Management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the occurrence and management of sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to provide an overview of sexual dysfunction, reports of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and management strategies.


METHODS
Information was retrieved from a MEDLINE English-literature search from January 1986 to July 1998 and by review of references. Indexing terms included sexual dysfunction, antidepressants, selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, clomipramine, buspirone, nefazodone, bupropion, cyproheptadine, amantadine, yohimbine, and central nervous system stimulants.


METHODS
There are no controlled studies describing SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction or its management. Twenty-one studies are presented, including 2 open-label studies, 12 case series, and 7 case reports. SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction is described with fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine for 3-24 weeks of therapy.


RESULTS
Data were organized according to the pharmacologic agent used in the management of SSRI dysfunction, target population, SSRI implicated, type of sexual dysfunction, experimental design, and treatment response. Data were extracted from methodology and results sections of reports. Methodologic flaws included failure to account for gender differences, omission of SSRI dose and duration, and use of concomitant drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of reports suggests that SSRI-induced dysfunction is a common adverse effect; controlled studies are necessary to determine prevalence. Most reports have occurred with fluoxetine, but this phenomenon may be related to its widespread use. Further study is needed to evaluate baseline sexual function, to define target populations, and to compare SSRIs in inducing sexual dysfunction. Serotonin antagonists and dopamine agonists have been used most often to treat SSRI-induced dysfunction and have generally been effective, but controlled studies are also needed.
Woodrum
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Department of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Brown
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CS
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003533:Cyproheptadine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003533:Cyproheptadine; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D015016:Yohimbine