Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: J Clin Psychiatry. 2006 Dec;67(12):1968-73. Links

A double-blind study of citalopram versus placebo in the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviors in gay and bisexual men.

Wainberg ML, Muench F, Morgenstern J, Hollander E, Irwin TW, Parsons JT, Allen A, O'Leary A.

Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. mlw35@columbia.edu

OBJECTIVE: Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a condition characterized by loss of control over sexual behavior and repeated negative consequences, including unsafe sex. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found to reduce CSB symptomatology in open-label trials. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of citalopram in the treatment of CSB. METHOD: Twenty-eight men who have sex with men who met the threshold for CSB on the basis of existing validated measures participated in a 12-week, double-blind trial of citalopram 20 to 60 mg/day to evaluate its effects on CSB symptoms. The primary efficacy measure was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-Compulsive Sexual Behavior. The study was conducted from June 2002 to April 2004. RESULTS: Significant treatment effects were obtained for sexual desire/drive (p < .05) and frequency of masturbation (p < .01) and pornography use (p < .05). Both groups reduced sexual risk, but did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides partial support for the effectiveness of citalopram for reducing symptoms of CSB in this population. Larger-scale trials are recommended to determine the public health benefits of this treatment.

PMID: 17194276 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro® )

    Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life and lasts for 6 months or longer). Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called...

  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin XL, ...)

    How do the newer antidepressants compare in treating depression?

  • Citalopram (Celexa® )

    Citalopram is used to treat depression. Citalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain...

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information