Title
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction: efficacy of a drug holiday
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Publication Date
1995-10-01
Document Type
Article
Subjects
1-Naphthylamine; derivatives; Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care; Depressive Disorder; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Fluoxetine; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paroxetine; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors; Sertraline; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
Disciplines
Psychiatry
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether weekend drug holidays would improve sexual functioning in recovered depressed patients with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced sexual dysfunction.
METHOD: Thirty outpatients who reported worsening of sexual functioning during SSRI treatment were instructed to discontinue their SSRIs after the Thursday morning dose and to restart the SSRIs (at their previous dosage) on Sunday at 12:00 noon for four weekends.
RESULTS: Significant improvement in sexual functioning was reported by the patients taking sertraline and paroxetine but not by those taking fluoxetine. There were no statistically significant increases in mean Hamilton depression scores after discontinuation of the SSRIs; two patients had increases in scores from the 4-8 range to the 10-14 range.
CONCLUSIONS: For some patients taking sertraline and paroxetine who experience sexual dysfunction side effects, brief drug holidays may allow for significant improvement in sexual functioning without a significant return of depressive symptoms.
Source
Am J Psychiatry. 1995 Oct;152(10):1514-6.
Journal/Book/Conference Title
The American journal of psychiatry
Related Resources
PubMed ID
7573593
Repository Citation
Rothschild AJ. (1995). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction: efficacy of a drug holiday. Psychiatry Publications. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/psych_pp/42