Not Tonight, I Have a Headache?

Timothy T. Houle, PhD; Lara K. Dhingra, PhD; Thomas A. Remble, MA; Lori A. Rokicki, PhD; Donald B. Penzien, PhD
Headache. 2006;46(6):983-990. ©2006 Blackwell Publishing
Posted 06/14/2006

Abstract

Objective: The present study examined the relationship between the diagnosis of migraine and self-reported sexual desire.
Background: There is evidence for a complex relationship between sexual activity and headache, particularly migraine. The current headache diagnostic criteria even distinguish between several types of primary headaches associated with sexual activity.
Methods: Members of the community or students at the Illinois Institute of Technology (N = 68) were administered the Brief Headache Diagnostic Interview and the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI). Based on the revised diagnostic criteria established by the International Headache Society (ICHD-II), participants were placed in 1 of the 2 headache diagnostic groups: migraine (n = 23) or tension-type (n = 36).
Results: Migraine subjects reported higher SDI scores, and rated their own perceived level of desire higher than those suffering from tension-type headache. The presence of the symptom "headache aggravated by routine physical activity" significantly predicted an elevated SDI score.
Conclusions: Migraine headaches and sexual desire both appear to be at least partially modulated by serotonin (5-HT). The metabolism of 5-HT has been shown to covary with the onset of a migraine attack, and migraineurs appear to have chronically low systemic 5-HT. As sexual desire also has been linked to serotonin levels, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that migraine and sexual desire both may be modulated by similar serotonergic phenomena.

So SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) make one horny? A follow-on study might seek a link between prescriptions for Prozac and rape.

Hey, that'd be worth following up, and for all of the serotonin elevators.

However, could be used as excuses for crime and get away with it:

http://www.breggin.com/paxilandprozaccases1.html

So maybe the doctor prescribing the drug should be sued for negligence in some cases.

careful, no doctors will dare to practice!

Hey, Hey, you're just bragging. I happen to know you suffer from migraines. (I noticed this when you listed sumatriptan amongst your many meds.) Of course, it takes one to know one, as they say. Who knew about this silver lining? Plus, it does explain a thing or two...

hmm intresting possibilities guys, thanks for the article

Actually my migraines have come down from 3/4 per week to 1 per month. I had been on a regime of min 2l water a day, no caffeine drinks, no alcohol, no chocolate, bla, bla, bla. But the 75 mg/day dothiepine still worked even when I went back on everything! Now I'm on 50 mg/day but it got a bit complicated as I was also on dothiepione for chronic pain. But after 30+years of migraines I'm, well not cured, but certainly happy. The sumatriptan is there as a standby and it definitely works. The latter has just been given approval for OTC in the UK. I don't agree with that as there are some serious possible side-effects and contraindications, but the pharmacists will hopefully deal with them (includes hypertension? - very dangerous with triptans). Anyway, I have to go and top up my (red!) wine, so I'll see you later.

ps Triptans don't give the several days protection from migraines that the old ergot used to, but then again they don't cause your fingers to fall off or your brain to die.
pps Some years ago I was prescribed Seroxat (amongst many drugs to try and quash the migraines). Amongst other side-effects, it caused me to continually leak seminal fluid and extended intercourse dramatically due to delayed ejaculation. This seemed to be a strange pair of side-effects, though possibly related to the serotonin modifying activity of the drug (SSRI). The drug seems to have a bad name nowadays and it did me no good for headaches, though it stopped my travel sickness. A sort of "drug with a sense of humour"?