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.