[Sexuality and medication in the elderly.]

A lot of drugs have been reported to have adverse effects on sexual functions. Interference with ejaculation in man, failure to reach orgasm in women, decreased libido can occur with any centrally acting drugs or drugs that act on the sympathetic nervous system. In fact, the incidence of adverse sexual effects of drugs is not well documented. The effects which lead to sexual dysfunction are mostly reported by patients which are themselves reluctant to discuss with their physician. Antihistaminics, antihypertensives, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antipsychotics and minor tranquilizer may have an adverse effect on sexual function. Because elderly people are prone to adverse drug effects, they arc expected to experience more side effects on their sexual life with commonly prescribed drugs than younger ones are to. Refraining drug use and attentive listening may help the patient restore his normal sexual life.