The Human Sexual Response Cycle: Psychotropic Side Effects and Treatment Strategies

Abstract

<p>In clinical practice, psychiatrists prescribe many medications with varied side effect profiles. Evaluation of side effects should be a routine part of management. Sexual side effects associated with psychotropic medications is the focus of this review. We begin with a discussion about the normal human sexual response cycle in significant detail. An understanding of the normal physiology will help us to understand the effects that medications have on this natural phenomenon. Next, the discussion turns to specific interactions by particular medications on the human sexual response cycle. The scope of this article includes both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-type antidepressants, and to a lesser extent, antipsychotic medications. Finally, we describe various treatment strategies employed to counteract these adverse events. Our goal is to inform the practitioner so that he/she may be able to make appropriate treatment decisions specific to each individual patient. </p><h4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</h4> <p>Andrew G. Resnik, MD, is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Director of Residency Training, and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Director, Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, Columbia. Muaid H. Ithman, MD, is Senior Resident in General Psychiatry at University of Missouri, Columbia.</p> <p>Address correspondence to: Andrew G. Resnik, MD, One Hospital Drive, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia, MO 65212; or e-mail <a href="mailto:resnika@health.missouri.edu">resnika@health.missouri.edu</a>.</p> <p>Dr. Resnik and Dr. Ithman have disclosed no relevant financial information.</p>