Effects of methylphenidate and MDMA on appraisal of erotic stimuli and intimate relationships
European Neuropsychopharmacology – December 04, 2014
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Methylphenidate significantly boosts sexual arousal, unlike MDMA, according to a study involving 30 healthy adults. Participants rated their sexual arousal higher after taking 40 mg of methylphenidate when viewing explicit images, while MDMA (75 mg) showed no effect. Additionally, those on methylphenidate increased the time they wanted to view implicit sexual stimuli. Notably, hormonal levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone did not correlate with arousal ratings. Neither drug influenced how participants perceived romantic relationships of others, highlighting the distinct roles of dopamine and serotonin in sexual behavior.
Abstract
Methylphenidate mainly enhances dopamine neurotransmission whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") mainly enhances serotonin neurotransmission. However, both drugs also induce a weaker increase of cerebral noradrenaline exerting sympathomimetic properties. Dopaminergic psychostimulants are reported to increase sexual drive, while serotonergic drugs typically impair sexual arousal and functions. Additionally, serotonin has also been shown to modulate cognitive perception of romantic relationships. Whether methylphenidate or MDMA alter sexual arousal or cognitive appraisal of intimate relationships is not known. Thus, we evaluated effects of methylphenidate (40 mg) and MDMA (75 mg) on subjective sexual arousal by viewing erotic pictures and on perception of romantic relationships of unknown couples in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 healthy adults. Methylphenidate, but not MDMA, increased ratings of sexual arousal for explicit sexual stimuli. The participants also sought to increase the presentation time of implicit sexual stimuli by button press after methylphenidate treatment compared with placebo. Plasma levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone were not associated with sexual arousal ratings. Neither MDMA nor methylphenidate altered appraisal of romantic relationships of others. The findings indicate that pharmacological stimulation of dopaminergic but not of serotonergic neurotransmission enhances sexual drive. Whether sexual perception is altered in subjects misusing methylphenidate e.g., for cognitive enhancement or as treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is of high interest and warrants further investigation.