skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8838

Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: impact, effects, and treatment

Review

(1938) Views  (749) Full article downloads

Authors: Agnes Higgins, Michael Nash, Aileen M Lynch

Published Date September 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 141 - 150
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S7634

Agnes Higgins, Michael Nash, Aileen M Lynch
School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of antidepressants and can have significant impact on the person’s quality of life, relationships, mental health, and recovery. The reported incidence of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant medication varies considerably between studies, making it difficult to estimate the exact incidence or prevalence. The sexual problems reported range from decreased sexual desire, decreased sexual excitement, diminished or delayed orgasm, to erection or delayed ejaculation problems. There are a number of case reports of sexual side effects, such as priapism, painful ejaculation, penile anesthesia, loss of sensation in the vagina and nipples, persistent genital arousal and nonpuerperal lactation in women. The focus of this article is to explore the incidence, pathophysiology, and treatment of antidepressant iatrogenic sexual dysfunction.

Keywords: depression, antidepressant, iatrogenic sexual dysfunction, SSRI, SNRI






Readers of this article also read:

Evidence-based decision-making within the context of globalization: A “Why–What–How” for leaders and managers of health care organizations
Role of aliskiren in cardio-renal protection and use in hypertensives with multiple risk factors
Exacerbation rate, health status and mortality in COPD – a review of potential interventions
Pharmacist-documented interventions during the dispensing process in a primary health care facility in Qatar
Effect of amlodipine, a calcium channel antagonist, on gonadal steroid of male wistar albino rats
Efficacy, tolerability and safety of biologic therapy in rheumatoid disease: patient considerations
Antiepileptic drugs and suicidality
Safety and tolerability of antipsychotics: focus on amisulpride
Importance of ivermectin to human onchocerciasis: past, present, and the future
Cumulative clinical experience from over a decade of use of levofloxacin in community-acquired pneumonia: critical appraisal and role in therapy
  • Testimonials

    "You do a tremendous job!!" Ruben Restrepo, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio