title: A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of adjunctive bupropion sustained release in the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sexual side effects are among the common reasons patients discontinue selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While many antidotes have been proposed, few have been subjected to double-blind trials. Some evidence has suggested that bupropion may be an effective antidote for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. In this double-blind trial, the efficacy of a standard dose of bupropion sustained release (SR) is evaluated in the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with a history of SSRI-induced sexual side effects were randomly assigned to adjunctive treatment with either bupropion SR 150 mg daily or placebo for 6 weeks. Assessments of sexual function and interest included the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Brief Index of Sexual Functioning, and a 10-point visual analogue scale. Efficacy was defined as a 50% improvement on the ASEX at the end of 6 weeks. Data were collected from January 1999 to March 2001.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one patients entered the study and completed the 6-week trial. No significant differences were seen between placebo and bupropion SR on the ASEX or on any measure of sexual functioning at the end of the trial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A fixed dose of 150 mg/day of bupropion SR taken in the morning does not appear to be effective in the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Additional trials will be required to define what role, if any, bupropion might have in the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual side effects.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif 94305, USA. debattista@stanford.edu
authors: Charles
authors: C
authors: DeBattista
authors: Brent
authors: B
authors: Solvason
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Poirier
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Kendrick
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: Loraas
mesh_terms: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010919:Placebos; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors