Antidepressant-Induced Adverse Effects and Management Strategy: Focused on Sexual Dysfunction

Kim, Jeong Gee; Lee, Soo Jin

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is a relatively common adverse effect in the use of antidepressants. The sexual side effects may result in a lack of compliance with the prescribed antidepressants. The author reviewed the prevalence and updated treatment for the antidepressant-induced adverse effects focusing on sexual dysfunction. The incidence of sexual dysfunction is reported to exceed more than 50% especially with SSRIs. In order to obtain a quantified baseline and as an ongoing evaluation tool, clinicians may use some of the established questionnaires and validated instruments such as the Arizona Sexual Experience scale and Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. Clinicians should be aware that delayed ejaculation and orgasm, symptoms most frequently associated with antidepressants, are not usually associated with depression itself. Although many antidotes have been proposed, few have been subjected to double-blind trials. Some evidences have suggested that bupropion and buspiron may be the effective antidotes for SSRI induced sexual dysfunction. Additional trials will be requied to define what role, if any, bupropion and buspiron might have in the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual side effects. The available evidence is rather limited, with only small number of trials assessing each strategy. While further randomized data is awaited, for men with antidepressant induced erectile dysfunction, the addition of sidenafil or tadalafil may appear to be an effective strategy.