An open-label series using loratadine for the treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Abstract

Objective To assess the impact of loratadine as an add-on treatment of erectile dysfunctions associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Methods Nine patients diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), with erectile dysfunction associated with the administration of SSRIs, completed a 2-week trial of loratadine in the dose of 10 mg/day. The International Index of Erectile Function Five (IIEF-5) was used as an assessment measure for diagnosing the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) was administered for screening the potential impact of depressive symptoms. Results Baseline mean S.D. ± IIEF-5 scores were 10.33 ± 4.55 (range 5–20) and week 2 mean ± S.D. IIEF-5 was 14.44 ± 3.84 (range 10–22). Subjects had statistically significant improvement in their erectile functions on the IIEF-5 ( t = − 8.485; df = 8; p = 0.000) and 55% reported subjective improvement of the erectile function. No significant changes on HAM-D 17 scores were registered. Baseline mean S.D. scores were 13.66 ± 2.29 (range 10–17) and week 2 mean S.D. was 13.11 ± 1.96 (range 10–16) ( t = 1.47; df = 8; p = 0.179). Conclusion Our findings suggest the possible role of loratadine in the treatment of SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction. They are promising, but preliminary. Thus they should be replicated in a longer large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.