Buspirone May Reverse SSRI-Induced Male Sexual Dysfunction

Approximately one third of patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) experience sexual dysfunction. This retrospective case review examined the ability of buspirone to reverse this troubling side effect.

Sixteen men treated with fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine who had complaints of sexual dysfunction, reduced libido, or delayed orgasm were treated in an open fashion with buspirone in doses ranging from 15 to 60 mg per day. Improvement in sexual functioning was rated using a clinical global impression rating scale and was defined as a greater than 50% recovery in sexual function relative to sexual performance before SSRI treatment. Eleven of the 16 patients (69%) were much or very much improved. It is of inte…