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Pharmacopsychiatry 2004; 37(3): 127-130
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-818991
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Spontaneous Remission of SSRI-induced Orgasm Delay

E. M. Haberfellner1 , H. Rittmannsberger2
  • 1Psychiatrist in private practice, Linz, Austria
  • 2Landesnervenklinik Wagner-Jauregg, Linz, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 13.11.2002 Revised: 24.1.2003

Accepted: 30.4.2003

Publication Date:
12 May 2004 (online)

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Background: Orgasm delay is a common side effect of SSRIs, causing negative influence on patients’ compliance and quality of life. A possible strategy for the management of SSRI-induced orgasm delay is waiting for tolerance to develop. The authors studied the natural course of SSRI-induced orgasm delay over a period of 6 months.
Methods: One hundred eight patients having been started on SSRIs were included in an open, naturalistic study. Sexual dysfunction was assessed at monthly intervals using a structured interview.
Results: Twenty-six patients developed clinically relevant SSRI-induced orgasm delay. Eight patients (30.8 %) reported complete remission of sexual dysfunction, while four patients (15.4 %) noted a marked improvement. Four patients (15.4 %) continued to describe severe orgasm delay at the end of the observation period. High severity of orgasm delay significantly correlated with lack of remission.
Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients, especially those with mild to moderate orgasm delay, develop tolerance within 6 months.

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Dr. MD Egon Michael Haberfellner

Hauptstraße 83-85

A-4040 LINZ

AUSTRIA

Phone: 0043/732/736293

Fax: 0043/732/716511-22

Email: e.m.haberfellner@aon.at