A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of adjunctive bupropion sustained release in the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
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.
DeBattista
Charles
C
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif 94305, USA. debattista@stanford.edu
Solvason
Brent
B
Poirier
Jennifer
J
Kendrick
Ellen
E
Loraas
Emily
E
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
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010919:Placebos; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors