Drugs that cause sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a common and distressing side effect of many drugs, both prescribed and otherwise. In this brief overview, the normal biology of sexual function is outlined, together with the central and peripheral underlying chemical mechanisms. Knowledge of the normal biology of sexual function, along with knowledge of the mechanism of action of different drugs, helps one to predict whether a medication might cause sexual problems. Psychotropic drugs in particular can have both short- and long-term effects on sexual function, depending on length of exposure to an individual agent. This contribution provides an overview of those drugs which are most likely to be associated with sexual dysfunction, including not only prescribed medication but also recreational drugs and those commonly used by patients with mental health problems. The contribution ends with an outline of the management of drug-induced sexual side effects.