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Association Between Sexual Dysfunction and Dose of Atypical Antipsychotics: Essential to Learn the Basics.
Scandashree Krishnegowda1, Padmaja Udaykumar1, Aruna Yadiyal1
1Department of Pharmacology, Father Muller Medical College, Kankanady, Mangalore, India.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|August 8, 2022
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is common with atypical antipsychotics in India, particularly risperidone. Olanzapine shows a better safety profile, and dysfunction is not dose-dependent.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Atypical antipsychotics are widely used for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
- Sexual dysfunction is a known side effect, but data in the Indian population is limited.
- Understanding prevalence and dose dependency is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Indian patients on atypical antipsychotic monotherapy.
- To assess the dose dependency of sexual dysfunction.
- To compare sexual dysfunction rates among risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine users.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 154 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ICD-10 F20-F29).
- Patients received monotherapy with risperidone, olanzapine, or quetiapine for at least 4 weeks.
- Sexual function assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX) scale; Chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalent doses calculated.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high, with 48.5% on risperidone, 28.4% on olanzapine, and 0% on quetiapine.
- Lower ASEX scores (indicating better sexual function) were observed with quetiapine.
- Sexual dysfunction was not dose-dependent; patients on <200 mg CPZ equivalents showed greater impairment. Duration of therapy correlated with dysfunction in risperidone users.
Conclusions:
- Atypical antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction is prevalent in the Indian population and not dose-dependent.
- Olanzapine demonstrates a better safety profile regarding sexual dysfunction compared to risperidone.
- Further research is needed to evaluate quetiapine's sexual side effect profile due to limited data.
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