Effects of methylphenidate and MDMA on appraisal of erotic stimuli and intimate relationships
European Neuropsychopharmacology December 4, 2014 Yasmin Schmid, Cédric M. Hysek, Katrin H. Preller et al. 39 citations
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 30 healthy adults, a single 40 mg dose of methylphenidate increased subjective ratings of sexual arousal when viewing explicit erotic pictures and led participants to press a button to prolong viewing of implicit sexual stimuli, whereas a 75 mg dose of MDMA did not alter sexual arousal. Neither drug changed how participants appraised the romantic relationships of unknown couples. Blood levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone were unrelated to arousal ratings. The findings suggest that boosting dopamine, but not serotonin, enhances sexual drive, raising questions about sexual perception in people who misuse methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement or ADHD treatment.