Parker Waichman LLP

Paxil, Other SSRIs Can Damage Sperm

Paxil may contribute to male infertility, according to a study presented at the 64th annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in San Francisco.  According to researchers, treatment with Paxil increases DNA fragmentation in sperm, which can lead to male fertility problems. Paxil is part of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin […]

<"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/paxil_birth_defects">Paxil may contribute to male infertility, according to a study presented at the 64th annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in San Francisco.  According to researchers, treatment with Paxil increases DNA fragmentation in sperm, which can lead to male fertility problems.

Paxil is part of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  According to the co-investigator Dr. Cigdem Tanrikut, from Harvard Medical School in Boston, the research was “the first study to assess the impact of an SSRI on semen parameters in healthy men.”  The study involved 35 men who took Paxil for 5 weeks. According to Reuters Health, the drug was administered in once-daily doses of 10 mg the first week, 20 mg in the second week, 30 mg the third and fourth week, and 20 mg in the fifth week.

Sperm was tested at the beginning of the study, and again after 4 weeks of Paxil treatment.  The average DNA fragmentation score increased from 13.8 percent before Paxil was begun to 30.3 percent at week 4, a statistically significant amount. The percentage of men who had a fragmentation score of 30 percent or higher before treatment rose from 10 percent to 50 percent.

Another investigator who worked on the study, Dr. Peter N. Schlegel, of Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York, told Reuters Health that the damaged sperm was the result of  a slowing down of their transport through the body.  “Slowing down sperm transport can allow sperm to be damaged (by higher temperatures, or just ‘getting too old’ — being ejaculated after they should have been),” Schlegel said.

DNA fragmentation can have a detrimental affect on fertility, Tanrikut told Reuters Health. It increases the risk of failure of intrauterine insemination, and can even adversely impact pregnancy outcomes of the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, she said.

Schlegel recommended that, among men taking Paxil or another SSRI, “a special test for DNA fragmentation…should be considered.”

In addition to damaging sperm, the study also found that Paxil was also associated with significant sexual dysfunction, with one third of men reporting problems with erectile function and nearly half reporting ejaculatory difficulties.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you to all the help I received from your firm. A special thanks to Benita Rollis who was extremely helpful & understanding. I recommend this firm highly. Thx & God Bless
prakash chetri
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP is a very Professional and knowledgeable in the work that they do. They worked tirelessly in bringing my case to a Great outcome. I am satisfied with their work and I recommend their services. Thank You Benita Rollis for your hard work and dedication. YOU MADE IT HAPPEN FOR ME.
Pamela Wilkes
4 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very grateful for Parker Waichman's work and thank you July and Marián for helping me in this process
Johan Aragones
2 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038