Publication:

Adverse effects including sexual problems associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in a tertiary care center of Eastern Nepal

Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use has been associated with various adverse drug events, including sexual problems in recent literature.

Methods After written informed consent, remitted psychiatric patients were enrolled if they were taking an SSRI. The remitted state was ascertained by clinical assessment of a psychiatrist and reassessed with the use of self-response screening questionnaires (Beck Anxiety Inventory for anxiety, Beck Depression Inventory for depression). The self-response questionnaire “adverse drug effect (ADE) tool” was used to assess ADEs and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale to assess sexual problems.

Results The total of 200 subjects was enrolled with 63% females. Commonly used SSRIs were escitalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline for the common diagnosis of depression, recurrent depressive disorder, and panic disorder in this institute. The average duration of remission during the enrollment was 11.99 months (standard deviation: 12.269). The overall prevalence of adverse effects was 91.5%. The incidence of adverse effect and sexual problem were: weight gain (57%), dryness of mouth (32.5%), headache (30%), dizziness (28.5%), paresthesia (24.5%), confusion (23.5%), tremors (21.5%), irritation (20.5%) sexual dysfunction (SD) (17.2%), increase in anxiety (17%), akathisia (16%), nausea (14.5%), itchiness (14.5%), excessive sweating, (14.5%), difficulty in sleeping (10%), weight loss (6%), rash (6%), diarrhea (4%), vomiting (3%), and others (3%).

Conclusion Adverse effect (irrespective of severity) was commonly seen with SSRI use. Common adverse effects seen among remitted subjects were weight gain, dryness of mouth, headache, dizziness, paresthesia, etc. SD was other important side effect.