Potential Side Effects of Clozapine on the Sexual Function of Schizophrenic Men

Over the years, neuroleptics have been developed to alleviate schizophrenic symptoms by blocking the excessive dopamine transmission thought to be involved in the disease. However, motor and sexual side effects have often interfered with compliance with treatment. Since clozapine was reintroduced as an atypical neuroleptic, this study investigated its possible sexual side effects on nine schizophrenic patients compared to nine matched controls. Subjects completed questionnaires whose results indicated that clozapine alters ejaculatory function, primarily in the form of a decreased ejaculatory volume. Other sexual areas did not seem affected by medication and patients exhibited relatively good adaptation to their sexual lives. The results suggest that counseling should be provided to increase compliance with treatment and to provide additional support on various aspects of medication as well as on the disease itself.