Painful Ejaculation with Cyclobenzaprine: A Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction is a well‐known side effect of antidepressants. Painful ejaculation is a rare side effect that has been reported with the use of some psychiatric drugs such as triclyclic antidepressants. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants. It is the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxant in the United States and accounts for 18% of all prescriptions written for chronic back pain. METHODS: A 55‐year‐old man was referred to our pain medicine clinic for evaluation and treatment of pain with ejaculation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure was to review the current published literature and case reports on painful ejaculation from medication use, in particular tricyclic antidepressants. RESULTS: After discontinuation of cyclobenzaprine, our patient's sexual dysfunction resolved. This result was consistent with the literature reviewed on the topic. CONCLUSION: Painful ejaculation is likely an underreported side effect of tricyclic antidepressants and cyclobenzaprine use. Fortunately, these symptoms are reversible and discontinuation of these medications is typically an effective cure. K raus MB , W ie CS , G orlin AW , W isenbaugh ES , and R osenfeld DM . Painful ejaculation with cyclobenzaprine: A case report and literature review. S ex M ed 2015;3:343–345.