Lithium and sexual dysfunction: An under-researched area
Lithium and sexual dysfunction: An under-researched area
Objective Lithium treatment remains an important part of the management of many patients with bipolar disorder, but the incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction with lithium is uncertain, and little is known about how it might be managed. Method Systematic computerised literature search of preclinical and clinical studies. Results Thirteen relevant papers were identified. Preclinical studies suggest lithium can reduce testosterone levels and impair nitric oxide mediated relaxation of cavernosal tissue. Clinical reports suggest lithium may reduce sexual thoughts and desire, worsen erectile function and reduce sexual satisfaction. Concomitant benzodiazepine prescription with lithium is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction during lithium treatment appears significantly associated with a lower level of overall functioning and may reduce compliance. Conclusion The findings of this systematic review reveal the paucity of information about the incidence, associated factors and management of sexual dysfunction with lithium treatment and highlight the need for well-designed studies in this area.
lithium, sexual dysfunction, side effects, treatment
66-69
Elnazer, Hesham Y.
7e2eb3eb-0f00-455c-95b5-3c2e50f04b33
Sampson, Anthony
4ca76f6f-ff35-425d-a7e7-c2bd2ea2df60
Baldwin, David
1beaa192-0ef1-4914-897a-3a49fc2ed15e
March 2015
Elnazer, Hesham Y.
7e2eb3eb-0f00-455c-95b5-3c2e50f04b33
Sampson, Anthony
4ca76f6f-ff35-425d-a7e7-c2bd2ea2df60
Baldwin, David
1beaa192-0ef1-4914-897a-3a49fc2ed15e
Elnazer, Hesham Y., Sampson, Anthony and Baldwin, David
(2015)
Lithium and sexual dysfunction: An under-researched area.
Human Psychopharmacology, 30 (2), .
(doi:10.1002/hup.2457).
Abstract
Objective Lithium treatment remains an important part of the management of many patients with bipolar disorder, but the incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction with lithium is uncertain, and little is known about how it might be managed. Method Systematic computerised literature search of preclinical and clinical studies. Results Thirteen relevant papers were identified. Preclinical studies suggest lithium can reduce testosterone levels and impair nitric oxide mediated relaxation of cavernosal tissue. Clinical reports suggest lithium may reduce sexual thoughts and desire, worsen erectile function and reduce sexual satisfaction. Concomitant benzodiazepine prescription with lithium is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction during lithium treatment appears significantly associated with a lower level of overall functioning and may reduce compliance. Conclusion The findings of this systematic review reveal the paucity of information about the incidence, associated factors and management of sexual dysfunction with lithium treatment and highlight the need for well-designed studies in this area.
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Published date: March 2015
Keywords:
lithium, sexual dysfunction, side effects, treatment
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Local EPrints ID: 455312
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/455312
ISSN: 0885-6222
PURE UUID: 59a1fd43-3fe5-44d6-91af-71872644b67d
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Date deposited: 16 Mar 2022 18:07
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 02:43
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Author:
Hesham Y. Elnazer
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