Erection Problem

Hello.  I got really depressed because I was in a fight with my girlfriend the other day.  So I have been taking a good amount of oxycontin.  Probably 20 pills in the last 3 days.  I have stopped and have been off them now for about a day but I can not get an erection.  It feels like there is nothing there.  I am 19 and i was wondering if this was gonna be a permanent problem that I will have or if it is just from the meds and will wear off.  If it will wear off whats the time frame we are looking at?  My girlfriend would like to know.

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

I'm so glad you wrote to me because Oxycontin is a very dangerous drug--especially if you take it without medical supervision. Heavy use can result in respiratory failure. It's also a central nervous system depressant and severely lowers your blood pressure, hence your lack of erections.

I can't tell you how long you'll feel these side effects--some people report two to three weeks; however, I CAN tell you that you should stop worrying about this because worrying creates a whole new problem and that is, that once the physiological effects are gone, your anxiety creates a psychological effect, which in turn inhibits erection. Men are very susceptible to erection anxiety. Don't be that guy. Relax and stop worrying.

And see a therapist about your depressions and fears. Turning to Oxy when things don't go right is an extreme measure that can end up permanently affecting your health. Best of luck to you. Dr. J

[Ecustudent09]

Yes i am very regretful of taking these and my gf is out of town till around the 10th of November.  Should I be good to go by then? :) I have stopped worrying about it cause I realize its just from the drugs and should go away.  But any man would hate to be without the use of his sexual buddy.  I only turned to it because my mom has the Oxy's from a car crash left over and I just turned to it.  I did regret it because it cause a whole new void in the relationship because my gf doesn't want to be involved with a drug dealer.  thanks for the answer doc.  so glad to hear it isn't permanent.

[Ecustudent09]

I was also wondering if there was any activities that could help get it back.  Maybe like running and working out?  Please tell me it wont be longer than 3 weeks.

[Ecustudent09]

Also since I only took a low amount and it was a one time thing pretty much.  shouldn't it only last for a few days to a week?

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

First you stated you took over 20 pills in the last 3 days, and now you state you only took a "low" amount. That's confusing.

At any rate, this is not a drug forum, and I can't give you any more information about Oxycontin. I believe there's an expert Addiction forum. The doc there may be able to answer your other questions. Dr. J