Lumateperone Enhances Sexual Function in Patients with Major Depression, Study Reports

A new study led by researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine indicates that lumateperone, an atypical antipsychotic, significantly improves sexual function in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who do not respond adequately to standard antidepressants. The study involved 480 participants who were given either a daily 42 mg dose of lumateperone or a placebo in addition to their existing antidepressant therapy.

Patients who received lumateperone demonstrated notable improvements in sexual function, which included enhancements in desire, arousal, orgasm, and pleasure, regardless of sex or age. This is particularly relevant as about 68% of individuals with MDD experience sexual dysfunction, which is one of the primary reasons for discontinuation of treatment with antidepressants.

Lead researcher Dr. Anita H. Clayton from UVA Health described the findings as significant for managing sexual dysfunction in depression. The study aimed to investigate whether lumateperone, already FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar depression, could also benefit patients with MDD experiencing sexual side effects from their current medications.

Results indicated that participants who received lumateperone showed marked reductions in depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and improvements in sexual functioning measured through the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14). Initially, 82.5% of participants reported sexual dysfunction, but by the end of the 43-day trial, over a quarter reported normal sexual function. Although both men and women experienced improvements, women appeared to benefit more.

Despite the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction associated with MDD and the sexual side effects of typical antidepressants, the addition of lumateperone did not exacerbate sexual dysfunction in those without initial issues. Clayton noted, "If an individual taking an SSRI doesn’t see a significant reduction in MDD symptoms, they have a higher combined risk of sexual dysfunction."

The findings have been published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, detailing contributions from a team that includes Willie R. Earley, Susan G. Kozauer, Yifan Mo, John B. Edwards, and Suresh Durgam. The study was funded by Intra-Cellular Therapies. For more information on ongoing medical research at UVA, visit the Making of Medicine blog.