Vardenafil and Amisulpride: Can They Be Taken Together?

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Key takeaways

• Both vardenafil and amisulpride can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
• Your prescriber will carefully assess your heart health and medicines before approving vardenafil.
• Always declare every medicine you take during your online consultation, including psychiatric medicines.
• Warning signs such as dizziness, fainting, or irregular heartbeat need urgent medical attention.
• Alternative ED treatments may be safer if vardenafil and amisulpride are not suitable together.

What is vardenafil and how does it work?

Vardenafil (also known by the brand name Levitra) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction [5]. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you're sexually aroused. Vardenafil does not cause an erection on its own—sexual stimulation is still needed [5].

The medicine is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets and is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5]. The effect can last for several hours, though this varies between individuals. Vardenafil should not be taken more than once in 24 hours [5].

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil can cause side effects such as headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion [5]. More importantly, it can affect blood pressure and the heart's electrical rhythm, which is why certain medicine combinations require careful monitoring or may not be suitable at all.

What is amisulpride and why is it prescribed?

Amisulpride is an antipsychotic medicine prescribed to treat schizophrenia and, in lower doses, dysthymia (persistent low mood). It works by affecting dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking.

Amisulpride is available in various strengths and is usually taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated and the dose prescribed. Like many antipsychotic medicines, amisulpride can cause side effects including weight gain, drowsiness, movement disorders, and hormonal changes.

One important consideration with amisulpride is its effect on the heart's electrical activity. It can prolong the QT interval—a measurement on an electrocardiogram (ECG) that reflects how long the heart's ventricles take to recharge between beats. A prolonged QT interval increases the risk of a serious, potentially life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm called torsade de pointes. This risk becomes particularly relevant when amisulpride is combined with other medicines that also affect the QT interval, including vardenafil.

The interaction between vardenafil and amisulpride explained

Both vardenafil and amisulpride can prolong the QT interval on an ECG [5]. When two medicines that affect the QT interval are taken together, the risk of a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm increases. This is the key concern when considering vardenafil and amisulpride in combination.

Vardenafil is known to have a modest effect on QT prolongation, and the risk is dose-related [5]. Amisulpride also carries a risk of QT prolongation, particularly at higher doses or in people with other risk factors such as low potassium or magnesium levels, existing heart disease, or a family history of QT abnormalities.

This does not mean the combination is absolutely contraindicated in all cases, but it does require careful assessment. Your prescriber will review your full medical history, current medicines, and any heart-related risk factors before deciding whether vardenafil is appropriate for you. In some cases, an ECG may be recommended to check your baseline QT interval. If the combination is considered too risky, your prescriber may suggest an alternative ED treatment or adjust your psychiatric medication in consultation with your mental health team.

What happens if the QT interval becomes too long?

A prolonged QT interval increases the risk of torsade de pointes, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that can cause dizziness, fainting, seizures, or even sudden cardiac arrest. While this is rare, it is a serious risk that must be taken into account when combining medicines that affect the heart's electrical activity. This is why your prescriber will carefully weigh the benefits and risks before approving treatment with vardenafil if you take amisulpride.

What your prescriber checks before approving vardenafil and amisulpride

When you request vardenafil through an online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, a UK-registered prescriber reviews your medical history and current medicines. If you take amisulpride, the prescriber will pay particular attention to several factors to assess whether the combination is safe for you.

These factors include your dose of amisulpride, any history of heart problems (including abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, or structural heart disease), your blood pressure, and whether you take any other medicines that affect the QT interval or interact with either vardenafil or amisulpride. The prescriber will also check for conditions that increase the risk of QT prolongation, such as low potassium or magnesium levels, which can occur with certain diuretics or gastrointestinal conditions.

If the prescriber has concerns, they may recommend starting with the lowest dose of vardenafil (5mg), suggest an alternative ED treatment that does not affect the QT interval as much, or advise you to discuss the combination with your GP or psychiatrist first. In some cases, an ECG may be needed to measure your QT interval before treatment can be approved. The goal is always to provide effective ED treatment while minimising any risk to your heart health.

Why you must declare all your medicines

It is essential to list every medicine you take—prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and recreational—during your online consultation. Some medicines interact with vardenafil in ways that are not immediately obvious, and your prescriber relies on accurate information to make safe decisions. Never stop or change your amisulpride or any other prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

Practical advice for taking vardenafil with amisulpride

If your prescriber approves vardenafil while you are taking amisulpride, follow their instructions carefully. Take vardenafil exactly as prescribed—usually 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, and no more than once in 24 hours [5]. Do not take a higher dose than prescribed, as this increases the risk of side effects and QT prolongation.

Be aware of warning signs that may indicate a heart rhythm problem. These include a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or feeling unusually breathless. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking vardenafil, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately. If you faint or have a seizure, call 999 or go to A&E.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking vardenafil, as alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction, increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure, and may add to the sedative effects of amisulpride. Grapefruit juice can also increase vardenafil levels in your blood, so it is best avoided. If you have any concerns or notice new symptoms, contact your GP or the prescriber who approved your treatment.

Alternative ED treatments if vardenafil and amisulpride are not suitable together

If your prescriber decides that the combination of vardenafil and amisulpride carries too much risk for you, there are other options for treating erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and tadalafil (generic Cialis) are also PDE5 inhibitors and work in a similar way to vardenafil, but they have slightly different effects on the QT interval and may be considered safer in some cases [3][4]. Your prescriber will assess which option is most appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

Avanafil (Spedra) is another PDE5 inhibitor that works more quickly than vardenafil and may be an alternative, though it also requires careful assessment if you take medicines that affect the heart [6]. Non-tablet treatments are also available: alprostadil cream (Vitaros) or alprostadil injections (Caverject) work locally rather than affecting the whole body, so they do not interact with amisulpride in the same way [7]. These require a prescription and training from a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle changes can also help improve erectile function. Losing weight if you are overweight, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and managing stress or anxiety can all make a difference [1][2]. If your ED is related to the side effects of amisulpride (which can affect hormone levels and sexual function), speak to your psychiatrist—they may be able to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medicine. Never stop taking amisulpride without medical advice, as this can cause your mental health symptoms to return.

How Cured Pharmacy can help

Cured Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy offering a range of ED treatments, including vardenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, and branded options. Every order requires an online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber, ensuring your treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If vardenafil is not suitable, the prescriber will discuss alternatives that may work better with your current medicines.

When to get urgent help

• Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)—go to A&E immediately
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing—stop vardenafil and seek urgent medical advice
• Chest pain during or after sex—stop activity, call 999 if pain does not resolve quickly
• Fainting, seizure, or severe dizziness—call 999 or go to A&E
• Fast or irregular heartbeat with breathlessness—seek same-day medical assessment

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.