Sexual problems – such as low desire, poor arousal, and orgasm difficulties - are common side effects of some antidepressants. However, patients experiencing these effects may have a new alternative.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new labelling for a drug called Trintellix (vortioxetine), which may relieve depression symptoms with fewer sexual side effects.
Trintellix is prescribed to adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Researchers conducted an 8-week trial involving 447 patients who had been managing MDD with one of the following selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): citalopram, paroxetine, or sertraline. The participants were also experiencing sexual side effects from their medication.
For the study, the participants switched their medication to either Trintellix or escitalopram. They also completed a sexual function assessment questionnaire at the start of the study and again eight weeks later.
When researchers analyzed the data, they found that the patients who took Tintrellix had better scores on the questionnaire. This meant that their sexual function improved over the study period.
In addition, the patients’ improvements with depression were maintained.
"Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and bothersome side effects patients with depression struggle with when prescribed an SSRI," said lead investigator Dr. Anita Clayton in press statement.
She added, "We designed the study to specifically look at these troublesome side effects. Changing to a medication with potentially fewer sexual side effects, while not losing progress in treating depression, provides an important option for patients with depression."
Resources
Healio.com
“Expanded label shows Trintellix effective for SSRI-emergent sexual dysfunction”
(October 25, 2018)
https://www.healio.com/psychiatry/depression/news/online/%7Be4fb8ffd-4fa1-402b-a770-a231ad32f88d%7D/expanded-label-shows-trintellix-effective-for-ssri-emergent-sexual-dysfunction
MD Magazine
Rossi, Krista
“Label Update Shows Vortioxetine as Effective for Treatment-Emergent Sexual Dysfunction”
(October 22, 2018)
https://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/label-update-shows-vortioxetine-effective-treatmentemergent-sexual-dysfunction
MPR
Han, Da Hee, PharmD
“Vortioxetine Beats Escitalopram in Improving SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction”
(October 22, 2018)
https://www.empr.com/news/trintellix-ssri-sexual-dysfunction-escitalopram-lexapro-study-labeling-update/article/809068/
PR Newswire
“New Data Added to TRINTELLIX® (vortioxetine) Labeling Demonstrated Superiority Over Escitalopram in Improving SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder”
(Press statement. October 22, 2018)
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-data-added-to-trintellix-vortioxetine-labeling-demonstrated-superiority-over-escitalopram-in-improving-ssri-induced-sexual-dysfunction-in-patients-with-major-depressive-disorder-300734891.html
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
