Strategies for managing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction: a review

Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of most antidepressants. Lower rates are reported with some newer agents such as reboxetine and bupropion. The evidence base for its management is limited but growing, with most approaches only tested in a small number of trials. Available strategies include watchful waiting, the use of short drug holidays, and a change of antidepressant. Many specific antidotes have been trialed but with lack of convincing benefit in most cases. However, where antidepressants cause erectile dysfunction, the use of sildenafil has the largest and most consistent evidence base.