Tadalafil and Aripiprazole: Can They Be Taken Together?

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

Tadalafil and Aripiprazole: Understanding the Interaction

Published: 18 October 2026

Many men taking aripiprazole for mental health conditions wonder whether tadalafil and aripiprazole can be taken together safely. The good news is that no major direct interaction between these two medicines is commonly reported, but your prescriber will still need to check your individual circumstances carefully. This page explains what each medicine does, how they may affect each other, and what safety checks are needed before you start treatment.

What is tadalafil and aripiprazole used for?

Tadalafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It belongs to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you are sexually aroused [4]. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis and is available in on-demand doses (10mg or 20mg taken at least 30 minutes before sex, with effects lasting up to 36 hours) or as a daily low dose (2.5mg or 5mg). Sexual stimulation is still needed for tadalafil to work.

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medicine prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sometimes as an add-on treatment for depression. It works by helping to balance certain chemicals in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin. Aripiprazole is usually taken once daily and is available under brand names including Abilify. Like many antipsychotic medicines, aripiprazole can sometimes affect sexual function, which is one reason men taking it may seek treatment for ED.

Both medicines are prescription-only in the UK. If you are taking aripiprazole and experiencing erectile difficulties, it is important to discuss this with your GP or psychiatrist, as ED can sometimes be a side effect of the condition being treated or the medication itself [1]. Your prescriber will consider whether tadalafil is suitable for you and check for any other factors that might affect your treatment.

Do tadalafil and aripiprazole interact with each other?

There is no well-documented major direct interaction between tadalafil and aripiprazole. Neither medicine is listed as a contraindication or significant caution in the other's prescribing information [4][12]. This means that, in general, the two medicines can be prescribed together when clinically appropriate. However, this does not mean the combination is automatically safe for everyone—individual health factors and other medicines you take must always be considered.

Both tadalafil and aripiprazole can, in theory, lower blood pressure slightly. Tadalafil does this by relaxing blood vessels, while aripiprazole may cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) in some people, particularly when treatment is first started or the dose is increased. If you are taking both medicines, there is a small possibility that their blood-pressure-lowering effects could add together, leading to dizziness or light-headedness, especially when you stand up quickly.

Your prescriber will assess your blood pressure and cardiovascular health during your consultation. If you have a history of low blood pressure, fainting, or dizziness, or if you are taking other medicines that lower blood pressure, your prescriber may start you on a lower dose of tadalafil and monitor you more closely. It is important to report any symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or feeling light-headed, particularly in the first few days of treatment.

How the interaction works in plain English

Tadalafil relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis but also causes a mild, temporary drop in overall blood pressure. Aripiprazole can affect how your body regulates blood pressure, particularly when you change position (for example, standing up from sitting). When both medicines are in your system, their effects on blood pressure may combine, making you more likely to feel dizzy or unsteady, especially if you stand up quickly or if you are dehydrated or unwell. This is not a dangerous interaction for most people, but it does mean your prescriber needs to know about both medicines so they can give you the right advice and starting dose.

What does your prescriber check before prescribing tadalafil and aripiprazole together?

When you request tadalafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, you will be asked to list all your current medicines, including aripiprazole. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers to check whether tadalafil is safe and suitable for you. They will look at your blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and any other conditions or medicines that might affect how tadalafil works or increase the risk of side effects.

Your prescriber will check whether you are taking any medicines that must not be combined with tadalafil. These include nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, riociguat, and recreational drugs known as 'poppers' (amyl or alkyl nitrites). If you are taking any of these, you cannot take tadalafil, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Your prescriber will also check for other medicines that can interact with tadalafil, such as alpha-blockers (e.g. tamsulosin, doxazosin) or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, ketoconazole), which may require a dose adjustment.

If you are stable on aripiprazole and have no other contraindications, your prescriber will usually be able to approve tadalafil, often starting with a lower dose to see how you respond. You should never stop or change your aripiprazole dose without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it, as this could affect your mental health. If you experience new or worsening ED after starting aripiprazole, discuss this with your psychiatrist or GP, as they may be able to adjust your treatment [2].

Practical advice for taking tadalafil and aripiprazole safely

If you are prescribed tadalafil while taking aripiprazole, start with the lowest effective dose and take it as directed. For on-demand tadalafil (10mg or 20mg), take it at least 30 minutes before sexual activity; effects can last up to 36 hours, so do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. If you are prescribed daily tadalafil (2.5mg or 5mg), take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Sexual stimulation is needed for tadalafil to work—it will not cause an erection on its own.

Be aware of the signs of low blood pressure, especially in the first few days of treatment or if your aripiprazole dose has recently changed. Symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, blurred vision, or feeling unsteady when you stand up. To reduce the risk, stand up slowly from sitting or lying down, stay well hydrated, and avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, which can make dizziness worse and reduce the effectiveness of tadalafil.

Do not take tadalafil if you are also taking nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers, as this combination can be dangerous. If you are prescribed a new medicine by another doctor (for example, an antibiotic or antifungal), check with your pharmacist or prescriber whether it is safe to continue taking tadalafil. Common side effects of tadalafil include headache, indigestion, back pain, and flushing; these are usually mild and temporary. If you experience chest pain during sex, stop and seek urgent medical help—do not take nitrates if you have used tadalafil in the past 48 hours.

Lifestyle tips to support your treatment

Erectile dysfunction can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as stress, anxiety, poor sleep, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and lack of exercise. If you are taking aripiprazole for a mental health condition, managing your overall wellbeing can help improve both your mental health and your sexual function. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, good sleep, and reducing alcohol and smoking can all support the effectiveness of tadalafil. If you feel anxious about sexual performance, consider speaking to your GP or a counsellor, as psychological factors can play a significant role in ED [1][2].

Warning signs and when to seek help with tadalafil and aripiprazole

Most men taking tadalafil and aripiprazole together will not experience serious problems, but it is important to know the warning signs that need urgent attention. If you develop an erection that lasts longer than four hours (priapism), seek emergency medical help immediately, as this can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly. Priapism is rare but is a medical emergency.

Seek urgent help if you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness. These are rare but serious side effects that require immediate medical assessment. If you develop chest pain, severe dizziness, or fainting during or after sexual activity, stop and call 999 or go to A&E. Do not take nitrates (such as GTN spray) if you have used tadalafil in the past 48 hours, as this can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

If you experience severe or persistent dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness after starting tadalafil, especially if you are also taking aripiprazole or other blood-pressure-lowering medicines, contact your GP or prescriber for advice. They may need to adjust your dose or check your blood pressure. Never stop taking aripiprazole suddenly without medical advice, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of your mental health condition. If you have concerns about side effects from either medicine, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber—they can help you find the right balance of treatment.

Getting tadalafil and aripiprazole treatment at Cured Pharmacy

Cured Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (GPhC 9012511) offering a convenient, confidential service for men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction. If you are taking aripiprazole and would like to try tadalafil, you can complete a short online consultation on our website. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers, including your current medicines and health conditions, to check whether tadalafil is safe and suitable for you.

We stock a range of ED treatments, including generic tadalafil and branded Cialis, as well as other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (generic Viagra), vardenafil (generic Levitra), and Spedra (avanafil). Our prescribers will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs. All medicines are dispensed by our UK-registered pharmacists and delivered discreetly to your door. If you have any questions about your treatment or how it interacts with aripiprazole, our pharmacy team is here to help.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction for the first time, or if your symptoms have recently changed, we encourage you to see your GP for a full assessment. ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, and it is important to identify and treat these [1][2]. Your GP can also review your aripiprazole treatment and discuss whether any adjustments might help with sexual side effects. Once you have been assessed, you can use our online service for convenient repeat prescriptions and ongoing support.

How to complete your online consultation

To request tadalafil, visit the Cured Pharmacy website and select the product you are interested in. You will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medicines (including aripiprazole), and any other health conditions. Be as accurate and honest as possible—this information is confidential and is used only to ensure your safety. A UK prescriber will review your answers, usually within a few hours, and will approve your treatment if it is safe and appropriate. If they have any concerns or need more information, they will contact you. Your medicine will then be dispensed and posted in discreet, unbranded packaging.

Scientific References

1. NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 18 October 2026]
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 18 October 2026]
3. Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 18 October 2026]
4. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Summaries of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ [accessed 18 October 2026]

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.