Hi -
Well, you are corect in asserting that Xanax (and other
benzodiazepines, like Valium, Ativan, etc) are good at lowering the
blood pressure of individuals suffering from anxiety. They are not,
however, good at lowering blood pressure in general and are sedating.
The evidence for Xanax (and related compounds) at decreasing blood
pressure:
This study shows reduced blood pressure in treatment with alprazolam
(Xanax) and lorazepam, and postulates that the effect is due to
decreased sympathetic effects (fight-or-flight, adrenaline mediated -
in this article, referred to as the catecholamine response -
adrenaline is a catecholamine):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8944402&dopt=Abstract
In this study, Xanax showed a reduction of diastolic blood pressure
(the bottom number in blood pressure measurements) while lorazepam did
not affect blood pressure (once more investigating the affect on the
sympathetic nervous system - the adrenaline, or catecholamine,
system):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9700978&dopt=Abstract
Another study showing decreases in blood pressure in anxious patients
treated with Xanax:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2268689&dopt=Abstract
Xanax has not shown to be useful in treatment of hypertension not
associated with anxiety, however.
Xanax is not associated with relief of erectile dysfunction, in fact,
it (along with other benzodiazepines - the category of drug which it
is in) appears to cause erectile dysfunction:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9160580&dopt=Abstract
Another article that shows dysfunction with some benzodiazepines:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2611762&dopt=Abstract
Xanax and other such drugs can be used to reduce performance anxiety
related erecitle dysfunction, but, in general contribute to erectile
dysfunction. Viagra is an excellent alternative for erectile
dysfunction in individuals with high blood pressure. Viagra was
initially developed as an anti-hypertensive - while not very good at
this job, it was found that a significant portion of the test
population reported increased erections - thus, it's current use...
Please let me know if you wish further explanation or help (please
provide your current medications and health conditions for more
specific advice).
synarchy
PubMed search:
alprazolam impotence
alprazolam erectile dysfunction
xanax impotence
xanax erectile dysfunction
alprazolam hypertension
xanax hypertension
alprazolom blood pressure
xanax blood pressure
benzodiazepine blood pressure
benzodiazepine hypertension
benzodiazepine erectile dysfunction
Quick disclaimer - while I am a physician, I am not your physician -
adivice given on this site cannot be substituted for a meeting with
your personal physician. |