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Buspirone May Reverse SSRI-Induced Male Sexual Dysfunction

Approximately one third of patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) experience sexual dysfunction. This retrospective case review examined the ability of buspirone to reverse this troubling side effect.

Sixteen men treated with fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine who had complaints of sexual dysfunction, reduced libido, or delayed orgasm were treated in an open fashion with buspirone in doses ranging from 15 to 60 mg per day. Improvement in sexual functioning was rated using a clinical global impression rating scale and was defined as a greater than 50% recovery in sexual function relative to sexual performance before SSRI treatment. Eleven of the 16 patients (69%) were much or very much improved. It is of interest that all of the five patients who showed less than 50% improvement with buspirone were taking either near-maximal doses of their SSRIs or minimal doses of buspirone (i.e., 15 mg daily). The mechanism of action of buspirone in this regard remains obscure.

Comment: Sexual dysfunction induced by SSRIs remains one of the major drawbacks of these medications. Results from this case study suggest that buspirone may minimize SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Prospective double-blind trials should be conducted for buspirone and other anecdotal SSRI-induced sexual-dysfunction treatments, such as amantadine, yohimbine, buproprion, cyproheptadine, and alterations in SSRI dosing.

— C Nemeroff

Published in Journal Watch Psychiatry April 1, 1995

Citation(s):

Norden MJ. Buspirone treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Depression 1994 2 109-112.