A 45-year-old male reports experiencing problems getting an erection since he started taking a new medication for depression. The patient takes fluoxetine. What should be considered in this case?
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, and one of the potential side effects is erectile dysfunction. The timing of the onset of the patient's ED symptoms with the start of fluoxetine suggests this may be drug-induced. Discussion about potential medication adjustments or additions under the guidance of his psychiatrist may be helpful.