Change in sexual dysfunction with aripiprazole: a switching or add-on study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Pharmacology
• Endocrinology
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Antipsychotic medications frequently cause sexual dysfunction and elevated prolactin levels.
• Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, has shown potential in reducing antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if switching to aripiprazole reduces sexual dysfunction in patients treated with other antipsychotics.
• To assess the impact of aripiprazole on prolactin levels and sexual functioning.

Main Methods:

• An open-label study involving 27 subjects switching to aripiprazole.
• Patients were assessed for 26 weeks using the Anti-psychotic Non-Neurological Side-Effects Rating Scale (ANNSERS) and the Sexual Functioning Questionnaire.
• Primary analysis was conducted at week 12.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in prolactin levels by week 12 (P = 0.003).
• Significant improvements in libido (P = 0.028), male erectile and ejaculatory function (P = 0.04, P = 0.017), and female menstrual dysfunction (P = 0.04) by week 12.
• Sustained improvements at week 26, with increased overall sexual satisfaction (P = 0.007) and reduced psychopathology scores.

Conclusions:

• Switching to aripiprazole or adding it to existing antipsychotic regimens can effectively reduce sexual dysfunction.
• Aripiprazole improves prolactin levels and various aspects of sexual function, contributing to better quality of life.