Incidence of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants
This research is presented here to assist people in recovery from alcoholism, addiction and co-dependency but applies to every person.
The research is not solid evidence that this will happen to you but it does give an indication of the risk of sexual dysfunction.
Please remember;
- Some of these medications are highly addictive (Check the information at the linked articles),
- Some of these can cause you to be more restless, irritable and discontent,
- Do not stop taking medication before talking to your doctor (Withdrawal can be life threatening)
Methods
Prospective, multicenter, open-label study analyzing the incidence of antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction from April 1995 to February 2000
1,022 outpatients (610 women, 412 men) with previously normal sexual function and previously regular and satisfactory sexual practices who experienced sexual dysfunction within 2 months after initiating treatment with antidepressants alone or antidepressants plus benzodiazepines were interviewed using the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire every time they went to the clinic
The aims of this study were to prospectively assess the incidence of sexual dysfunction secondary to antidepressant therapy by administering a questionnaire; to compare the frequency, intensity, and outcome of such dysfunction in patients receiving 10 different types of antidepressants
Results
The overall incidence of sexual dysfunction was 59.1% (604/1022).
The incidence of sexual dysfunction with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and venlafaxine was higher than that observed with serotonin-2 blockers,
- moclobemide, and amineptine: citalopram, 72.7% (48/66);
- paroxetine, 70.7% (147/208);
- venlafaxine, 67.3% (37/55);
- sertraline, 62.9% (100/159);
- fluvoxamine, 62.3% (48/77);
- fluoxetine, 57.7% (161/279);
- mirtazapine, 24.4% (12/49);
- nefazodone, 8% (4/50);
- amineptine 6.9% (2/29);
- moclobemide, 3.9% (1/26)
There were no differences between the SSRIs and venlafaxine with regard to intensity of decreased libido, but paroxetine showed significantly greater erectile dysfunction intensity compared with the other SSRIs; mirtazapine was associated with significantly lower anorgasmia or absence of ejaculation compared with all other antidepressants.
Women had a lower frequency of sexual dysfunction (56.9%) than men (62.4%), but greater intensity of decreased libido, delayed orgasm, and anorgasmia.
About 40% of patients showed low tolerance of their sexual dysfunction
Reference; Montejo AL, Llorca G, Izquierdo JA, Rico-Villademoros F; Spanish Working Group for the Study of Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction. Incidence of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant agents: A prospective multicenter study of 1022 outpatients. J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;62(s3):10-21.
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