Male sexual side effects associated with antidepressants: a descriptive clinical study of 32 patients.
OBJECTIVE
This is a retrospective study to add to the existing body of clinical information regarding male sexual side effects associated with antidepressants. From the chart review, thirty-four out of eighty male patients were identified to have reported loss of libido, erectile difficulty, anorgasmia, and delayed ejaculation while receiving pharmacotherapy of selective serotonin reuptake blockers (fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline); tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline, imipramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, and clomipramine); and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (phenelzine).


METHODS
The authors also discussed the management of these sexual side effects by waiting for spontaneous remission, reducing the dosage level, and substituting the offending drug with other antidepressants.


RESULTS
This article underscores the underreported nature of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction, the high incidence of SSRI-associated sexual side effects, equal potentials in causing sexual side effects among the three SSRI's, the low incidence rate of sexual adverse effects from bupropion, and the minimal need to add an antidote if the side effects are to be managed systematically.


CONCLUSIONS
Finally, male sexual side effects can occur randomly and involve any sexual phase randomly, and the treatment approaches are similar, regardless of the types of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants.
Hsu
J H
JH
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63104, USA.
Shen
W W
WW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000187:drug effects; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors