The use of fluoxetine in depression associated with anabolic steroid withdrawal: A case series

Background: Depression can result from the discontinuation of high-dose anabolic steroids. Whether this type of depression responds to anti- depressants in a manner similar to other types of depression is not clear. Method: Four patients suffering from anabolic steroid withdrawal depression were treated with fluoxetine. Results: All four patients responded to fluoxetine in a time course consistent with the response of major depression to antidepressant medications. Conclusion: Because of the widespread use of anabolic steroids, this type of depression may be more common than realized. Anabolic steroid withdrawal depression should be treated with antidepressant medications. Further study is encouraged.