Sex, drugs and the medical role: A case report of a man prescribed Alprazolam following stroke

Australas Med J. 2011;4(11):608-9. doi: 10.4066/AMJ.2011.1045. Epub 2011 Nov 30.

Abstract

It is well-known that sexual dysfunction can result from many classes of drugs including sedatives, anti-hypertensives and anti-depressants. Untreated sexual dysfunction can lead to patient distress.A 64-year-old man with a history of a left cerebrovascular accident participated in a qualitative research study on sex after stroke. He had been experiencing sexual dysfunction for four years.Discussions with the patient were difficult due to his expressive dysphasia. The researcher asked him to re-visit his general practitioner (GP) who reviewed his medications and changed the prescribed sleeping tablet. Sexual function returned within a week. This case report highlights the contribution of medication to sexual dysfunction and the need for doctors to initiate conversations about sexual concerns.

Keywords: Sexual dysfunction; doctor-patient communication; expressive dysphasia; sleeping tablets; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports