Sildenafil Reduces Adverse Effects

Treatment Yields Positive Results for Women Taking Antidepressants

Jul 24, 2008

In a study published by the American Medical Association, a group of women with sexual dysfunction due to antidepressant therapy responded to treatment with Sildenafil.

It has been known for some time that sildenafil, or sildenafil citrate, has been successful at improving sexual function in men. The drug is marketed under several brand names including Viagra. Until recently it has not been shown to be effective in women.

Patient Profile

In a study published July 23, 2008 and conducted from 2003 to 2007 at seven locations, women who were being treated for depression with serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants were screened for sexual dysfunction. Ninety eight volunteers, with an average age of 37, participated in the trial. None of these women had previously had problems with sexual function prior to being treated for depression.

Sexual dysfunction has been recognized as a common side effect in both women and men who are being treated with antidepressants. In women the side effects can be manifested as decreased libido, vaginal dryness and delayed orgasm. These side effects are often considered a cause for discontinuation of antidepressant therapy.

The Clinical Trial

In a random, double-blind trial that lasted eight weeks volunteers received sildenafil or an identical looking placebo which was then self-administered. Participants completed pre-trial and post-trial surveys, questionnaires and kept event logs about their sexual activity. The two treatment groups, sildenafil and placebo, were interviewed and monitored by clinicians at two, four and eight week intervals. Serum blood samples were tested for levels of endocrine hormones at the beginning and at the end of the study.

The dosage was flexible, starting at 50 mg with the opportunity to raise the level to 100mg. It was taken before sexual activity. At the end of the trial the women taking the sildenafil reported significant reduction in adverse sexual effects, translating into improved orgasm function, arousal and enjoyment. The most common side effects reported were headache and nasal congestion.

Interpretation of the Results

It appears that this is the first clinical trial specifically using this medication for women who are also taking antidepressants. This drug is commonly prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction and has been very successful in that regard. Sildenafil had been tested on women in the past and had not been found to be effective in improving female sexual dysfunction in the general population. It is unknown why it may have worked more successfully in this sub-group.

As the authors of the study noted, the results may not be transferable to women who do not meet the specifics of the trial. That is, the women in the trial were highly motivated and had only reported sexual dysfunction since they had been taking the antidepressants. These volunteers were then carefully chosen, screened and monitored. Further studies will clarify whether these results can be duplicated.

For More Information

Before taking any drug or medication, you should consult with your physician or family practitioner. The original study may be found on-line here at the Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 300, No. 4.

Nurnberg, H. George, Hensley, Paula L., Heiman, Julia R., Croft, Harry A., Debattista, Charles, and Paine, Susan."Sildenafil Treatment of Women With Antidepressant-Associated Sexual Dysfunction," JAMA, July 23/30, 2008—Vol 300, No. 4

The copyright of the article Sildenafil Reduces Adverse Effects in Women's Sexual Health is owned by Donna Bernier. Permission to republish Sildenafil Reduces Adverse Effects in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.