Which of the following effects of SSRI's is presumed to be the cause of the associated sexual dysfunction?
Activation of 5-HT2 receptors mediates inhibitory actions on sexual behaviour. 5-HT2 antagonists, such as cyproheptadine, and 5-HT1a agonists, such as buspirone, can reverse sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Activation of 5-HT2 receptors mediates inhibitory actions on sexual behaviour. 5-HT2 antagonists, such as cyproheptadine, and 5-HT1a agonists, such as buspirone, can reverse sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Antidepressants (sexual side effects)
Sexual dysfunction can occur with tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs and monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
The following antidepressants are associated with a relatively lower incidence of sexual dysfunction (Baldwin, 2003):-
- Bupropion
- Mirtazapine
- Moclobemide
- Nefazodone
- Reboxetine
A Cochrane review (Rudkin, 2004) of antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction found that the addition of sildenafil, tadalafil, or bupropion may improve sexual function but that other augmentation strategies did not.
Agomelatine seems not to cause sexual adverse effects.
Baldwin D (2003) Sexual side-effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment vol. 9, 202-210.
Rudkin et al (2004). Strategies for managing sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressant medication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev; CD003382.
