Sexual dysfunction due to SSRI antidepressants: How to manage?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of commonly prescribed antidepressants in clinical practice. Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs, which often goes unrecognized but adversely affects the quality of life of the patient. This review takes a look at the occurrence of sexual dysfunction among patients receiving SSRIs from a clinical viewpoint. The review explores into the possible reasons of such a dysfunction and the differential diagnoses to be entertained while dealing patients receiving SSRIs and experiencing sexual dysfunction. The review discusses the management strategies for addressing such dysfunction due to SSRIs, including cessation or reduction of dose, changing to another antidepressant, augmentation with another antidepressant, additional use of medications for erectile dysfunction and use of other add-on strategies. The choice of a specific strategy should be customized to individual needs of the patient.