The Creighton-Nebraska Department of Psychiatry is seeking 60 adults, 19 and older for an eight-week, seven-site research study that will compare the effect of three antidepressant drugs on sexual function. Participants must be suffering from depression but not taking medication.
A newly-developed antidepressant drug, Wellbutrin Sustained Release, will be compared to the currently available antidepressant, Zoloft.
Of those who take one of the variety of antidepressants on the market, it is believed that 10 to 20 percent suffer from sexual dysfunction. Evidence suggests that the Wellbutrin Sustained Release has no affect on sexual function. Sexual dysfunction includes delayed or inability to achieve orgasm in men and women, inability in men to obtain and keep an erection and to ejaculate.
“The irony is that people with depression don’t have much sex drive,” said William Burke, M.D., a psychiatrist located on the UNMC campus and principal investigator of the study. “When their depression improves with medication, their sexual interest comes back, but some people begin to have sexual dysfunction. When they have these sexual problems, some quit taking their medication.”
Symptoms of depression include a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, diminished interest in activities, significant weight loss or weight gain, insomnia, decreased ability to concentrate, fatigue and feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
Dr. Burke said two benefits of Wellbutrin Sustained Release is that it’s only taken two times a day and it has less side effects. He said most antidepressants are equal in effectiveness, but Wellbutrin Sustained Release works differently in the brain.
“It’s been effective on some people who otherwise have not been helped by other antidepressants,” Dr. Burke said. “What we’re trying to find out is if this drug will help improve quality of life by offering another treatment for depression that produces fewer side effects.”
All treatments and procedures associated with the study are free.
For more information, call (402) 559-5056.