Antidepressants and sexual dysfunction

• Published in: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica Vol. 114; no. 6; pp. 384 - 397
• Main Authors: Werneke, U., Northey, S., Bhugra, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2006; Blackwell
• Subjects: adverse effects; antidepressive agents; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder - drug therapy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Neuropharmacology; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Psychoanaleptics: cns stimulant, antidepressant agent, nootropic agent, mood stabilizer..., (alzheimer disease); Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology; receptor; review; Risk Factors; serotonin; sexual dysfunction; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - chemically induced; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - drug therapy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - epidemiology; antidepressive agents; Chemotherapy; Treatment; receptor; Serotonin; Psychotropic; Sexual dysfunction; Neurotransmitter; adverse effects; Antidepressant agent; Review; Biological receptor
• ISSN: 0001-690X; 1600-0447
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2006.00890.x

Objective:  Many patients with depression suffer from sexual dysfunction and sexual dysfunction is a recognized side‐effect of antidepressants. The aim of this review was to examine the prevalence of psychosexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants, and to review treatment options which are specific to the affected component of sexual functioning and antidepressants. Method:  Comprehensive literature review using Medline and Cochrane databases. Results:  Up to 70% of patients with depression may have sexual dysfunction. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective‐serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine are most and the non‐serotonergic antidepressants and duloxetine least likely to produce sexual dysfunction. Pharmacological treatment options include antidepressants less likely associated or ‘antidotes’ to reverse sexual dysfunction. Conclusion:  Sexual dysfunction may be a preventable or treatable side‐effect of antidepressants. Patients need routinely to be asked about sexual function to identify problems early. If sexual dysfunction is ignored it may maintain the depression, compromise treatment outcome and lead to non‐compliance.