TY - JOUR
T1 - Mirtazapine substitution in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction
AU - Gelenberg, Alan J.
AU - Laukes, Cindi
AU - McGahuey, Cindy
AU - Okayli, Ghadeer
AU - Moreno, Francisco
AU - Zentner, Lynda
AU - Delgado, Pedro
PY - 2000/5
Y1 - 2000/5
N2 - Background: Sexual side effects are a common and bothersome reaction to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), frequently leading to cessation of treatment. Mirtazapine, an α2-adrenoceptor and serotonin-2/3 receptor antagonist, appears to cause few sexual problems. Method: Nineteen patients (12 women and 7 men), with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction who were in remission from major depressive disorder (total Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM-D] score ≤ 10), were switched to open-label mirtazapine for up to 6 weeks. Mirtazapine was titrated from 7.5 mg to 45 mg daily, as tolerated. Sexual functioning was measured weekly with the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and depression was measured weekly with the HAM-D. Results: Eleven patients (58%) had a return of normal sexual functioning (mean ± SD ASEX score = 12 ± 3), and another 2 (11%) reported significant improvement in sexual functioning (mean ASEX score reduced from 24 ± 1 to 20 ± 0). All nineteen patients maintained their antidepressant response (HAM-D score after 6 weeks of mirtazapine = 6 ± 3). The most commonly reported side effects (using moderate/severe rating on a symptom checklist) were initial sedation (N = 3), irritability (N = 6), and muscle soreness and stiffness (N = 3). Weight gain of 10 to 20 lb (4.5-9 kg) was seen in 3 patients (2 women and 1 man). Conclusion: Mirtazapine is an effective antidepressant for many patients experiencing SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
AB - Background: Sexual side effects are a common and bothersome reaction to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), frequently leading to cessation of treatment. Mirtazapine, an α2-adrenoceptor and serotonin-2/3 receptor antagonist, appears to cause few sexual problems. Method: Nineteen patients (12 women and 7 men), with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction who were in remission from major depressive disorder (total Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM-D] score ≤ 10), were switched to open-label mirtazapine for up to 6 weeks. Mirtazapine was titrated from 7.5 mg to 45 mg daily, as tolerated. Sexual functioning was measured weekly with the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and depression was measured weekly with the HAM-D. Results: Eleven patients (58%) had a return of normal sexual functioning (mean ± SD ASEX score = 12 ± 3), and another 2 (11%) reported significant improvement in sexual functioning (mean ASEX score reduced from 24 ± 1 to 20 ± 0). All nineteen patients maintained their antidepressant response (HAM-D score after 6 weeks of mirtazapine = 6 ± 3). The most commonly reported side effects (using moderate/severe rating on a symptom checklist) were initial sedation (N = 3), irritability (N = 6), and muscle soreness and stiffness (N = 3). Weight gain of 10 to 20 lb (4.5-9 kg) was seen in 3 patients (2 women and 1 man). Conclusion: Mirtazapine is an effective antidepressant for many patients experiencing SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
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U2 - 10.4088/JCP.v61n0506
DO - 10.4088/JCP.v61n0506
M3 - Article
C2 - 10847310
AN - SCOPUS:0034082378
SN - 0160-6689
VL - 61
SP - 356
EP - 360
JO - Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
JF - Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
IS - 5
ER -