Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Add-on mirtazapine improves orgasmic functioning in patients with schizophrenia treated with first-generation
Viacheslav Terevnikov1, Jan-Henry Stenberg2, Jari Tiihonen3,4,5
1a Kellokoski Hospital, Kellokoski, and University of Helsinki , Finland.
Aim:
Sexual dysfunction, common in schizophrenia, may be further exaggerated by antipsychotics, especially those of First Generation (FGAs), and antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRs). Mirtazapine, an antidepressant characterized by its different action mechanism compared with that of the majority of other antidepressants, may improve SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in patients with depression. It is unknown, however, whether mirtazapine improves sexual functioning in schizophrenia.
Methods:
This study randomly assigned FGA-treated patients with schizophrenia to receive either an add-on mirtazapine (n = 20) or a placebo (n = 19) for 6 weeks. Sexual functioning was prospectively measured using five relevant items from the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side-effect rating scale (UKU-SERS).
Results:
Orgasmic function improved with statistical significance in the mirtazapine group (p = .03), with no changes in any other sexual functions in either group.
Conclusion:
Add-on mirtazapine appears to relieve orgasmic dysfunction in FGA-treated patients with schizophrenia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...

