Buspirone treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors

A retrospective study was done of sixteen patients treated with adjunctive buspirone in the context of sexual dysfunction associated with the use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRls). Sexual functioning was rated as much or very much improved in 11 patients (69%). Treatment was generally very well tolerated. However, several patients who had become less irritable after treatment with an SSRI, reported increased irritability. The results suggest adjunctive buspirone may be useful in the management of sexual dysfunction associated with SSRIs; possible mechanisms of action are discussed. Depression 2:109–112 (1994).