Hypoactive Sexual Desire and Other Sexual Dysfunctions Caused by Psychotropic Drugs and Anticonvulsants

Currently, there are a huge number of drugs. Every year their number increases and their number is in the tens of thousands, which makes it possible to speak of a “pharmaceutical explosion”. In addition to its main therapeutic effect, each of the drugs has side effects, which, in particular, may affect the sexual sphere. This article discusses the literature on the side effects of psychotropic drugs and anticonvulsants, which can lead to hypoactive sexual desire and other sexual dysfunctions. The side effects on sexual functions of tranquilizers, antipsychotics (traditional and newer), antidepressants of various groups (tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as newer antidepressants), mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants are considered. The degree of influence of neuroleptics and antidepressants on sexual function is discussed depending on the dose, duration of administration, belonging to one or another chemical class. It is noted that some drugs from these groups can have a stronger negative effect on sexual functions, others have a moderate or weak effect, and still others not only do not have such an effect, but even increase sexual desire and other sexual functions. Therefore, before starting to take one or another drug from these groups, one should evaluate the state of sexual functions and, in case of their violation, prescribe such drugs that have the same therapeutic effect, but when they are used, there is no risk of adverse effects on the sexual sphere. These drugs (for example, antidepressants) should be prescribed as a substitute even in cases where a drug with an antidepressant effect was previously taken, which led to sexual dysfunctions