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Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI

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Published on: April 18, 2011

Ropinirole for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

J J Worthington¹, N M Simon, N B Korbly

¹Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA. jworthington@partners.org

International Clinical Psychopharmacology

|November 1, 2002

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Ropinirole, a dopamine agonist, may effectively treat sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants. In a study, 54% of patients showed improvement, reducing distress and improving treatment adherence.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Psychiatry

Background:

Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (AISD) is a common side effect affecting up to 50% of patients.
AISD leads to significant patient distress and poor treatment adherence.
Dopaminergic agents show promise for treating AISD.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of the dopamine agonist ropinirole in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

Main Methods:

An open-label study involving 13 patients experiencing sexual dysfunction on stable antidepressant doses.
Ropinirole was initiated at 0.25 mg/day and titrated up to 2-4 mg/day over 4 weeks.
Patient outcomes were assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement Scale.

Main Results:

Sexual dysfunction scores decreased from 18.8 to 13.8 after 4 weeks of ropinirole treatment (mean dose 2.1 mg/day).
Seven out of 13 patients (54%) were classified as responders based on the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement Scale.
Ten patients completed at least 4 weeks of treatment; one discontinued due to adverse events, and two due to lack of response.

Conclusions:

Ropinirole may be a viable treatment option for patients suffering from antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
This finding suggests a potential strategy to improve patient outcomes and adherence in antidepressant therapy.