Resolution of sexual dysfunction during acute treatment of major depression with milnacipran.
OBJECTIVE
The sexual function and enjoyment questionnaire (SFEQ) was developed to assess and detect changes in sexual function in men and women. The aim of the present study was to use the SFEQ to evaluate the effects of the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, milnacipran, in the treatment of depression in two culturally different populations.


METHODS
The SFEQ was employed in two studies investigating milnacipran in the treatment of major depression: a 12-week open study in Brazil and a 6-week randomised controlled study in Europe.


RESULTS
At endpoint, 61.3% (Brazil) and 78.4% (Europe) of patients had >or=50% reduction of baseline Hamilton Depression Rating (HAMD) score. All SFEQ items showed improvements in sexual function in both studies at endpoint, 60% (Brazil) and 56% (Europe) of patients stating that their sexual desire was as great as or greater than it had been before their depressive episode.


CONCLUSIONS
Milnacipran appears to improve sexual function in parallel with improvement in other symptoms of depression. The SFEQ is a sensitive instrument for measuring changes in sexual function and appears to be unaffected by cultural differences as shown by similar findings in Brazil and Europe.
Clinical Neuroscience Division, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
David
D
Baldwin
Ricardo A
RA
Moreno
Mike
M
Briley
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078764:Milnacipran; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D017374:Paroxetine; D000078764:Milnacipran