Trazodone and chlorpromazine a proposal treatment for syndrome post-finasteride and syndrome of post-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (post-SSRI)

Erectile dysfunction caused by medications are probably caused by the disconnection of synaptic circuits responsible for linking libido to erection. For instance, it is well known that sexual dysfunction may occur in patients treated with antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, syndrome known as (post-SSRI). A similar side effect has been also reported during treatment with finasteride, an inhibitor of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, for androgenetic alopecia. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction persists in both cases after drug discontinuation. Trazodone is a multifunctional drug with hypnotic actions at low doses due to blockade of 5-HT2A receptors, as well as H1 histamine receptors and α1 adrenergic receptors therefore this drug can cause severe priaprism as a side effect and in many cases causing penile necrosis or permanent loss of erectile function. Thus the antipsychotic like chlorpromazine also induce priapism because the alpha receptor occupancy property of those drugs. Therefore we propose that these drugs can restore libido synaptic circuits, and trazodone or antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine can also be a treatment for post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI.