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<p>Patients can visit either their general practice (GP), or a sexual health clinic,
for support with erectile dysfunction. Anyone experiencing mental health issues, including
those related to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use, is encouraged
to seek help by consulting to their GP or by self-referring to their local NHS Talking
Therapies service.</p><p>The product information for individual SSRI medicines describe
a range of side-effects, including potential sexual dysfunction during treatment.
Some products specifically note that these symptoms may persist even after discontinuing
the medication. Patients are encouraged to discuss the benefits and risks associated
with medicines with their prescriber for individual support.</p><p>As with all medicines,
the evidence available for the safety of antidepressants remains under continual review
by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency after they are authorised
for use. In response to patient and family feedback, an Expert Working Group under
the Commission of Human Medicines has been established. This group is currently considering
the risk minimisation measures for antidepressants in relation to suicide and suicidal
behaviour. The scope of this review has been expanded to include the risk of persistent
sexual dysfunction after stopping the medication for all 30 antidepressants currently
marketed in the United Kingdom.</p><p>The National Institute for Health and Care Research
(NIHR) has funded previous studies focused on the effects of antidepressant medication
on sexual function. For example, a systematic review to determine the effectiveness
of management strategies for sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants, and to
determine the adverse effects and acceptability of these different management strategies.</p>
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