Sildenafil in the treatment of sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - An overview

This review discusses the potential role of sildenafil in managing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, with a focus on that associated with selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). To provide a context, the epidemiology, assessment, prevalence with comparative agents and management strategies for SSRI/antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction are reviewed. Sexual dysfunction is a frequent adverse effect of many therapeutic agents; it is prominently associated with SSRIs, and may be an important factor contributing to discontinuation of and noncompliance with antidepressants. However, a significant number of patients spontaneously develop tolerance to this reversible adverse effect over time. Sildenafil is an important addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Preliminary data suggest that it also has potential for treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in men and women, particularly in patients who do not have sexual dysfunction prior to becoming ill. The effective management of SSRI treatment emergent sexual dysfunction can have an important impact on improving the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of treatment by reducing switching and premature discontinuation of medication, and reducing the related morbidity/mortality of major depression and other disorders for which these drugs are prescribed.