Improvements in SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction by switching to escitalopram

Antidepressants, especially serotonin reuptake inhibiting agents, are associated with sexual dysfunction. The newest drug of this class, escitalopram, claims greater tolerability than older alternatives. This study evaluated patient experiences with switching from one serotonin enhancing antidepressant to escitalopram in individuals who already were complaining of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. We found that 68.1% of patients experienced improvement with their sexual function. The ability to obtain a satisfactory clinical response at relatively low doses may explain this finding. We performed gender, phase of sexual response, and dose analyses. This article discusses results and significance.