Abstract

The purpose of this work is to check the existing information in literature about the relationship between antidepressant medication and sexual dysfunctions, in order to optimize the selection of a therapeutical plan that avoids these side effects. A method of manual revision of the publications related to the topic was used utilizing the data bases available. RESULTS: tricycles are the drugs that present the most undesired symptoms in the sexual area; the reversible IMAO compromise the sexuality in a minor way, in comparison to classical IMAO s, but they have less antidepressant effectiveness; SSRIs and venlafaxine involve the sexual response in all its phases; bupropion, nefaxodone and mirtazapine are the safest drugs in this respect; according to animal samples, various neurotransmitters, hormones and endogens opioids are directly or indirectly involved in the sexual response of antidepressants; the finding of new drugs with different action profiles has allowed amplifying the alternatives for treatment. This knowledge permits the establishment of better decision taking in the management and monitoring of these unwanted side effects.