What is the effect on the brain, or process that causes sexual
disfunction that is such a common side-effect of SSRI antidepressant
drugs?

Hi,

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have an effect on
neurotransmitters. For example, SSRIs increase serotonin levels. This
increase in serotonin usually improves one's mood and provides relief
of many depressive symptoms. That's the good news. The bad news is
that dopamine, which is related to sexual libido, tends to be
suppressed while taking SSRIs.

Here's a handy little glossary that will give you definitions of
“serotonin,” “dopamine,” and “neurotransmitter” if you need them.

Prozac Glossary
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.50550

The following article discusses SSRIs and sexual side effects at
length. Near the end of the article you'll find some suggestions from
psychiatrists. But like the article says, “Don't try the following at
home until you discuss it with your physician.”

What happened to my sex life?
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1674.50707


Here are some more links for you.:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors And Sexual Dysfunction
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/Organizations/DDIL/SSRI.htm

Effects of SSRIs on Sexual Function
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/ssrisex.htm

Medication and Sexual Dysfunction
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/medsdysfunction/


Search terms:
SSRI + sexual

I hope this information was helpful to you. If you or your partner are
on SSRIs and are experiencing sexual side-effects, I hope you'll
discuss the issue with your physician.

Best wishes,
fsw

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Clarification of Answer by fsw-ga on 03 Nov 2002 23:58 PST

Thank you very much for the 5 star rating and the tip :-)

fsw

Absolutely Excellent!   This answer was thourough, yet concise, and
the turn-around time was fabulous.  I will reccomend Google Answers
with certainty!  I am so impressed!