Management of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic drug therapy
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Psychotropic drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction. Symptoms may concern penile erection, lubrication, orgasm, libido, retrograde ejaculation, sexual arousal, or overall sexual satisfaction. These are major aspects of tolerability and can highly affect patients' compliance.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of different strategies (e.g. dose reduction, drug holidays, adjunctive medication, switching to another drug) for treatment of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic therapy.
SEARCH METHODS: An updated search was performed in the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Trials Register (3 May 2012) and the references of all identified studies for further trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all relevant randomised controlled trials involving people with schizophrenia and sexual dysfunction.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted data independently. For dichotomous data we calculated random effects risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for crossover trials we calculated Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% CI. For continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MD) on the basis of a random-effects model. We analysed cross-over trials under consideration of correlation of paired measures.
MAIN RESULTS: Currently this review includes four pioneering studies (total n = 138 , duration two weeks to four months), two of which are cross-over trials. One trial reported significantly more erections sufficient for penetration when receiving sildenafil…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 138 participants or records.
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