Serotonin reuptake antidepressant effects on sexual function in patients with anxiety disorders

Background: Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants have been associated with sexual dysfunction, though there have been few prospective reports specifically examining this problem. The purpose of this study was to determine if three SRIs affected sexual function in anxiety disorder patients over a 3-month period. Methods: Thirty-one patients were enrolled in a prospective study of the effect of three SRIs, fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine, on five aspects of sexual function: libido, erection/lubrication, orgasm quality, orgasm delay, and sexual frequency. Measurements were made at baseline and at each month on visual analogue scales. Results: For men and women, orgasm quality was lower and orgasm delay longer at months one, two, and three compared to baseline (p <.01). Erection scores were lower over time, but this change was not statistically significant. Lubrication, libido, and sexual frequency were not appreciably changed over 3 months. A higher rate of anorgasmia was noted in women at months one and two, but this did not achieve significance. Conclusions: Orgasm appears to be a primary sexual function affected by SRIs. Published 1998 Society of Biological Psychiatry.