to his depression.And also you stated he has numbness on his right dide.To the point he actutally falls.Maybe he is not getting adequate blood flow to the lower region of for some reason.If it is affecting his legs,I am sure it is affecting his groin area as well.I would consult his Doctor on his next visit.Get his depression under control,express your concerns about the numbness.Ask for a complete blood panel,check his Lipids,Thyroid and Testosterone levels.Hope this helped and good luck to you both!
Thank you for the reply ang1049.
My hubbys depression isnt a new thing and he didnt have a problem before the op. We are just searching in the wider world to see if other people have had any problem.
He is monitored on a regular basis and part of that is a full blood work.
I was just wondering if they actually checked his Testosterone levels.Cause sometrimes you have to actually ask for that.Sounds like you are doing a good job at working to find solutions.My husband took Tramadol for about 6 months.I did not notice any change lowered sex drive.But,it could possibly since it is a pain med.Everyone is different.Maybe your Doctor could prescribe something else for pain as well.Unless you think the Tramadol is working fine.
Is the depression being treated? Tramadol doesn't have it as a side effect, but he could have a reaction that is different, but I'd say its more likely something else. Is he on any other medications? How old is he? Is he diabetic? Had he seen someone about the falling?
Yes my hubby has suffered with depression for a long time and it is being treated.Yes hes on other meds but none have it as a side effect. Hes 57 and not diabetic. Yes about the falling. His consultant has been told. This isn't a short term problem.
Thanks for your reply.
Almost all the common antidepressants can have this side effect.
Oh I'm aware of it not being short term,i just needed a clearer pic. Anti depressants are notorious for this problem. I'm wondering if the fall and sexual problem aren't related to some neuro problem.
Related topics
pain, tramadol, sex, erection, libido
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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