Add-on drug lumateperone boosts sexual function in patients with depression

Approximately 68% of patients with major depressive disorder have sexual dysfunction, and the sexual side effects of antidepressant medications are a leading reason patients stop treatment.

Link between depression and sexual function

Major depressive disorder affects approximately 21 million American adults, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. As the researchers note in a paper outlining their study results, sexual dysfunction increases the risk for major depressive disorder, while major depressive disorder and its treatments are also a common cause of sexual dysfunction.

Women appeared to benefit more than men, but the researchers say more research is needed to verify that. Both sexes reported improvements in sexual pleasure and arousal.

In addition, study participants who did not have sexual dysfunction and received lumateperone did not report any worsening of their sexual function during the trial.

Findings published

Source:

University of Virginia Health System

Journal reference: