Sexual effects

The major problem in such conversions is the degradation of the branched carbon side-chain on C-17 which is present in all abundant steroids and lacking in all steroid hormones. The most important starting material used in industry today is diosgenin from the Mexican dioscorea plant. It is degraded by the method of Marker to 16-dehydropregnenolone in 45% total yield. This compound is a key substance in the production of several hormones with anabolic, catabolic, and sexual effects. 

Fig. 7.12 Urinary pheromones and Micmcebus populations reproductive influences on Mouse-lemurs. Left weak intra-sexual effects, Right weak inter-sexual effects (c.f. Fig. 7.11) for interactions with photoperiod effects, see text (after Perret, 1992 and 1995 Schilling et al., 1984).

Penile erection occurs by relaxation of the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, increasing blood flow into the penis and producing erection and rigidity. In a parallel fashion, vaginal pressure stimulation increases blood velocity and flow into clitoral arteries (Lavoisier et al. 1995). Cavernosal vasodilation is accomplished by neurotransmitters released from the cavernosal nerve and endothelial cells. One of the most important transmitters in this cascade is nitric oxide (NO), which induces synthesis of cyclic GMP from guanylate cyclase (Rajfer et al. 1992). Thus, ginkgo s vascular mechanisms could be responsible for some of the putative sexual effects. 

Perret, M. and Schilling, A. (1987). Intermale sexual effect elicited by volatile urinary ether extract inMicwcebusmurinus(Ptosimian, Primates).Jowrna/ofChemicalEcology 13, 495-507. 

Sedative effects, particularly with trazodone, can be quite pronounced. Thus, it is not surprising that the treatment of insomnia is currently the primary application of trazodone. The gastrointestinal effects appear to be dose-related and are less pronounced than those seen with SNRIs or SSRIs. Sexual effects are uncommon with nefazodone or trazodone treatment as a result of the relatively selective serotonergic effects of these drugs on the 5-HT2 receptor rather than on... 

Three antidepressants—nefazodone, venlafaxine, and mirtazapine—are all related to earlier agents in either structure or mechanism of action. Nefazodone is closely related to trazodone but is less sedating. It produces fewer adverse sexual effects than the SSRIs but is a potent inhibitor of CYP3 A4. (Fluvoxamine causes the same inhibition of CYP3 A4.)... 

As to sexual effects, in her report on the intimate lives of marijuana users (The Sexual Power of Marijuana), Barbara Lewis asks, "Is sexual power a wild plant Her findings are prefaced with the following summary. 

This bark is generally prepared by boiling so that psychoactive elements are leached out and starting material can be thrown away. Mental effects are fairly mild. Adam Gottlieb comments on yohimbe s propensity for producing sexual effects such as erections in males ... 

The adverse sexual effects of SSRIs have been reviewed (58). The use of SSRIs is most often associated with delayed ejaculation and absent or delayed orgasm, but reduced desire and arousal have also been reported. Estimates of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction with SSRIs vary from a small percentage to over 80%. Prospective studies that enquire specifically about sexual function have reported the highest figures. Similar sexual disturbances are seen in patients taking SSRIs for the treatment of anxiety disorders (59), showing that SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction is not limited to patients with depression. It is not clear whether the relative incidence of sexual dysfunction differs between the SSRIs, but it is possible that paroxetine carries the highest risk (58). 

Adverse sexual effects are reported in a frequency similar to that of SSRIs (SEDA-20, 9). 

Another example of the deceptive nature of alcohol is its sexual effect. Many people who drink to enhance sex claim that alcohol increases desire, removes inhibitions, and promotes relaxation, In men, however, its depression of the nervous system can prevent erection and drastically interfere with sexual performance. Writers as far back as Shakespeare have noted this property... 

Usual Extreme Dose, Dose, Dosage Hypo-mg/day mg/day Form Agitation Seizures Sedation tension Anti- cholinergic Effects Gastro- intestinal Effects Weight Gain Sexual Effects Cardiac Effects... 

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