2 replies to this topic

[khemix]

Why do SSRIs cause genital anesthesia? Some make the whole region feel like it has been injected with benzocaine. It is especiialy strong with Paxil and Zoloft. Literature barely discuses this, attributing a lot of the sexual side effects to the depression (sigh).

Are there specific receptors that are antagonized which cause this to be stronger than in some ADs than others or is it the general SERT transport that is causing this.

What other substances cause this? Maybe it can be narrowed down.

Edited by khemix, 11 June 2012 - 02:50 PM.

[nowayout]

I don't think this is specific to the genitals. Don't they pretty much cause a certain amount of "anesthesia" generally? SSRIs pretty much have an overall sedative effect in many people. In many people they certainly tend to sedate circuits of the brain responsible for rumination and obsessive thinking and actions. There is a school of thought that when they work it tends to be because of this sedative effect, not because the "fix" any supposed chemical imbalances. They are also often used for chronic pain, precisely because of this anesthesia/sedative effect.

[khemix]

I don't think this is specific to the genitals. Don't they pretty much cause a certain amount of "anesthesia" generally? SSRIs pretty much have an overall sedative effect in many people. In many people they certainly tend to sedate circuits of the brain responsible for rumination and obsessive thinking and actions. There is a school of thought that when they work it tends to be because of this sedative effect, not because the "fix" any supposed chemical imbalances. They are also often used for chronic pain, precisely because of this anesthesia/sedative effect.

This is true, I tend to notice my feet have less sensation when on SSRIs. This makes sense, as serotonin is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter.

I wonder if this also depresses cognition somewhat, because I can swear my memory is slightly worse when on ADs.

But related to the topic, are there any specific receptors types that are responsible for anesthesia?

Edited by khemix, 11 June 2012 - 07:33 PM.