MALE SEXUAL SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIDEPRESSANTS - A DESCRIPTIVE CLINICAL-STUDY OF 32 PATIENTS

Objective: This is a retrospective study to add to the existing body o f clinical information regarding male sexual side effects associated w ith antidepressants. From the chart review, thirty-four out of eighty male patients were identified to have reported loss of libido, erectil e difficulty, anorgasmia, and delayed ejaculation while receiving phar macotherapy of selective serotonin reuptake blockers (fluoxetine, paro xetine, and sertraline); tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline, imi pramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, and clomipramine); and a monoamin e oxidase inhibitor (phenelzine). Method: The authors also discussed t he management of these sexual side effects by waiting for spontaneous remission, reducing the dosage level, and substituting the offending d rug with other antidepressants. Results: This article under scores the underreported nature of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction, the high incidence of SSRI-associated sexual side effects, equal pote ntials in causing sexual side effects among the three SSRI's, the low incidence rate of sexual adverse effects from bupropion, and the minim al need to add an antidote if the side effects are to be managed syste matically. Conclusions: Finally, male sexual side effects can occur ra ndomly and involve any sexual phase randomly, and the treatment approa ches are similar, regardless of the types of sexual dysfunction associ ated with antidepressants.