Comparative study of the effect of vortioxetine on sexual function in outpatient patients with non-psychotic depression

BACKGROUND: The negative effect of sexual dysfunction on the quality of life is often underestimated, although it is one of the determinants of antidepressant tolerance. According to the results of international studies, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with depression treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors is 27–65% in women and 26–57% in men. Treatment with fewer adverse sexual effects should be considered a potential first-line option in patients with psychiatric condition interested in maintaining a sexual life.

AIM: To study the effects of vortioxetine and citalopram on the sexual function of outpatients with non-psychotic depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted based on the Center for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. We examined 134 patients (mean age, 35.8±7.6 years) who underwent outpatient treatment by a psychiatrist. Among them, 71 patients received vortioxetine, 45 patients had depressive states of endogenous origin (15 patients with affective disorders and 30 patients with schizotypal disorder), and 26 patients had adjustment disorder. Citalopram was administered in 63 patients: 39 with depressive conditions within endogenous diseases (18 with affective disorders and 21 with schizotypal disorder) and 24 patients with adjustment disorder. The study lasted for 6 weeks, after which sexual function was assessed.

RESULTS: In the groups taking vortioxetine and citalopram, significant differences were found in the incidence of sexual dysfunction: the use of vortioxetine compared with citalopram allowed patients to maintain libido and orgasmic function and, in some cases, helped restore the sexual sphere.

CONCLUSION: The data obtained showed that vortioxetine was statistically significantly more favorable in relation to sexual function.