Should I Take Dapoxetine for Premature Ejaculation?

Dr. Jed Kaminetsky
Board Certified Urologist, expert in male sexual dysfunction Dr. Jed Kaminetsky
Last updated 12/06/2023
Dapoxetine for premature ejaculation

Question asked by

Question

A friend told me about Dapoxetine after taking it a few times before sex and how it helped him last longer. I'm located in Asia, and Dapoxetine is readily available for me.

Before taking it, I did some preliminary research about Dapoxetine side effects, if it works, and reviews. I was wishing you could help me better understand.

I was recommended Dapoxetine to treat premature ejaculation, but want to know, "Does it actually work?"

Dapoxetine is a prescription-only antidepressant medication that has been studied and administered specifically for premature ejaculation in some countries.

The FDA has not cleared Dapoxetine for use in the United States for a variety of reasons, but it has been approved and shown to be effective in other countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In this study, a majority of men stated that taking Dapoxetine worked to control ejaculation, increasing their average time to climax by several minutes.

How Does Dapoxetine Work?

Dapoxetine is a prescription medication that comes with a host of side effects. Out of those various side effects, some of them happen to be related to sexual well-being.

While side effects in general are viewed as mostly negative, antidepressants (commonly referred to as SSRIs, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation when administered at low doses.

They work to block the 5-HT reuptake, which results in increased levels of 5-HT.

It has been theorized in studies that this function is what delays ejaculation.

Learn more: Premature Ejaculation Pills: Do They Work?

Is It Safe? Are There Side Effects?

Dapoxetine, and other antidepressants, can help at a low dose, but there are chances of side effects.

In the same study referenced above, a total of the 182 patients registered.\

Of the 182 patients, 143 stopped taking the medication within 6-months.

Reasoning for discontinuation consisted of:

  • The high cost of medication
  • Disappointment or perceived poor efficacy
  • Side effects
  • Searched for alternative medication instead

Typical side effects you may experience when taking a medication like Dapoxetine are:

  • loss of sexual desire and other sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased orgasm satisfaction or inability to reach orgasm
  • nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness
  • increased appetite which may lead to weight gain
  • Insomnia or poor sleep
  • dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation

Alternatives to Dapoxetine

There are many alternative treatment options to Dapoxetine that may be available in your location, work better for your needs, or come with a lower price tag.

Some consist of:

  • Lidocaine sprays or benzocaine wipes
  • Pelvic floor exercises like kegels
  • Practice the edging technique or squeeze technique
  • Thick condoms or condoms that contain a desensitizing agent
  • Trying sex positions that don’t stimulate the penis as much

Learn more: Last Longer In Bed (Ultimate Guide)

Takeaways

Dapoxetine is not available in most countries worldwide, including the United States.

Ultimately it's up to each person whether they'd prefer to take dapoxetine or choose to use an alternative like Promescent Climax Control Spray each time they have sex.

Both are clinically proven to be effective to control premature ejaculation.

It will come down to personal preference, side effects, or cost – and that is up to you to decide.

Related Articles

The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

Things You May Like

Delay Spray

Delay Spray

#1 Doctor recommended delay spray to last longer in bed

$22.95 Learn More
VitaFLUX®

VitaFLUX®

Unlock enhanced endurance, energy, and stamina with VitaFLUX nitric oxide booster

$49.95 Learn More
Warming Female Arousal Gel

Warming Female Arousal Gel

Tingling and warming - the perfect duo for her pleasure

$19.95 Learn More

Sources:

Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Ramic E, Prasko S, Gavran L, Spahic E. Assessment of the Antidepressant Side Effects Occurrence in Patients Treated in Primary Care. Mater Sociomed. 2020 Jun;32(2):131-134. doi: 10.5455/msm.2020.32.131-134. PMID: 32843862; PMCID: PMC7428926. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7428926/
  • Arafa M, Shamloul R. A randomized study examining the effect of 3 SSRI on premature ejaculation using a validated questionnaire. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007 Aug;3(4):527-31. PMID: 18472973; PMCID: PMC2374931. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374931/
  • Park, Hyun Jun, et al. “Discontinuation of Dapoxetine Treatment in Patients with Premature Ejaculation: A 2-Year Prospective Observational Study.” Accessed 14, 2022. Sexual Medicine, vol. 5, no. 2, June 2017, pp. e99–105, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2017.02.003.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.