Rosa Damascena oil improved methadone-related sexual dysfunction in females with opioid use disorder under methadone maintenance therapy – results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundMethadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is provided to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, as with all opioids, methadone impacts negatively on sexual function. To counter this, Rosa Damascena oil (RDO) has been used successfully for opioid-dependent male patients under MMT and with methadone-related sexual dysfunction (MRSD). In the present study, we tested the possible influence of RDO on sexual function and sex hormones of opioid-dependent female patients undergoing MMT and with MRSD. MethodsFifty female patients (mean age: 38.8 years) diagnosed with OUD, undergoing MMT and with MRSD were randomly assigned either to the RDO or the placebo condition. At baseline, patients completed questionnaires covering socio-demographic and OUD-related information. At baseline, and four and eight weeks later they additionally completed questionnaires on sexual function and happiness. Blood samples to assess thyroid hormones, prolactin, progesterone, and estradiol levels were taken at baseline and eight weeks later (end of the study). ResultsOver time sexual function and happiness increased, but more so in the RDO condition than in the placebo condition. Over time, prolactin decreased, and progesterone, and estradiol increased, but again more so in the RDO condition. Sex hormone levels and sexual function were statistically unrelated. ConclusionsResults from this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that opioid-dependent females undergoing MMT and with MRDS did benefit from RDO administration, as sexual function and happiness increased, and female sexual hormone levels changed in positive directions.