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To the Editor: In their randomized controlled trial, Dr Nurnberg and colleagues¹ showed that sildenafil can be an effective option for the treatment of selective or nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)–induced sexual dysfunction in women. However, treating one medication-induced adverse effect with another medication is not the only treatment option available. This approach can further increase the occurrence of adverse effects and potentially augment patient drug costs.

Nonpharmacological approaches and strategies, such as the use of lubricants, should be considered to reduce drug-induced adverse effects. Other strategies include incorporating drug holidays, reducing dosages, or switching to a different antidepressant that causes less sexual dysfunction.^2-3 These techniques may ameliorate sexual dysfunction without inducing new adverse reactions from additional medications. Sildenafil can cause adverse reactions such as headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, and transient visual disturbances.¹ Although some of these effects may seem benign, they can be just as troubling as sexual . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Lisa Harinstein, PharmD
harinsteinlm@upmc.edu
Department of Family Medicine
UPMC St Margaret
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Sildenafil Treatment of Women With Antidepressant-Associated Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Sildenafil as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
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Sildenafil as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction—Reply
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