Why Are Doctors Writing Prescriptions for SSRIs to Last Longer?

Dr. Laurence Levine M.D.
Expert in male sexual health, leading Urologist in USA Dr. Laurence Levine M.D.
Last updated 12/06/2023
SSRIs for premature ejaculation

Question asked by

Question

I've had some bad experiences with Lexapro in the past for depression and stopped taking it a few months later. I don't want to take another antidepressant for my bedroom performance.

With all the side effects that came along with my antidepressant, I'm surprised doctors are recommending this as a treatment option.

Why are there some doctors recommending antidepressants for premature ejaculation?

Antidepressants have shown effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation, and some doctors may prescribe them "off-label" as a treatment option.

But why do they work, and what side effects might you experience?

Here's a quick overview:

Antidepressant is a catch-all term for medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Some you might be familiar with are:

  • Lexapro (as you mentioned)
  • Zoloft
  • Paxil
  • Prozac

These treatments are designed to help with depression by preventing serotonin (aka the feel-good chemical) from getting reabsorbed by the brain. By blocking the reuptake process, more serotonin stays in the brain, giving the user a more relaxed and positive mood.

It seems that one side effect of this balance is that it can delay orgasms. Since ejaculation stems from physical and emotional excitement, SSRIs have been shown to increase a person's ejaculation time.

Your physician may recommend you take antidepressants daily. They tend to be safer than alternative medicines such as Rhino Pills.

Most doctors will recommend the daily approach since the medications require prolonged exposure to work effectively.

Side Effects You May See From Antidepressants

  • 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

If you believe your early ejaculation is mild, you might consider using Promescent as an alternative to avoid the side effects that may come with taking an antidepressant.

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 healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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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.

  • “Ask the Doctor: What Works Best for Premature Ejaculation? - Harvard Health.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health, 14 Feb. 2015, www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/ask-the-doctor-what-works-best-for-premature-ejaculation. Accessed September 14, 2022.
  • 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/
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.