Antidepressant Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Depression and sexual dysfunction are both common in the general population. When they co-exist they have the potential to impact negatively on each other in a bidirectional manner. Medication used to treat depression may cause additional problems with the sexual response cycle; although no drug is completely innocent, serotonergic agents such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are most frequently implicated in antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction. Adherence to long term treatment may be compromised which may have serious consequences. Various pharmacological strategies, including the ad hoc use of sildenafil, may offer some respite.