The Sexual Side Effects Of Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Taking clonazepam can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction and a loss of sexual desire. These side effects may be less common than other effects, and clonazepam can also indirectly affect your sexual function by causing drowsiness and sedation.

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that can treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. It can be prescribed under the brand name Klonopin. Clonazepam can also be abused to get high by taking the drug in high doses or without a prescription.

Along with alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam, clonazepam is commonly prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication in Ohio. Abusing benzodiazepines to get high can increase your risk of sexual dysfunction and other serious side effects.

Side Effects Of Clonazepam On Sex

Sexual side effects of clonazepam may include:

• erectile dysfunction
• problems with ejaculation
• loss of sex drive
• decreased libido

Some of these effects, such as loss of sex drive, are more general and affect both men and women.

Risk Factors For Sexual Side Effects

Long-term use of clonazepam can increase your risk of sexual side effects. Your Ohio doctor may recommend you take a short-term prescription of clonazepam, up to a maximum of three to six months, to reduce your health risk.

Combining Klonopin with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, or other benzodiazepines that cause strong sedative effects, can affect your sexual performance.

If you have a medical history of depression or you abuse Klonopin, your risk of sexual dysfunction may also increase.

How Klonopin Affects Sex Drive

Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam increase amounts of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the brain. High amounts of GABA can lower anxiety and produce a calming effect.

Some studies suggest GABA can cause sexual dysfunction by affecting your ability to have and maintain an erection. GABA can affect the sexual function of both men and women by lowering sexual arousal and decreasing libido.

Indirect Sexual Side Effects Of Klonopin

Common side effects of Klonopin may include drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, and depressive symptoms. These side effects can indirectly affect your sex life by reducing concentration or motivation to have sex.

Klonopin can also be linked to serious side effects, such as physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. These can affect your overall well-being, including your sex life.

Find Treatment In Ohio

If you or your partner are struggling with long-term side effects of Klonopin use, such as sexual dysfunction or worsening panic attacks when you try to quit, you may benefit from an Ohio substance use treatment program. 

To figure out which prescription drug treatment options will work for you, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.