AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Paxil, also known as paroxetine, is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is well-documented that SSRIs can have sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction. This occurs because SSRIs increase serotonin levels, which can inhibit sexual arousal and function in some individuals, leading to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

In contrast, metformin is primarily used to manage diabetes and does not typically have a direct effect on erectile function. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is not associated with erectile dysfunction. Atorvastatin, a statin used to lower cholesterol, may impact sexual function in some patients; however, its effect is less pronounced and not as widely recognized as that of SSRIs like Paxil. Therefore, Paxil is the medication specifically known for its influence on erectile dysfunction among the options provided.