Letter to the Editor November 15, 1996

Methylphenidate and SSRI-Induced Sexual Side Effects

Carol Roeloffs, MD; Barbara Bartlik, MD; Peter M. Kaplan, MD; James H. Kocsis, MD

J Clin Psychiatry 1996;57(11):548

Article Abstract

Letter to the Editor

Sir: We were interested to read "Methylphenidate Augmentationof Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors: A Case Series"and would like to raise the issue of the role of sexual functioningin the treatment of depression. Not only can the addition ofmethylphenidate to an SSRI boost the antidepressant action, but itmay also relieve sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI therapy.Sexual dysfunction due to SSRIs is a common, well-describedside effect that can lead to noncompliance.