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Sildenafil for iatrogenic serotonergic antidepressant medication-induced sexual dysfunction in 4 patients

Nurnberg HG, Lauriello J, Hensley PL, Parker LM, Keith SJ

The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 1999

129 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sildenafil on iatrogenic serotonergic antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

METHOD: Four outpatients (2 men, 2 women) who developed sexual dysfunction (erectile impotence, anorgasmia) during treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant for psychiatric disorder were selected. Each subject was initially prescribed sildenafil 50 mg to be taken approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. The dose was increased to 100 mg for a partial or failed response.

RESULTS: Four cases are detailed in case report fashion. All 4 had rapid reversal of their sexual dysfunction, usually with the first dose. Reversal equates to 1 successful use of sildenafil in each of 2 patients and 3 uses in 2 patients.

CONCLUSION: Sildenafil may be an effective treatment for serotonergic antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction and deserves further evaluation in randomized placebo-controlled studies.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.

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