PSYCHOSTIMULANTS APPARENTLY REVERSE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION SECONDARY TO SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS

Sexual dysfunction secondary to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibito rs (SSRIs) is an almost universal, yet pooly understood phenomenon. No t uncommonly, this unpleasant side effect leads to noncompliance. Sinc e SSRIs have been so successful clinically, it is time to find a safe and effective treatment for this side effect. This paper reports on fi ve cases in which low dosages of the psychostimulants, dextroamphetami ne and methylphenidate, administerd on a p.r.n. basis, reversed the se xually inhibiting side effects of the SSRIs fluoxetine, sertraline, an d paroxetine in patients with and without attention deficit hyperactiv ity disorder. In addition, the women experienced enhanced levels of ar ousal, orgasmic sensation and excitement during the resolution phase ( afterglow) of the sexual response cycle on psychostimulants, and the m en noted firmer erections.