title: Cyproheptadine treatment of sexual dysfunction induced by serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
abstract: Treatment of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) is associated with sexual dysfunction. The cause of this dysfunction is unclear but may be related to stimulation of the serotonergic system. In the present article, we describe seven patients in whom iatrogenic sexual dysfunction induced by SRIs was treated with cyproheptadine, a 5HT-2 antagonist with antihistaminergic and adrenolytic properties. Seven obsessive-compulsive male patients, aged 29-54 years, who developed sexual dysfunction following treatment with SRIs (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and clomipramine) were instructed to take cyproheptadine (4-12 mg) 1-2 h before commencing sexual activity. Five of the seven patients displayed improvement in sexual function, although the improvement was transitory in two. The two remaining patients did not respond. All patients exhibited sedation on the day following cyproheptadine administration. Our preliminary observation suggests that some patients with sexual dysfunction associated with SRI treatment, mainly decreased libido and anorgasmia, may benefit from cyproheptadine administration. The role of 5HT-2 antagonists in SRI-induced sexual dysfunction merits further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Geha Psychiatric Hospital, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aizenberg
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zemishlany
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weizman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000009:adverse effects; D003533:Cyproheptadine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects; D016666:Fluvoxamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D002997:Clomipramine; D003533:Cyproheptadine; D005473:Fluoxetine; D016666:Fluvoxamine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors