Sexual side effects of SSRI medications: potential treatment strategies for SSRI-induced female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract

Depression often coexists with sexual dysfunction, and the medical treatment of depression can further worsen sexual symptoms or cause de novo sexual dysfunction in a person who did not experience it prior to treatment. There are many drugs that can adversely affect sexual response. Among antidepressants, this effect is commonly observed with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Various strategies for the treatment of SSRI-related sexual dysfunction have been studied, including: awaiting spontaneous remission of sexual dysfunction; reducing the dose of medication; taking a "drug holiday"; adding another drug to help reverse sexual symptoms; changing antidepressants; or initially starting with a different antidepressant that is known to have fewer or no sexual side effects. Overall, it is important to address sexual health when caring for a patient--to improve drug compliance and the patient's well being.