Sexual side effects of pharmacological treatment of psychiatric diseases

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011 Jan;89(1):142-7. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2010.70. Epub 2010 Jul 28.

Abstract

Since the introduction of psychiatric medications with relatively good safety profiles, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, increasing attention has been given to side effects such as sexual dysfunction (SD), which, although unrelated to risks of mortality, could undermine compliance with treatment regimens and impair quality of life. Indeed,there is consistent evidence to suggest that a large number of psychiatric medications adversely affect one or more of the three phases of normal sexual response: desire, arousal, and orgasm.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Reproduction / drug effects
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / chemically induced*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / complications
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / chemically induced
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / complications

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Psychotropic Drugs