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Behn M, Kielhofner J, Panicker JN, Kaplan TB. Sexual dysfunction and commonly used drugs in neurology. Pract Neurol 2024; 24:207-214. [PMID: 38212111 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-003760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is common in men and women with neurological diseases. Medications used in neurology can cause sexual dysfunction independently of the disease process and this may adversely affect patients' quality of life. This review focuses on medications commonly prescribed to neurological patients that may contribute to altered sexual function, and discusses how they may differ in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Behn
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jalesh N Panicker
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Tamara B Kaplan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Tripathi A, Agrawal A, Joshi M. Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunctions due to antidepressants: A primer on assessment and management strategies. Indian J Psychiatry 2024; 66:293-303. [PMID: 39100123 PMCID: PMC11293283 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_784_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Antidepressants (ADs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. Persons with mental illness taking ADs commonly report sexual dysfunction (SD) related to treatment. A brief discussion on the neurobiology of sexual functioning and mechanism of treatment-emergent SD (TESD) was performed. The incidence of prevalence of TESD in various studies has been reviewed. TESD impacts patients as it frequently leads to nonadherence, while psychiatrists have challenges in proceeding forward with treatment in such patients. Assessment of patients with suspected TESD is described with a focus on practical tips for clinicians. Five strategies (watchful waiting, drug holiday, downward titration, switching, and add-on therapy) to manage TESD have been extensively discussed with evidence in the literature. Each strategy comes with its own bag of advantages and drawbacks, which have been pointed out for simplicity. A detailed discussion on individual pharmacological strategies is given, and options for non-pharmacological management that can be tried are enlisted. Common clinical case scenarios have been discussed to incorporate the implementation of this literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Tripathi
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aditya Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohita Joshi
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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3
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Hashemi-Mohammadabad N, Taghavi SA, Lambert N, Moshtaghi R, Bazarganipour F, Sharifi M. Adjuvant administration of probiotic effects on sexual function in depressant women undergoing SSRIs treatment: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:44. [PMID: 38216917 PMCID: PMC10785460 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05429-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation's Global Health Data Exchange (2023) it is estimated that 5% of all adults will experience depressive disorder. Amongst the general loss of pleasure and interest in everyday activities that are symptoms of low mood, reduced sexual desire and sexual dysfunction can be particularly overlooked. Human sexuality is complex, but finding solutions based on scientific evidence to limit the symptoms of depressive disorder and the iatrogenic impact of antidepressant treatment to improve this outcome is an important step in promoting psychological health and general wellbeing. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed is to provide scientific evidence to assess the effect of oral probiotic on sexual function in women with depressive disorder treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in an Iranian population. DESIGN This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Eligible women were assigned to lactofem plus SSRIs (n = 58) or SSRIs alone (n = 54). In group A, SSRI antidepressants were prescribed together with Lactofem, and in group B, SSRI antidepressants were prescribed alone. Lactofem including Lactobacillus acidophilus 2 × 109 cfu/g, Bifidobacterium bifidus 2 × 109 cfu/g, Lactobacillus rutri 2 × 109 cfu/g, Lactobacillus fermentum 2 × 109 cfu/g; capsule weight of 500 mg bio-capsule administered orally and daily. The duration of intervention in two groups was two months. All questionnaires were completed by the patients before and after the intervention. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to evaluate sexual function, severity of depressive disorder and sexual satisfaction, respectively. RESULTS Based on the results of the present study, there was a statistically significant difference in sexual satisfaction and severity of depressive disorder between the groups before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). Also, our findings showed that after eight weeks, the Lactofem plus SSRIs group showed significant improvement in FSFI domains and total scores compared to SSRIs alone group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show that taking probiotics for eight weeks may improve the severity of depressive disorder, sexual function and sexual satisfaction in depressed women treated with SSRIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.govidentifier: IRCT20160524028038N14 (19/12/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicky Lambert
- Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, England
| | - Raana Moshtaghi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bazarganipour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
| | - Mahboubeh Sharifi
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
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Conti D, Pellegrini L, Riaz M, Mpavaenda D, Sim A, Fineberg N. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder and men's health. Part 2: Treatment and related sexual dysfunction. TRENDS IN UROLOGY & MEN'S HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/tre.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Conti
- University of Milan Italy
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust UK
| | - Luca Pellegrini
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust UK
- University of Hertfordshire Hatfield UK
| | - Maham Riaz
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust UK
| | - David Mpavaenda
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust UK
- University of Hertfordshire Hatfield UK
| | - Alex Sim
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust UK
| | - Naomi Fineberg
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust UK
- University of Hertfordshire Hatfield UK
- School of Clinical Medicine University of Cambridge UK
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5
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Petrova NN. [Sexual dysfunction on the background of antidepressant therapy]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:115-121. [PMID: 38127711 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2023123112115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The review is devoted to the problem of sexual dysfunction caused by taking antidepressants. Sexual dysfunction is widespread, but it is not reported, and its impact on the quality of life and compliance of patients is underestimated. Partly because of its bidirectional association with depression, sexual dysfunction is difficult to diagnose. Possible mechanisms and risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction in patients with depression are considered. The data on the frequency of sexual dysfunction with the use of various antidepressants are given. Therapeutic strategies for sexual dysfunction associated with taking antidepressants are described. The advantages of agomelatin as an antidepressant associated with a low risk of sexual side effects are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Petrova
- Saint Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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6
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Espinola CW, Khoo Y, Parmar R, Demchenko I, Frey BN, Milev RV, Ravindran AV, Parikh SV, Ho K, Rotzinger S, Lou W, Lam RW, Kennedy SH, Bhat V. Males and females differ in reported sexual functioning with escitalopram treatment for major depressive disorder: A CAN-BIND-1 study report. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:604-613. [PMID: 35546043 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221095832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressant use for major depressive disorder (MDD) is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction. AIMS Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between antidepressant treatment outcomes and sexual functioning (SF) were evaluated separately for males and females receiving escitalopram. We further assessed the association between pre- and posttreatment SF. METHODS In all, 208 of the 211 CAN-BIND-1 trial participants (77 males and 131 females) with MDD and detectable drug blood levels were eligible for the analyses. All received escitalopram (10-20 mg) for 8 weeks. At baseline and Week 8, participants completed the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the SexFx scale, which measures sexual satisfaction and SF frequency. Mixed-model repeated measures assessed baseline to Week 8 SF changes among participants with different response/remission statuses. Multiple linear regression analyses examined SF differences between treatment outcomes at Week 8 as well as associations between pretreatment and eventual SF. RESULTS For both sexes, overall sexual satisfaction improved among responders but not among nonresponders (p < 0.05). For females, overall SF frequency did not change significantly over time regardless of response status. For males, overall SF decreased significantly among nonresponders; orgasm decreased significantly among nonresponders and, to a lesser extent, among responders (p < 0.05). For both sexes, pretreatment SF was significantly associated with SF at Week 8 across all domains (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION For both sexes, sexual satisfaction improves with response to escitalopram. For females, the response does not correspond to improvements in SF frequency. For males, SF frequency, particularly that of orgasm, declines regardless of response/nonresponse.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01655706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline W Espinola
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yuelee Khoo
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roohie Parmar
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ilya Demchenko
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program and Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Roumen V Milev
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Queen's University, Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Arun V Ravindran
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Keith Ho
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Rotzinger
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Lou
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sidney H Kennedy
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute & Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Venkat Bhat
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Centre for Depression & Suicide Studies, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute & Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Winter JR, Curtis K, Hu B, Clayton AH. Sexual dysfunction with major depressive disorder and antidepressant treatments: impact, assessment, and management. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:913-930. [PMID: 35255754 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2049753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a symptom of depression in ≈70% of patients presenting with major depressive disorder (MDD). Antidepressant medications (AD) and adjunctive treatments may further contribute to SD and complicate evaluation and management. AREAS COVERED A systematic literature search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for MDD, SD, classes of antidepressants, etc. was performed with a focus on 2014 to June 2021. SSRIs are associated with 70% treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD), SNRIs and tricyclics have rates of TESD of 40 - 45%, and antidepressant medications without SRI effects or with additional unique mechanisms of action have rates similar to placebo (<10%). Appropriate assessment at baseline and throughout treatment, consideration of patient preferences in prescribing, addressing modifiable factors (comorbid medical/psychiatric conditions, substances, relationship difficulties), and utilizing management strategies of switching to an AD with less SD, adding an antidote/adjunctive therapy or lowering the dose are discussed. EXPERT OPINION MDD and antidepressant treatment contribute to SD in a high percentage of patients. Treating to remission reduces SD as a symptom of depression. Frequent assessment and targeted management strategies may be effective in preventing or addressing SD. Secondary outcomes like impact on adherence, relationships and self-image should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan R Winter
- Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 2955 Ivy Road, Suite 210, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - Kimberly Curtis
- Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 2955 Ivy Road, Suite 210, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 2955 Ivy Road, Suite 210, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - Anita H Clayton
- Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 2955 Ivy Road, Suite 210, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
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Luft MJ, Dobson ET, Levine A, Croarkin PE, Strawn JR. Pharmacologic interventions for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of trials using the Arizona sexual experience scale. CNS Spectr 2021:1-10. [PMID: 33843553 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852921000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the prevalence of antidepressant-related sexual side effects, comparisons of treatments for these problematic side effects are lacking. METHODS To address this, we performed a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare interventions for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in adults. Using PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov, we identified published and unpublished prospective treatment trials from 1985 to September 2020 (primary outcome: the Arizona sexual experience scale [ASEX] score). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. RESULTS We identified 57 citations (27 randomized controlled trials, 66 treatment arms, 27 open-label trials, and 3 crossover trials) that evaluated 33 interventions (3108 patients). In the systematic review, 44% (25/57) of trials reported successful interventions; this was more common in open-label (70%, 19/27) compared to placebo-controlled studies (22%, 6/27). In the meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies that used the ASEX (N = 8), pycnogenol was superior to placebo (standardized mean difference: -1.8, 95% credible interval [CrI]: [-3.7 to 0.0]) and there was evidence that, at a 6% threshold, sildenafil improved sexual dysfunction (standardized mean difference: -1.2, 95% CrI [-2.5 to 0.1]). In the meta-analysis including single-arm studies (15 studies), treatment response was more common with sildenafil, tianeptine, maca, tiagabine, and mirtazapine compared to placebo, but these differences failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS While heterogeneity across randomized controlled trials complicates identifying the single best intervention, multiple trials suggest that sildenafil ameliorates antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. More randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the putative efficacy of other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Luft
- Anxiety Disorders Research Program, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Eric T Dobson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Amir Levine
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul E Croarkin
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Strawn
- Anxiety Disorders Research Program, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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González Cautela BV, Quintana GR, Akerman J, Pfaus JG. Acute caffeine reverses the disruptive effects of chronic fluoxetine on the sexual behavior of female and male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:755-764. [PMID: 33242109 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sexual side effects of chronic treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in humans include anorgasmia and loss of sexual desire and/or arousal which interferes with treatment compliance. There are few options at present to reduce these effects. Because orgasm and desire are mediated in part by activation of sympathetic arousal, we asked whether the sympathomimetic effects of acute caffeine treatment could reverse these effects. OBJECTIVE The present study examined whether acute treatment with caffeine (CAF; 10 or 20 mg/kg, ip) versus vehicle could ameliorate the disruption of appetitive and consummatory measures of copulatory behavior produced by chronic fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, sc) in adult, sexually active female or male rats. METHODS Sexually experienced female or male rats received daily injections of FLU over a 24-day period and were tested for sexual behaviors five times at 4-day intervals during this period in bilevel pacing chambers. Females had been ovariectomized and given hormone replacement with estradiol benzoate and progesterone prior to each test. Males were left gonadally intact. Four days after the final FLU test, rats were randomly assigned to one of the three doses of CAF and received ip injections of CAF or the saline vehicle 60 min before testing. RESULTS Chronic FLU reduced solicitations and lordosis over time in females and reduced the number of ejaculations in males. Both doses of CAF restored solicitations and lordosis in females and ejaculations in males. On their own, both doses of CAF increased females' pacing behavior and the number of mounts and intromissions in the males. CONCLUSIONS Stimulation of sympathetic outflow by CAF may constitute a readily accessible on-demand treatment for the sexual side-effects of SSRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunella V González Cautela
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Gonzalo R Quintana
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada.,Escuela de Psicología y Filosofía, Universidad de Tarapacá, 1010069, Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile
| | - Jessica Akerman
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - James G Pfaus
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada. .,Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, CP 91193, Xalapa, VER, Mexico.
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Pachano Pesantez GS, Clayton AH. Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Among Women: General Considerations and Pharmacological Options. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2021; 19:39-45. [PMID: 34483765 PMCID: PMC8412154 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20200039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a persistent or recurrent absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity, causing marked personal distress or interpersonal difficulties. HSDD affects 10% of U.S. women and is associated with depression and other negative emotional states. It is imperative that psychiatrists are competent to make this diagnosis and are aware of available treatment options. A full psychiatric and medical history are necessary to identify potential causes or contributing factors that may need to be addressed first. The authors discuss the diagnostic tools available as well as general diagnostic considerations for psychiatrists. Given its importance in the understanding of the available treatments for this disorder, the pathophysiology behind HSDD is reviewed. The authors emphasize the treatment of HSDD, including general treatment considerations, treatment in the context of depression, and psychotherapy and medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita H Clayton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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11
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Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a frequent, potentially distressing, adverse effect of antidepressants and a leading cause of medication non-adherence. Sexual function should be actively assessed at baseline, at regular intervals during treatment, and after treatment cessation. Trials comparing the risk of sexual dysfunction with individual antidepressants are inadequate, but it is reasonable to conclude that the risk is greatest with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), less with tricyclic antidepressants (except clomipramine) and mirtazapine, and least with moclobemide, agomelatine, reboxetine and bupropion. Management of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction requires an individualised approach (eg, considering other causes, dose reduction, addition of medication to treat the adverse effect, switching to a different antidepressant). Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction has been recently identified as a potential, although rare, adverse effect of SSRIs and SNRIs. Consider the possibility of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction in patients in whom sexual dysfunction was absent before starting antidepressants but develops during or soon after antidepressant treatment and still persists after remission from depression and discontinuation of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Rothmore
- Drug and Therapeutics Information Service, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA
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12
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Alvarez Silva A, Fernández-Guasti A. The combination of mirtazapine plus venlafaxine reduces immobility in the forced swim test and does not inhibit female sexual behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 187:172817. [PMID: 31655085 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression is a psychiatric disorder with higher incidence in women. Among the most common and less investigated adverse effects of antidepressants are the female sexual dysfunctions. Up to one third of the patients fail to respond to antidepressants; therefore, more treatment alternatives are necessary. The combination of mirtazapine plus venlafaxine, known as "California Rocket Fuel" has shown to be an option for treatment-resistant depression. However, there are no reports of the effects of this combination in animal models and its action on female sexual behavior is unknown. AIM To analyze the effect of mirtazapine and venlafaxine alone or combined -given at doses with actions on the forced swim test- on female rat sexual behavior. METHODS Mirtazapine (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg) and venlafaxine (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg) or their combinations (2.5/3.75, 5/7.5, 10/15 and 20/30 mg/kg mirtazapine and venlafaxine, respectively) were injected to sexually receptive female rats. We evaluated their effect on the forced swim test (FST). The doses that reduced immobility were tested on proceptivity and receptivity. RESULTS Mirtazapine (40 mg/kg) and venlafaxine (60 mg/kg), administered alone, or combined (mirtazapine, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg plus venlafaxine, 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg) reduced immobility, but affected motor activity. However, the reduced locomotion after the lowest combination (5/7.5 mg/kg) was smaller. Mirtazapine at 40 mg/kg reduced proceptivity and receptivity, while 60 mg/kg venlafaxine only decreased proceptivity. The combination of 5/7.5 mg/kg mirtazapine and venlafaxine did not affect female sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS Mirtazapine and venlafaxine exerted an effect in the FST, which was also evident when sub-effective doses of both antidepressants were combined. This combination also lacked adverse effects on female sexual behavior. The results suggest that "California Rocket Fuel" could be an effective antidepressant therapy with no adverse sexual effects in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Alvarez Silva
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Alonso Fernández-Guasti
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México..
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13
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Olivier JDA, Olivier B. Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunctions: a Translational Perspective. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction can drastically diminish quality of life for many women. It is estimated that in the United States 40% of women have sexual complaints. These conditions are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Terminology and classification systems of female sexual dysfunction can be confusing and complicated, which hampers the process of clinical diagnosis, making accurate diagnosis difficult. There are few treatment options available for female sexual dysfunctions, however, some interventions may be of benefit and are described. Additional treatments are in development. The development of clear clinical categories and diagnostic guidelines for female sexual dysfunction are of utmost importance and can be of great benefit for clinical and public health uses and disease-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Clayton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800623, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0623, USA.
| | - Elia Margarita Valladares Juarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800623, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0623, USA
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15
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Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is one of the more common features of depressive disorders, presenting with dysfunction across sexual response cycle. Variety of factors play a role in causing sexual dysfunction in these patients, such as psychological, biological, social and interpersonal factors. Another cause of sexual dysfunction in these patients can be the side effect of antidepressants making it difficult to conclude if the dysfunction is the result of the depression or the treatment of depression. Clinicians need to be aware about the sexual dysfunction as it can have big impact on the overall quality of life of an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivananda Manohar J.
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arpit Koolwal
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - T. S. Sathyanarayana Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Dodd S, Mitchell PB, Bauer M, Yatham L, Young AH, Kennedy SH, Williams L, Suppes T, Lopez Jaramillo C, Trivedi MH, Fava M, Rush AJ, McIntyre RS, Thase ME, Lam RW, Severus E, Kasper S, Berk M. Monitoring for antidepressant-associated adverse events in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder: An international consensus statement. World J Biol Psychiatry 2018; 19:330-348. [PMID: 28984491 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2017.1379609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES These recommendations were designed to ensure safety for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and to aid monitoring and management of adverse effects during treatment with approved antidepressant medications. The recommendations aim to inform prescribers about both the risks associated with these treatments and approaches for mitigating such risks. METHODS Expert contributors were sought internationally by contacting representatives of key stakeholder professional societies in the treatment of MDD (ASBDD, CANMAT, WFSBP and ISAD). The manuscript was drafted through iterative editing to ensure consensus. RESULTS Adequate risk assessment prior to commencing pharmacotherapy, and safety monitoring during pharmacotherapy are essential to mitigate adverse events, optimise the benefits of treatment, and detect and assess adverse events when they occur. Risk factors for pharmacotherapy vary with individual patient characteristics and medication regimens. Risk factors for each patient need to be carefully assessed prior to initiating pharmacotherapy, and appropriate individualised treatment choices need to be selected. Some antidepressants are associated with specific safety concerns which were addressed. CONCLUSIONS Risks of adverse outcomes with antidepressant treatment can be managed through appropriate assessment and monitoring to improve the risk benefit ratio and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seetal Dodd
- a School of Medicine, Barwon Health , Deakin University, IMPACT SRC (Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment - Strategic Research Centre) , Geelong , Australia.,b Department of Psychiatry , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia.,c Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services , University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health , Geelong , Australia.,d Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health , Parkville , Australia
| | - Philip B Mitchell
- f School of Psychiatry , University of New South Wales, and Black Dog Institute , Sydney , Australia
| | - Michael Bauer
- g Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische, Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Lakshmi Yatham
- h Department of Psychiatry , University of British Columbia , British Columbia , BC , Canada
| | - Allan H Young
- i Department of Psychological Medicine , Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK & South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Sidney H Kennedy
- j Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Lana Williams
- a School of Medicine, Barwon Health , Deakin University, IMPACT SRC (Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment - Strategic Research Centre) , Geelong , Australia
| | - Trisha Suppes
- k Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , School of Medicine, Stanford University , Stanford , CA , USA
| | | | - Madhukar H Trivedi
- m Department of Psychiatry , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Maurizio Fava
- n Division of Clinical Research , Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - A John Rush
- o Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School , Singapore , Singapore
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- j Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,p Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada.,q Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Michael E Thase
- r Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine , University of Pennsylvania , Pennsylvania , PA , USA
| | - Raymond W Lam
- h Department of Psychiatry , University of British Columbia , British Columbia , BC , Canada
| | - Emanuel Severus
- g Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische, Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- s Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Wien , Austria
| | - Michael Berk
- a School of Medicine, Barwon Health , Deakin University, IMPACT SRC (Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment - Strategic Research Centre) , Geelong , Australia.,b Department of Psychiatry , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia.,c Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services , University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health , Geelong , Australia.,d Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health , Parkville , Australia.,e The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health , Parkville , Australia
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Chokka PR, Hankey JR. Assessment and management of sexual dysfunction in the context of depression. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2018; 8:13-23. [PMID: 29344340 PMCID: PMC5761906 DOI: 10.1177/2045125317720642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction (SD) is pervasive and underreported, and its effects on quality of life are underestimated. Due in part to its bidirectional relationship with depression, SD can be difficult to diagnose; it is also a common side effect of many antidepressants, leading to treatment noncompliance. While physicians often count on patients to spontaneously report SD, treatment is optimized when the clinician instead performs a thorough assessment of sexual functioning before and during drug therapy using a standardized questionnaire such as the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). Separating the effects of the disorder from those of medications is challenging; we present a concise, evidence-based schematic to assist physicians in minimizing treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) while treating depression. Vascular, hormonal, neurogenic, and pharmacological factors should be considered when a patient presents with SD. We also recommend that physicians obtain patient information about baseline and historical sexual functioning before prescribing a drug that may lead to SD and follow up accordingly. When the goal is to treat depression while attenuating the risk of sexual symptoms, physicians may wish to consider agomelatine, bupropion, desvenlafaxine, moclobemide, trazodone, vilazodone, and vortioxetine.
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18
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Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction can drastically diminish quality of life for many women. It is estimated that in the United States 40% of women have sexual complaints. These conditions are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Terminology and classification systems of female sexual dysfunction can be confusing and complicated, which hampers the process of clinical diagnosis, making accurate diagnosis difficult. There are few treatment options available for female sexual dysfunctions, however, some interventions may be of benefit and are described. Additional treatments are in development. The development of clear clinical categories and diagnostic guidelines for female sexual dysfunction are of utmost importance and can be of great benefit for clinical and public health uses and disease-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Clayton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800623, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0623, USA
| | - Elia Margarita Valladares Juarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800623, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0623, USA.
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19
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Terevnikov V, Stenberg JH, Tiihonen J, Burkin M, Joffe G. Add-on mirtazapine improves orgasmic functioning in patients with schizophrenia treated with first-generation antipsychotics. Nord J Psychiatry 2017; 71:77-80. [PMID: 27701952 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2016.1233996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Sexual dysfunction, common in schizophrenia, may be further exaggerated by antipsychotics, especially those of First Generation (FGAs), and antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRs). Mirtazapine, an antidepressant characterized by its different action mechanism compared with that of the majority of other antidepressants, may improve SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in patients with depression. It is unknown, however, whether mirtazapine improves sexual functioning in schizophrenia. METHODS This study randomly assigned FGA-treated patients with schizophrenia to receive either an add-on mirtazapine (n = 20) or a placebo (n = 19) for 6 weeks. Sexual functioning was prospectively measured using five relevant items from the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side-effect rating scale (UKU-SERS). RESULTS Orgasmic function improved with statistical significance in the mirtazapine group (p = .03), with no changes in any other sexual functions in either group. CONCLUSION Add-on mirtazapine appears to relieve orgasmic dysfunction in FGA-treated patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan-Henry Stenberg
- b Department of Psychiatry , Helsinki University Central Hospital, and University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- c Department of Forensic Psychiatry , University of East Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital , Finland.,d Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research , National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland.,e Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Mark Burkin
- f Department of Psychiatry , University of Petrozavodsk , Petrozavodsk , Russia
| | - Grigori Joffe
- b Department of Psychiatry , Helsinki University Central Hospital, and University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland
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20
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Abstract
Sexual functioning is important to assess in patients with psychiatric illness as both the condition and associated treatment may contribute to sexual dysfunction (SD). Antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antianxiety agents may be associated with SD related to drug mechanism of action. Sexual adverse effects may be related to genetic risk factors, impact on neurotransmitters and hormones, and psychological elements. Effective strategies to manage medication-induced sexual dysfunction are initial choice of a drug unlikely to cause SD, switching to a different medication, and adding an antidote to reverse SD. Appropriate interventions should be determined on a clinical case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita H Clayton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| | - Andrew R Alkis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Nishant B Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Jennifer G Votta
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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21
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Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE. Paroxetine-The Antidepressant from Hell? Probably Not, But Caution Required. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2016; 46:77-104. [PMID: 27738376 PMCID: PMC5044489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Paroxetine, also known by the trade names Aropax, Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat, Sereupin and Brisdelle, was first marketed in the U.S. in 1992. Effective for major depression and various anxiety disorders, it quickly gained a sizable share of the antidepressant prescription market. By the late 1990s, paroxetine frequently was being associated with serious drug interactions and medication side effects. Most significantly, in a major Canadian epidemiological study examining the relationship between antidepressants and diseases, paroxetine was associated with a 620 percent increase in the rate of breast cancer in women who had taken it over a four-year period. Though re-analyses of this investigation discounted the magnitude of these findings, other studies have associated paroxetine with numerous side effects and adverse events not reported in clinical trials. Among these are effects on male fertility, birth defects, gestational hypertension, prolonged QT interval in infants, hyperprolactinemia, cognitive impairment in the elderly, autism, sexual side effects, weight gain, and suicidality, aggression, and akathisia in children and adolescents. Paroxetine has the highest inhibitory constant for the P450 2D6 isoenzyme of all antidepressants (Ki = 0.065-4.65 micromoles). This high affinity explains its high inhibitory interaction profile with substrates for 2D6. Paroxetine's potent 2D6 inhibition also implies that significant inhibition of the metabolism of 2D6 carcinogen substrates occurs which implies an increased probability of oncogenesis. Through 2D6 inhibition, tamoxifen metabolism is inhibited, which has been found to increase the risk of dying from breast cancer over a five-year period in women on both medications. Paroxetine also is a potent inhibitor of 3A4 with multiple 3A4 substrate interactions. Paroxetine has the highest known affinity for the serotonin transporter (0.13 nanomoles) of any currently used antidepressant. These characteristics and their potential negative consequences along with other adverse effects are considered and weighed against paroxetine's efficacious antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Nevels
- Dr. Nevels, PhD, MP, The Counseling Center, Ridgeland, MS, Primary Care Solutions, New Roads, LA. Dr. Gontkovsky, PsyD, Mercy Health, St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1053 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504. Dr. Williams, PhD, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
| | - Samuel T Gontkovsky
- Dr. Nevels, PhD, MP, The Counseling Center, Ridgeland, MS, Primary Care Solutions, New Roads, LA. Dr. Gontkovsky, PsyD, Mercy Health, St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1053 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504. Dr. Williams, PhD, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
| | - Bryman E Williams
- Dr. Nevels, PhD, MP, The Counseling Center, Ridgeland, MS, Primary Care Solutions, New Roads, LA. Dr. Gontkovsky, PsyD, Mercy Health, St. Elizabeth Hospital, 1053 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504. Dr. Williams, PhD, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
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22
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Clayton AH, Croft HA, Handiwala L. Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunction: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Postgrad Med 2015; 126:91-9. [DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2014.03.2744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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23
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Clayton AH, El Haddad S, Iluonakhamhe JP, Ponce Martinez C, Schuck AE. Sexual dysfunction associated with major depressive disorder and antidepressant treatment. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2014; 13:1361-74. [DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2014.951324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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24
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Abstract
Psychotropic-induced sexual dysfunction is a common and bothersome side effect of psychotropic medications. The majority of information available on the subject primarily pertains to antidepressants, but antipsychotics can also cause significant sexual dysfunction. The mechanisms behind these adverse events are thought to be primarily due to antidepressants' effects on serotonin and to antipsychotics' anti-dopaminergic activity. Sexual dysfunction can have many causes, not just psychotropic medication, therefore this article aims to examine the etiology of sexual dysfunction, as well as discuss differential diagnoses. Treatment for psychotropic-induced sexual dysfunction will be discussed, with more data available for the treatment of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. The paucity of data for antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction does make it more difficult to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R. Borg
- Assistant Professor, Pacific University Oregon School of Pharmacy
| | - Benjamin Chavez
- Associate Professor, Pacific University Oregon School of Pharmacy
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25
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Hayley S, Litteljohn D. Neuroplasticity and the next wave of antidepressant strategies. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:218. [PMID: 24312008 PMCID: PMC3834236 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a common chronic psychiatric disorder that is also often co-morbid with numerous neurological and immune diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates that disturbances of neuroplasticity occur with depression, including reductions of hippocampal neurogenesis and cortical synaptogenesis. Improper trophic support stemming from stressor-induced reductions of growth factors, most notably brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), likely drives such aberrant neuroplasticity. We posit that psychological and immune stressors can interact upon a vulnerable genetic background to promote depression by disturbing BDNF and neuroplastic processes. Furthermore, the chronic and commonly relapsing nature of depression is suggested to stem from "faulty wiring" of emotional circuits driven by neuroplastic aberrations. The present review considers depression in such terms and attempts to integrate the available evidence indicating that the efficacy of current and "next wave" antidepressant treatments, whether used alone or in combination, is at least partially tied to their ability to modulate neuroplasticity. We particularly focus on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, ketamine, which already has well documented rapid antidepressant effects, and the trophic cytokine, erythropoietin (EPO), which we propose as a potential adjunctive antidepressant agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Hayley
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University Ottawa, ON, Canada
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26
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Bijlsma EY, Chan JSW, Olivier B, Veening JG, Millan MJ, Waldinger MD, Oosting RS. Sexual side effects of serotonergic antidepressants: mediated by inhibition of serotonin on central dopamine release? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 121:88-101. [PMID: 24128918 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction adversely affects the quality of life of antidepressant users and reduces compliance with treatment. Animal models provide an instructive approach for examining potential sexual side effects of novel drugs. This review discusses the stability and reproducibility of our standardized test procedure that assesses the acute, subchronic and chronic effects of psychoactive compounds in a 30 minute mating test. In addition, we present an overview of the effects of several different (putative) antidepressants on male rat sexual behavior, as tested in our standardized test procedure. By comparing the effects of these mechanistically distinct antidepressants (paroxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, buspirone, DOV 216,303 and S32006), this review discusses the putative mechanism underlying sexual side effects of antidepressants and their normalization. This review shows that sexual behavior is mainly inhibited by antidepressants that increase serotonin neurotransmission via blockade of serotonin transporters, while those that mainly increase the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline are devoid of sexual side effects. Those sexual disturbances cannot be normalized by simultaneously increasing noradrenaline neurotransmission, but are normalized by increasing both noradrenaline and dopamine neurotransmission. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the sexual side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be mediated by their inhibitory effects on dopamine signaling in sex brain circuits. Clinical development of novel antidepressants should therefore focus on compounds that simultaneously increase both serotonin and dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Y Bijlsma
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CGUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johnny S W Chan
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CGUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Olivier
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CGUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan G Veening
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CGUtrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark J Millan
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Psychopharmacology Department, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Marcel D Waldinger
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CGUtrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald S Oosting
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CGUtrecht, The Netherlands
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27
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Abstract
There are a variety of noradrenergic antidepressants available, most of which act by inhibiting neuronal noradrenaline re-uptake, although few drugs are specific for this action. Where drugs have numerous actions the adverse effects of noradrenaline reuptake may be difficult to isolate, although in this respect the adverse effects of reboxetine, a specific noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor, are illuminating. Noradrenergic antidepressants typically cause minor changes in blood and heart rate, sweating and insomnia. Other pharmacological actions shown by non-specific antidepressants may act to worsen or mitigate these adverse effects. Noradrenergic drugs are less likely than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to cause sexual dysfunction but more likely to cause urinary hesitancy. Doubts remain over the relative propensity for antidepressants with different modes of action to cause diabetes and hyponatraemia. Noradrenergic actions do not seem to confer a risk of death in overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eromona Whiskey
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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28
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Khamba B, Aucoin M, Lytle M, Vermani M, Maldonado A, Iorio C, Cameron C, Tsirgielis D, D'Ambrosio C, Anand L, Katzman MA. Efficacy of acupuncture treatment of sexual dysfunction secondary to antidepressants. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19:862-9. [PMID: 23790229 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.0751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are known to cause secondary sexual dysfunction with prevalence rates as high as 50%-90%. Emerging research is establishing that acupuncture may be an effective treatment modality for sexual dysfunction including impotence, loss of libido, and an inability to orgasm. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the potential benefits of acupuncture in the management of sexual dysfunction secondary to SSRIs and SNRIs. SUBJECTS Practitioners at the START Clinic referred participants experiencing adverse sexual events from their antidepressant medication for acupuncture treatment at the Mood and Anxiety Disorders, a tertiary care mood and anxiety disorder clinic in Toronto. DESIGN Participants received a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and followed an acupuncture protocol for 12 consecutive weeks. The acupuncture points used were Kidney 3, Governing Vessel 4, Urinary Bladder 23, with Heart 7 and Pericardium 6. Participants also completed a questionnaire package on a weekly basis. OUTCOMES MEASURED The questionnaire package consisted of self-report measures assessing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and various aspects of sexual function. RESULTS Significant improvement among male participants was noted in all areas of sexual functioning, as well as in both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Female participants reported a significant improvement in libido and lubrication and a nonsignificant trend toward improvement in several other areas of function. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a potential role for acupuncture in the treatment of the sexual side-effects of SSRIs and SNRIs as well for a potential benefit of integrating medical and complementary and alternative practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baljit Khamba
- 1 START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Taylor MJ, Rudkin L, Bullemor-Day P, Lubin J, Chukwujekwu C, Hawton K. Strategies for managing sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressant medication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013:CD003382. [PMID: 23728643 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003382.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dysfunction (including altered sexual desire, orgasmic and ejaculatory dysfunction, erectile and other 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. A wide range of management strategies are possible to address this problem, including behavioural, psychological and pharmacological approaches. OBJECTIVES 1. To determine the effectiveness of management strategies for sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants.2. To determine the adverse effects and acceptability of the different management strategies. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group's Specialized Register (CCDANCTR, to 1 January 2013), which includes relevant randomised controlled trials from the following bibliographic databases: The Cochrane Library (all years), EMBASE (1974 to date), MEDLINE (1950 to date) and PsycINFO (1967 to date). Additional searches were carried out by the author team on the same biomedical databases (using terms for 'sexual dysfunction' only) together with CINAHL (1982 to Jan 2012). The reference lists of reports of all included studies were screened. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials that compared management strategies for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction versus placebo or any alternative strategy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS We included 23 trials involving 1886 people in this updated review. Twenty-two of these trials investigated the addition of medication to treat the identified dysfunction, with most agents studied in only single studies. One study investigated switching to an alternative antidepressant.In men, data for the phosphodiesterase inhibitors sildenafil (three studies, 255 participants) and tadalafil (one study, 54 participants) indicated they led to a greater improvement in erectile function than placebo. Combined data from three sildenafil studies found benefit over placebo on International Index of Erectile Function ratings of ability to achieve (MD 1.04, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.44), and maintain erections (MD 1.18, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.59). A single point improvement on these ratings is equivalent to an improvement in frequency from 'sometimes' to 'most times'. Men receiving tadalafil were more likely to report improved erectile function (RR 11.50, 95% CI 3.03 to 43.67). For women it remains uncertain whether sildenafil is more effective than placebo. Unpublished data could reduce this uncertainty.Data from three studies in men and women of bupropion 150 mg twice daily indicate a benefit over placebo on rating scale scores (SMD 1.60, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.81), but response rates in two studies of bupropion 150 mg once daily demonstrated no statistically significant difference in effect (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.09 to 4.41).Other augmentation strategies failed to demonstrate significant improvements in sexual dysfunction compared with placebo.One trial involving 75 people with sexual dysfunction due to sertraline assessed the effect of changing antidepressant. Switching to nefazodone was significantly less likely to result in the re-emergence of sexual dysfunction than restarting sertraline (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.60), however, nefazodone is no longer available for clinical use.There is an absence of randomised trials assessing the effects of switching to currently-available antidepressant agents with lower rates of adverse sexual effects, the role of psychological or mechanical interventions, or of techniques such as drug holidays.We identified no data for any of the strategies included in the trials assessed that indicated that they led to a worsening of psychiatric symptoms. However, the relatively small numbers assessed for many of the interventions studied means that the possibility of such an effect cannot confidently be excluded in all cases.Given the small numbers of studies assessing most of the strategies assessed, the presence of any unpublished trials could have substantial effects on estimates of effect. In some cases, only results from particular items or subscales within ratings scales are available. It is likely that this could act to bias estimates of effect obtained, increasing apparent effectiveness. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence currently available is rather limited. For men with antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction, the addition of sildenafil or tadalafil appears to be an effective strategy. For women with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction the addition of bupropion at higher doses appears to be the most promising approach studied so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Taylor
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
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30
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Yang JC, Park JI, Kim GW, Eun SJ, Lee MS, Han KL, Chae JH, Jeong GW. Effects of antidepressant treatment on sexual arousal in depressed women: a preliminary FMRI study. Psychiatry Investig 2012; 9:379-83. [PMID: 23251203 PMCID: PMC3521115 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2012.9.4.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There was a recent study to explore the cerebral regions associated with sexual arousal in depressed women using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The purpose of this neuroimaging study was to investigate the effects of antidepressant treatment on sexual arousal in depressed women. METHODS SEVEN DEPRESSED WOMEN WITH SEXUAL AROUSAL DYSFUNCTION (MEAN AGE: 41.7±13.8, mean scores of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17): 35.6±7.1 and 34.9±3.1, respectively) and nine healthy women (mean age: 40.3±11.6) underwent fMRI before and after antidepressant treatment. The fMRI paradigm contrasted a 1 minute rest period viewing non-erotic film with 4 minutes of sexual stimulation viewing an erotic video film. Data were analyzed by SPM 2. The relative number of pixels activated in each period was used as an index of activation. All depressed women were treated with mirtazapine (mean dosage: 37.5 mg/day) for 8 to 10 weeks. RESULTS Levels of brain activity during sexual arousal in depressed women significantly increased with antidepressant treatment (p<0.05) in the regions of the hypothalamus (3.0% to 11.2%), septal area (8.6% to 27.8%) and parahippocampal gyrus (5.8% to 14.6%). Self-reported sexual arousal during visual sexual stimulation also significantly increased post-treatment, and severity of depressive symptoms improved, as measured by the BDI and HAMD-17 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION These results show that sexual arousal dysfunction of depressed women may improve after treatment of depression, and that this improvement is associated with increased activation of the hypothalamus, septal area, and parahippocampal gyrus during sexual arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Chul Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonbuk National University Hospital and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Il Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonbuk National University Hospital and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Won Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Eun
- Department of Radiology, Hanlyo University, Gwangyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Suk Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Lae Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Yesan Hospital, Yesan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Chae
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Woo Jeong
- Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 223:381-8. [PMID: 22552758 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has shown aphrodisiac effects in some animal and human studies. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and tolerability of saffron in fluoxetine-related sexual dysfunction. METHODS This was a 4-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Thirty-six married male patients with major depressive disorder whose depressive symptoms had been stabilized on fluoxetine and had subjective complaints of sexual impairment entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to saffron (15 mg twice per day) or placebo for 4 weeks. International Index of Erectile Function scale was used to assess sexual function at baseline and weeks 2 and 4. RESULTS Thirty patients finished the study. Baseline characteristics as well as baseline and final depressive symptoms scores were similar between the two groups. Effect of time × treatment interaction on the total score was significant [Greenhouse-Geisser-corrected, F (1.444, 40.434) = 6.154, P = 0.009]. By week 4, saffron resulted in significantly greater improvement in erectile function (P < 0.001) and intercourse satisfaction domains (P = 0.001), and total scores (P < 0.001) than the placebo group. Effect of saffron did not differ significantly from that of placebo in orgasmic function (P = 0.095), overall satisfaction (P = 0.334), and sexual desire (P = 0.517) domains scores. Nine patients (60%) in the saffron group and one patient (7%) in the placebo group achieved normal erectile function (score > 25 on erectile function domain) at the end of the study (P value of Fisher's exact test = 0.005). Frequency of side effects were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Saffron is a tolerable and efficacious treatment for fluoxetine-related erectile dysfunction.
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Comprehensive self-management reduces the negative impact of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms on sexual functioning. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:1636-46. [PMID: 22290342 PMCID: PMC3694807 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report sexual dysfunction. Comprehensive self-management (CSM) intervention has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal, psychological, and somatic symptoms in IBS women. Whether this intervention also reduces sexual dysfunction is not known. AIMS We sought to compare demographic and clinical factors in IBS women with and without sexual dysfunction as defined by the Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX) and to test the effects of CSM treatment on sexual dysfunction scores and on the sexual relations subscale of an IBS quality of life (IBSQOL) scale which measures the effect of IBS on sexual QOL. METHODS IBS (Rome II) women enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of CSM treatment were characterized as having sexual dysfunction (N = 89) or not (N = 86) at baseline based on ASEX criteria. Baseline characteristics and symptoms were compared between the two groups. Post-intervention changes were compared between the CSM and the usual care arms of the randomized trial. RESULTS Women meeting ASEX criteria for sexual dysfunction were older, had higher lifetime depression and antidepressant use, more primary care/MD visits, fewer mental healthcare visits, and greater sleep disturbance than those without sexual dysfunction. No significant group differences in gastrointestinal or somatic symptoms were observed. Compared with usual care treatment, CSM increased sexual QOL scores and had a weaker effect on ASEX scores. CONCLUSIONS Severity of IBS symptoms at baseline did not differ between IBS women with or without sexual dysfunction. The CSM intervention can reduce the effect of IBS on sexual QOL.
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Yamauchi M, Imanishi T, Koyama T. A combination of mirtazapine and milnacipran augments the extracellular levels of monoamines in the rat brain. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:2278-87. [PMID: 22342987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miki Yamauchi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd., 760 Morooka-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 222-8567, Japan.
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Al-Khaja KAJ, Sequeira RP, Al-Haddad MK, Al-Offi AR. Psychotropic Drug Prescribing Trends in Bahrain: Implications for Sexual Functions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ijcm.2012.34054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Antidepressant augmentation and combination in unipolar depression: strong guidance, weak foundations. Ir J Psychol Med 2011; 28:i-ix. [PMID: 30200016 DOI: 10.1017/s0790966700011800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Depression will be the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease by 2020. In Ireland, in 2009, 6061 people were hospitalised with depressive disorders. This represents a significant economic and social burden. There is growing awareness of the difficulty in treating depression with medications alone. The likelihood that a patient will achieve remission with the first antidepressant tried is around 30%, and the rates are similar for the second antidepressant tried. This falls to around 15% after three trials. Many patients are exposed to pharmacotherapy for extended periods of time with little beneficial effect, but often with side-effects. Patients are therefore in great need of clear information with regard to their chance of success. Clinicians are in need of clear guidance on prescribing strategies which have proven efficacy. However, this guidance often discusses treatment strategies based on varying levels of evidence. Guiding bodies may approach the problem from varying perspectives. The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has a clear government mandate with regard to provision of not only effective but cost-effective treatments. The British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP) is an independent body of interested researchers and therefore may discuss prescribing options from the point of view of tertiary care institutions, and university centres. The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust publish the popular Maudsley guidelines. These are perhaps more pragmatic in nature, but include very low levels of evidence, including case series. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is an independent member association which also publishes guidelines. These are published in the American Journal of Psychiatry and the latest guidelines were published in October 2010. All these bodies attempt to weigh their advice according to the level of evidence available and aim to provide clinical guidance in difficult situations. The burden on guiding organisations is to provide some direction and clarity in areas that are often unclear or controversial. Clinical guidelines are one method of providing support and guidance to busy clinicians. However, this clinician-centered approach has limitations. The onus is on the authors of the guidance to provide ever-more treatment options. This may mean that conclusions about the efficacy of medications is overstated or the limitations of the literature not fully explored in explanatory notes.
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Atmaca M, Korkmaz S, Topuz M, Mermi O. Mirtazapine augmentation for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction: a retropective investigation. Psychiatry Investig 2011; 8:55-7. [PMID: 21519537 PMCID: PMC3079186 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2011.8.1.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to retrospectively identify sexual dysfunction changes in the patients under mirtazapine-augmented serotonin reuptake inhibito (SSRI) treatment. The study comprised medical records of 20 outpatients, under mirtazapine-augmented SSRI treatment for their major depressive disorder, who had been selected among the patients that had developed sexual dysfunction to previous treatment as monotherapy, with SSRI for at least six weeks. These drugs were maintained and mirtazapine were added (15-45 mg/day). There was a significant difference in scores between baseline and week 4 or week 8 on the both Hamilton Depression Rating and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. According to Clinical Global Impression-Improvement, 68.4% of the patients were responders. The use of low-dose mirtazapine as an add-on treatment to SSRIs appears to be an effective and well-tolerated augmenttaion for sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Atmaca
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sevda Korkmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Topuz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Osman Mermi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Kennedy S. Flibanserin: initial evidence of efficacy on sexual dysfunction, in patients with major depressive disorder. J Sex Med 2011; 7:3449-59. [PMID: 20646181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Flibanserin, a novel 5-HT(1A) agonist and 5-HT(2A) antagonist, has the potential to treat sexual dysfunction. AIM Provide historical perspective on the rationale for development of flibanserin to treat sexual dysfunction, based on post hoc analyses of data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX) scale and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) Genital Symptoms item. METHODS Sexual function outcomes are presented from four double-blind, randomized controlled studies involving a total of 369 men and 523 women diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Each study had an active treatment arm to confirm assay sensitivity on the primary antidepressive endpoint. Two studies placebo, flibanserin (50mg bid), or fluoxetine (20mg qd) for 6 weeks and two involved placebo, flibanserin (50-100mg bid), or paroxetine (20-40mg qd) for 8 weeks. RESULTS Individual study completion rates were 77-80%. At baseline, 38% of men and 67% of women reported sexual dysfunction. Assay sensitivity was not demonstrated in the fluoxetine trials and sexual function outcomes were inconsistent. Flibanserin and placebo were associated with low rates of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction in women during the paroxetine studies. In one study, 70% of flibanserin-treated women with baseline sexual dysfunction reported improvement in sexual function, compared with 30% of placebo-treated women. Mean change from baseline on the HAMD "Genital Symptoms" item in one paroxetine study was significantly better among flibanserin- than placebo-treated women at weeks 4, 6, and 8 (P<0.05). Sexual function adverse events across flibanserin groups were generally comparable to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Although these studies were not designed or powered to compare sexual function outcomes, results suggested a potential benefit of flibanserin on sexual function, particularly on female sexual desire, and provided a rationale to evaluate the efficacy of flibanserin as a treatment for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidney Kennedy
- University Health Network-Psychiatry, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Moll JL, Brown CS. The use of monoamine pharmacological agents in the treatment of sexual dysfunction: evidence in the literature. J Sex Med 2011; 8:956-70. [PMID: 21272265 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play an important role in many medical and psychological conditions, including sexual responsiveness and behavior. Pharmacological agents that modulate monoamines may help alleviate sexual dysfunction. AIMS To provide an overview of pharmacological agents that modulate monoamines and their use in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. METHODS EMBASE and PubMed search for articles published between 1950 and 2010 using key words "sexual dysfunction,""monoamines,""monoaminergic receptors," and "generic names for pharmacological agents." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES To assess the literature evaluating the efficacy of monoamine pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. RESULTS The literature primarily cites the use of monoaminergic agents to treat sexual side effects from serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with bupropion, buspirone and ropinirole providing the most convincing evidence. Controlled trials have shown that bupropion improves overall sexual dysfunction, but not frequency of sexual activity in depressed and nondepressed patients. Nefazodone and apomorphine have been used to treat sexual dysfunction, but their use is limited by significant side effect and safety profiles. New research on pharmacologic agents with subtype selectivity at dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors and those that possess dual mechanisms of action are being investigated. CONCLUSION There has been tremendous progress over the past 50 years in understanding the role of monoamines in sexual function and the effect of pharmacologic agents which stimulate or antagonize monoaminergic receptors on sexual dysfunction. Nevertheless, large, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of currently available agents in populations without comorbid disorders are limited, preventing adequate interpretation of data. Continued research on sexual function and specific receptor subtypes will result in the development of more selective pharmacologic agents with the goal of increasing efficacy without the dose-limiting side effects of nonselective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Moll
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Schutters SIJ, van Megen HJGM, Van Veen JF, Schruers KRJ, Westenberg HGM. Paroxetine augmentation in patients with generalised social anxiety disorder, non-responsive to mirtazapine or placebo. Hum Psychopharmacol 2011; 26:72-6. [PMID: 23055414 DOI: 10.1002/hup.1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate if combination of mirtazapine with paroxetine causes a greater therapeutic effect and less sexual side effects than paroxetine monotherapy in social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS Twenty one patients with generalised SAD, non-responsive to a 12 week trial with mirtazapine and 22 patients, non-responsive to placebo received paroxetine (20-40 mg) in addition to their double-blind treatment with mirtazapine or placebo for another 12 weeks. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale were used to measure efficacy. Sexual functioning was assessed by the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). RESULTS Both treatments showed a significant LSAS reduction and their response rates (based on LSAS reduction ≥ 40% and CGI-I ≤ 2) were similar (paroxetine and mirtazapine: 52.4%, paroxetine and placebo: 59.1%). Sexual dysfunction (based on ASEX ≥ 19) was found in half of patients treated with paroxetine and placebo, and in 38% of patients treated with paroxetine and mirtazapine. CONCLUSION The present study did not find support for a greater efficacy of combination pharmacotherapy in SAD, however results suggest that combination of paroxetine with mirtazapine might cause less sexual dysfunction than treatment with paroxetine alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I J Schutters
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Bhuvaneswar CG, Baldessarini RJ, Harsh VL, Alpert JE. Adverse endocrine and metabolic effects of psychotropic drugs: selective clinical review. CNS Drugs 2009; 23:1003-21. [PMID: 19958039 DOI: 10.2165/11530020-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The article critically reviews selected, clinically significant, adverse endocrine and metabolic effects associated with psychotropic drug treatments, including hyperprolactinaemia, hyponatraemia, diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, sexual dysfunction and virilization, weight loss, weight gain and metabolic syndrome (type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and hypertension). Such effects are prevalent and complex, but can be managed clinically when recognized. They encourage continued critical assessment of benefits versus risks of psychotropic drugs and underscore the importance of close coordination of psychiatric and general medical care to improve long-term health of psychiatric patients. Options for management of hyperprolactinaemia include lowering doses, switching to agents such as aripiprazole, clozapine or quetiapine, managing associated osteoporosis, carefully considering the use of dopamine receptor agonists and ruling out stress, oral contraceptive use and hypothyroidism as contributing factors. Disorders of water homeostasis may include syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), managed by water restriction or slow replacement by hypertonic saline along with drug discontinuation. Safe management of diabetes insipidus, commonly associated with lithium, involves switching mood stabilizer and consideration of potassium-sparing diuretics. Clinical hypothyroidism may be a more useful marker than absolute cut-offs of hormone values, and may be associated with quetiapine, antidepressant and lithium use, and managed by thyroxine replacement. Hyper-parathyroidism requires comprehensive medical evaluation for occult tumours. Hypocalcaemia, along with multiple other psychiatric and medical causes, may result in decreased bone density and require evaluation and management. Strategies for reducing sexual dysfunction with psychotropics remain largely unsatisfactory. Finally, management strategies for obesity and metabolic syndrome are reviewed in light of the recent expert guidelines, including risk assessment and treatments, such as monoamine transport inhibitors, anticonvulsants and cannabinoid receptor antagonists, as well as lifestyle changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaya G Bhuvaneswar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Outpatient Clinic of Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Kim W, Jin BR, Yang WS, Lee KU, Juh RH, Ahn KJ, Chung YA, Chae JH. Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and mirtapazine results in differential brain activation by visual erotic stimuli in patients with major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2009; 6:85-95. [PMID: 20046380 PMCID: PMC2796051 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2009.6.2.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify patterns of brain activation elicited by erotic visual stimuli in patients treated with either Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or mirtazipine. METHODS Nine middle-aged men with major depressive disorder treated with an SSRI and ten middle-aged men with major depressive disorder treated with mirtazapine completed the trial. Ten subjects with no psychiatric illness were included as a control group. We conducted functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while a film alternatively played erotic and non-erotic contents for 14 minutes and 9 seconds. RESULTS The control group showed activation in the occipitotemporal area, anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and caudate nucleus. For subjects treated with SSRIs, the intensity of activity in these regions was much lower compared to the control group. Intensity of activation in the group treated with mirtazapine was less than the control group but grea-ter than those treated with SSRIs. Using subtraction analysis, the SSRI group showed significantly lower activation than the mirtazapine group in the anterior cingulate gyrus and the caudate nucleus. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the different rates of sexual side effects between the patients in the SSRI-treated group and the mirtazapine-treated group may be due to different effects on brain activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Stress Research Institute, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo-Ra Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wan-Seok Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyuong-Uk Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ra-Hyung Juh
- Department of Medical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kook-Jin Ahn
- Department of Radiology, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-An Chung
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Chae
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of depression. Although decreased libido is most often reported, difficulties with arousal, resulting in vaginal dryness in women and erectile dysfunction in men, and absent or delayed orgasm are also prevalent. Sexual dysfunction is also a frequent adverse effect of treatment with most antidepressants and is one of the predominant reasons for premature drug discontinuation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most widely prescribed antidepressants and have significant effects on arousal and orgasm compared with antidepressants that target norepinephrine, dopamine, and melatonin systems. The availability of an antidepressant that does not cause or exacerbate sexual dysfunction represents an advance in pharmacotherapy for mood disorders and should reduce treatment noncompliance and decrease the need for switching antidepressants or adding antidotes. The purpose of this review was to provide an update on the prevalence, psychobiology, and relative adverse effect burden of sexual dysfunction associated with different antidepressants.
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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