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Question answered:24/01/08 Warning! this question is over two years old.
The SPC for Cipramil [1] makes no mention of this effect. However, it does list some sexual dysfunction adverse events including decreased libido, ejaculation failure and impotence.
We conducted a search of medline for citalopram linked with sperm or fertility disorders and this located a single article [2] whose abstract is below:
“The study investigated spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants with a view to generate new lead for development of dual-function spermicidal microbicides, which is an urgent global need. Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Fluvoxamine exhibited both spermicidal and anti-STI (antitrichomonas) activities in vitro, whereas Paroxetine and Citalopram showed only the spermicidal activity. Fluoxetine exhibited better activity profile than the other antidepressant drugs with its spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities being comparable to that of the OTC contraceptive Nonoxynol-9. The non-detergent nature of Fluoxetine and a much lower spermicidal ED50 value (than N-9) may add considerably to its merit as a candidate for microbicidal contraceptive. Thus, the antidepressants exhibiting both spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities might provide useful lead for the development of novel, dual-function spermicidal contraceptives.”
A wider search located the following [3], published last year:
“We describe 2 cases of patients referred for evaluation of male infertility who had antidepressant medication-associated changes in sperm motility and/or concentration. The physical examination and endocrinologic study findings were unremarkable in each case. Analysis of the initial semen specimens revealed oligospermia, impaired motility, and abnormal morphology in each patient while they were taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Repeat semen analyses performed 1 to 2 months after discontinuation of the antidepressants demonstrated marked improvements in sperm concentration and motility. Additional assessment of the potential impact of antidepressant medications on male fertility is warranted.”
References
1) http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=1070
2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16464584
3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17270655
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