The antidepressant paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat) has been shown in a study to damage sperm. In the study, 35 healthy male volunteers 18-65 years old received paroxetine for five weeks, during which mean sperm DNA fragmentation was found to be significantly higher for men while on paroxetine (30.3%) versus baseline (13.8%). Up to 35% of men noted significant changes in erectile function, and up to 47% of men reported ejaculatory difficulties on medication. Recovery to near-normal sexual function was noted after stopping treatment. Standard semen parameters were not significantly altered during paroxetine treatment.

The study was published June 12 in the journal Fertility and Sterility.