Management of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic drug therapy

Berner MM, Hagen M, Kriston L, Omar H

Published Online:

March 17, 2010

Drugs commonly used to treat schizophrenia often cause sexual problems. Strategies to manage these problems are additional drugs, short drug holidays, reduction of dose and switching to another drug. In this review we found two pioneering studies but both were small and short. There is some evidence that sildenafil may be an effective drug to add to standard care for treating men with antipsychotic-induced erectile disorder. However before confident claims can be made about this drug many more trials evaluating the several strategies should be undertaken.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Psychotropic drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction. Symptoms may concern penile erection, lubrication, orgasm, libido, sexual arousal or overall sexual satisfaction.

Objectives:

To determine the effects of different strategies (e.g. dose reduction, drug holidays, adjunctive medication, switching to another drug) for treatment of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic therapy.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register (June 2006), the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1966-8/2005), PsycLIT (1974-8/2005), EMBASE (1980-8/2005) and references of all identified studies for further trials. We contacted relevant pharmaceutical companies and authors of trials.

Selection criteria:

We included all relevant randomised controlled trials involving people with schizophrenia and sexual dysfunction.

Data collection and analysis:

Working independently, we extracted data. For dichotomous data we calculated random effects odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and, where appropriate, the number needed to treat (NNT) on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data we calculated weighted mean differences on the basis of a random effects model. We analysed crossover trials under consideration of correlation of paired measures.

Main results:

Currently this review includes two pioneering crossover studies (total n=42 men, duration 2-3 weeks). They reported significantly more erections sufficient for penetration when receiving sildenafil compared with when receiving placebo (n=32, WMD 3.20 CI 1.83 to 4.57), a greater mean duration of erections (n=32, WMD 1.18 CI 0.52 to 1.84) and frequency of satisfactory intercourse (n=32, WMD 2.84 CI 1.61 to 4.07). The second trial found no evidence for selegiline as symptomatic treatment for antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction compared with placebo (n=10, WMD change on Aizenberg's sexual functioning scale -0.40 CI -3.95 to 3.15).

Authors' conclusions:

We are not confident that crossover studies are appropriate for this participant group. Sildenafil may be a useful option in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction in men with schizophrenia, but this conclusion is based only on one small short trial. Further well designed, conducted and reported trials are urgently needed.

This record should be cited as:

Berner MM, Hagen M, Kriston L, Omar H. Management of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic drug therapy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003546. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003546.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

November 14, 2006

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Primary Review Group:

Schizophrenia Group

Health topics:

Mental health > Schizophrenia & psychosis > Antipsychotic medication: other

Urology > Erectile dysfunction

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Management of sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic drug therapy

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