An open-label trial of sildenafil addition in risperidone-treated male schizophrenia patients with erectile dysfunction

Background: Sexual dysfunction frequently occurs in treated and untreated patients with schizophrenia. Sildenafil is used for treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by diverse factors. The aim of our study was to evaluate its potential value, safety, and effect on compliance with antipsychotic medications in risperidone-treated male schizophrenia patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. Method: In a 6-week open-label trial, sildenafil was administered to 12 male schizophrenia (DSM-IV) patients, treated with risperidone and reporting erectile dysfunction. The starting dose was 25 mg with the possibility to increase the dose to 75 mg. Three patients who did not respond stopped sildenafil treatment after 3 weeks. The effect on sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function and the Valevski-Weizman Male Sexual Function scale. Results: Nine (75%) of the 12 patients completed the 6-week trial, and 3 patients (25%) stopped taking sildenafil after 3 weeks due to lack of response. We observed statistically significant improvements in all sexual function domains (desire, erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction) in the 9 patients who completed the trial and in most of the domains for all 12 study participants. More than half (8/12; 67%) of the patients exhibited partial or much improvement. Conclusion: Sildenafil is a useful agent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in risperidone-treated male schizophrenia patients.