Drugs and Sex Flashcards
General mechanisms for drugs to affect sexuality
Libido and performance
Hormones and NT’s that increase libido
Testosterone
Dopamine
Estrogen (female), FSH, LH?
Hormones and NT’s that decrease libido
Prolactin
Estrogen (male)
Serotonin
Hormonal effects of drugs on sex
Increased prolactin secretion
Anti adrenergic
CNS effects of drugs on sex
Block dopamine, NE, Ach, enhance 5HT, sedation
Interference with erection mechanism
Peripheral anti muscarinic action
Decreased blood flow
Interference with orgasm mechanism
Alpha 1 blockade
Anesthetic
Sedation
Antihypertensives that cause sexual problems
Ganglionic blockers Clonidine Methyldopa Alpha 1 blockers Beta Blockers - 5-10% Spironolactone Thiazide diuretics
Antihypertensives with few sexual side effects
Calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARB’s,
Why are psychiatric drug effects on sexuality more complicated?
Because the disease itself can have effects on sexuality
Antipsychotics and libido
Decrease
DA receptor blockade
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Antipsychotics and erection
Decreased due to anticholinergic effects
Antipsychotics and orgasm
Decrease due to alpha 1 blockade.
Alcohol and sex - acute effects
Small doses - disinhibiting.
Large doses - impotence, delayed, inhibited, and/or less intense orgasm.
Alcohol and sex - chronic effects
Neuropathy - impotence
Decreased testosterone - lower libido.