Brain Test May Predict Sexual Side Effects From Antidepressants, early Research Suggests
NEW YORK – A newly explored brain scan may offer a potential way to predict whether someone will experience sexual dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressant medication, according to preliminary research published this week. The findings, while early, could pave the way for more personalized antidepressant prescriptions and strategies to mitigate a common and distressing side effect.
Antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue, impacting a notable number of individuals undergoing treatment for depression. the latest science builds upon existing research aiming to predict both the effectiveness and potential harms of different antidepressant drugs for individual patients, explained Dr. Tatiana Witt-Doerring.
The research “should encourage people to study this important side effect in more detail,” said dr. Sanjay Jauhar.
Many individuals experiencing antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction opt for or switch to bupropion, a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), according to Dr.Jonathan Alpert, Dorothy and Marty Silverman Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Unlike many antidepressants that increase serotonin,bupropion boosts dopamine,a neurotransmitter that supports sexual desire and response,Alpert told CNN in 2024.
For those already on antidepressants experiencing sexual problems, experts recommend working with their doctor to troubleshoot the issue. Clinicians may suggest waiting to see if the body adjusts over a few months,or consider switching medications if side effects persist,Alpert said.
In some cases, doctors may add another medication to a patient’s routine to manage or alleviate dysfunction. Medications for general sexual dysfunction, such as sildenafil or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, are sometimes prescribed to improve blood flow and muscle relaxation in genital areas, counteracting the blood vessel constriction potentially caused by high serotonin levels, experts noted.
Patients who don’t respond well or at all to antidepressants further underscore the need for individualized treatment approaches.
