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Strategies for managing sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressant medication

Rudkin L, Taylor MJ, Hawton K

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2004

904 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction (including altered desire, orgasmic dysfunction, erectile and ejaculatory problems) is a relatively common side effect of antidepressant medication. These sexual side effects may compromise a person's lifestyle and result in a lack of compliance with the prescribed antidepressant to the detriment of the person's mental health.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of management strategies for sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressant medication.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the CCDANCTR (March 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library issue 2, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 - June 2004), EMBASE (1980 - March 2004), CINAHL (1982 - March 2004), PsycINFO (1984 - March 2004) and the reference lists of articles. We also contacted pharmaceutical companies and experts in the field of sexology.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing the management strategies for antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Adverse effect information was collected from the trials.

MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen trials involving 904 people were included. One trial involving 75 people with sexual dysfunction due to sertraline assessed changing antidepressant. Switching to nefazodone was significantly less likely to result in the…

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: 904 participants or records.

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