Serotonin reuptake antidepressant effects on sexual function in patients with anxiety disorders.
BACKGROUND
Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants have been associated with sexual dysfunction, though there have been few prospective reports specifically examining this problem. The purpose of this study was to determine if three SRIs affected sexual function in anxiety disorder patients over a 3-month period.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients were enrolled in a prospective study of the effect of three SRIs, fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine, on five aspects of sexual function: libido, erection/lubrication, orgasm quality, orgasm delay, and sexual frequency. Measurements were made at baseline and at each month on visual analogue scales.


RESULTS
For men and women, orgasm quality was lower and orgasm delay longer at months one, two, and three compared to baseline (p < .01). Erection scores were lower over time, but this change was not statistically significant. Lubrication, libido, and sexual frequency were not appreciably changed over 3 months. A higher rate of anorgasmia was noted in women at months one and two, but this did not achieve significance.


CONCLUSIONS
Orgasm appears to be a primary sexual function affected by SRIs.
Labbate
L A
LA
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Mental Health Service, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA.
Grimes
J B
JB
Arana
G W
GW
D015057:1-Naphthylamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020280:Sertraline; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology
D015057:1-Naphthylamine; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline