Antidepressants are the number one outpatient prescribed drug across the United States. There are a specific class of antidepressants called SSRI’s or SRI’s: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors that are widely used, but can cause sexual side effects including decreased lubrication and arousal and delayed orgasm. In a study published in the July 23 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 49 participants taking an SRI were given a placebo and 49 participants taking an SRI were given Sildenafil (generic form of Viagra). 72% of women taking Sildenafil two hours before sexual activity noted an improvement in sexual function. This is a promising finding considering that many people – men and women discontinue treatment and subsequently suffer a relapse as a result of the adverse sexual side effects caused by SRI’s. Side effects include flushing, headaches and indigestion.

The original article was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The press release can be found at Eureka Alert.