The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7231 p41
11 January 2003

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Sildenafil effective for sexual dysfunction associated with use of antidepressants

Sildenafil (Viagra) is an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant use, a study shows. More than half of patients who took sildenafil reported much or very much improved sexual function, compared with less than one in 20 of the patients who took placebo.

Researchers randomised 90 patients (mean age 45 years) with major depression that was in remission to sildenafil 50mg or 100mg, or placebo. Patients were told to take one tablet one hour before they anticipated sexual activity, and to have regular sexual activity throughout the six-week treatment period.

On average, patients had been taking antidepressants for between two and three years, and had between three and four symptoms of sexual dysfunction. A total of 85 per cent of patients completed assessments during the treatment period and 93 per cent took at least one dose of the study drug.

Of the 44 patients who took sildenafil 24 had much or very much improved sexual function compared with two of the 45 patients who took placebo. Erectile function, arousal, ejaculation, orgasm and overall satisfaction improved among sildenafil-treated patients compared with those taking placebo. Depression scores remained similar in both groups.

The researchers say that this is the first well-designed study to show an effective antidote to sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant use. But they warn that the results may only relate to men who fulfilled the study protocol criteria and cannot be generalised to women or other groups without further trials (JAMA 2003;289:56).