Fluoxetine-induced changes in tactile sensation and sexual functioning among clinically depressed women.
Sexual side effects resulting from serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use may be mediated by a number of peripheral mechanisms, including alterations in tactile sensitivity. It was hypothesized that sexual difficulties resulting from SSRI use arise in part from an over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity of tactile sensation. Tactile sensitivity was examined on the index finger and lower lip in clinically depressed women at baseline (pre-medication), week 1, week 4, and week 8 of drug treatment (fluoxetine group n = 12, control n = 13). Analyses indicated that fluoxetine treatment resulted in decreased orgasm functioning. Fluoxetine-induced sexual changes were not mediated by tactile sensation. An independent association was found between sexual arousal functioning and finger sensation. Novel to this study, an independent association was found between sexual desire and finger sensation.
Frohlich
Penny
P
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
Meston
Cindy M
CM
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014110:Touch / Q000187:drug effects*; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors