Using fluoxetine for premature ejaculation can potentially be an effective treatment.
According to the International Journal of Impotence, it's estimated that 30 percent of all men experience premature ejaculation (PE) at some point in their lifetime.
That makes it one of the most common types of sexual dysfunction for men.
PE can be difficult on a man and his partner's sex life, leading to dissatisfaction in the bedroom and embarrassment over the issue.
Quick FAQs
Fluoxetine is an ingredient that's in depression medications like Prozac.
Evidence suggests that there's a link between higher serotonin levels and prolonged orgasm.
It's suggested to take around 20mg of fluoxetine per day, but be sure to take it only as it's prescribed.
However, there are proven treatments for PE. One that's been getting more attention is fluoxetine.
What is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine is an ingredient that's commonly found in medications used to treat depression.
For instance, you may have heard of the brand name drug Prozac, a prescription medication containing fluoxetine that's used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and more.
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI.
These types of medications work to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps to regulate mood and feelings.
Too little serotonin can lead to feeling sad and fatigued, but the right amount can help improve mood and lead to feelings of happiness.
Does Fluoxetine Work to Treat Premature Ejaculation?
Is it effective to use fluoxetine for premature ejaculation?
While drugs like Prozac were not created to help treat PE, there's some evidence to suggest a link between higher levels of serotonin and prolonged orgasm.
Though research is limited and sample sizes are small, published studies have reported the following related to the relationship between fluoxetine and PE:
A 1996 study published in the Journal of Urology tested fluoxetine medications in men for treating PE. Though only 17 men took part, those who took fluoxetine were able to prolong orgasm compared to those who took the placebo.
A 2007 study published in The Journal of Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management studied 100 men with premature ejaculation. These men were divided into three groups, each of which was treated with a different medication, one being fluoxetine. After four weeks, all men showed improvement.
A 2019 study published in the International Brazilian Journal of Urology found that men who took fluoxetine were able to prolong orgasm by several minutes over the course of eight weeks.
How to Use Fluoxetine for Premature Ejaculation
The FDA hasn’t approved Prozac for treating premature ejaculation, but it can be prescribed off-label by a medical professional for such purposes.
Fluoxetine dosage for premature ejaculation is typically around 20 mg per day. Be sure to take it as prescribed.
Unlike viagra, which can be taken on demand, Fluoxetine needs to be taken daily in order to be effective.
However, it's important to take any prescribed fluoxetine-containing medication for treating PE exactly as it's prescribed.
It's a medication available in capsules, tablets, and even liquid solutions.
Risks and Side Effects of Fluoxetine
Arguably the biggest risk of taking Prozac or off-label fluoxetine medication for treating PE is the lack of FDA approval for such treatments.
For instance, Prozac is approved by the FDA for treating depression and other disorders and not for treating premature ejaculation.
Aside from the lack of federal approval, there are also various side effects associated with fluoxetine and higher serotonin levels.
These include:
Nausea and diarrhea
Anxiety
Abnormal dreams
Insomnia
Erectile dysfunction
Dry mouth or sore throat
Tremors
High blood pressure
Headaches
Rapid heart rate
Serotonin syndrome, which may include restlessness, hallucinations, and confusion
Fluoxetine is also associated with more dire side effects, including seizures, irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness, and even death.
You should also be aware that this drug was issued a black box warning for suicidal ideation.
If you have a history of depression, it’s important to communicate with a psychiatrist or primary care doctor before taking Fluoxetine.
Alternatives to Fluoxetine for PE
Fluoxetine is only one perspective way to treat premature ejaculation issues. There are several alternatives that may be equally - if not more - effective in doing so.
Over-the-Counter Options
There are several over-the-counter products available to help men prolong orgasms and help lead to more satisfying sex between men and their partners.
Some of these OTC products include:
PE Condoms: These are condoms designed to prolong ejaculation and tend to be thicker to help reduce sensitivity and friction during intercourse. They're often also coated on the interior with low dosages of benzocaine or a similar desensitizing solution.
Desensitizing Sprays and Wipes: For men who don't like wearing condoms, lidocaine delay sprays or benzocaine delay wipes can help prolong ejaculation by desensitizing the penis. Delay wipes and sprays are best applied about 5 to 10 minutes prior to sex and should not transfer to the partner when used correctly.
Lubes: Using lube during intercourse can help reduce friction and help men last longer.
It's also worth noting that many of these OTC options can be used together.
Therapy
Certain behavioral therapies, such as psychotherapy, talk therapy, and even hypnosis, have been linked to improved sexual performance in men.
A 2005 clinical study from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences' Department of Urology found that subjects who went to psychotherapy two to three times per week for PE issues significantly prolonged orgasm.
There are a variety of ways you can prolong orgasm, which include:
Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises work the pelvic floor muscles. While they're perhaps best associated with helping with incontinence issues, research shows they can also help with premature ejaculation. They're easy to do and don't require any special treatment. However, it may take several months of doing these exercises before the results become noticeable.
Edging: Edging involves engaging in sexual intercourse and then stopping penetration just before orgasm to prolong sex. Couples then resume sex once the man's urge to orgasm subsides. In addition to prolonged sex, many couples also find that edging helps lead to more satisfying orgasms. Edging may also be known as the "start-stop" technique.
The Squeeze Technique: This technique involves sexual intercourse up until the point of orgasm and then squeezing the tip of the penis until the urge subsides. Men can do this while masturbating, or it can be done with a partner during sex.
Lifestyle Changes
Studies show that making lifestyle changes to help improve physical well-being and mental state can have positive effects on sex life.
Even just exercising more regularly, eating better, and taking more time for themselves can help improve both their mental and physical state.
Avoiding alcohol and smoking can also help with premature ejaculation.
One study found poor sleep quality may be linked to premature ejaculation. It’s important to get adequate sleep regularly.
ED Medications
Several medications to treat erectile dysfunction have been found to also have some success in helping prolong orgasm.
These medications include:
Viagra
Levitra
Tadalafil
Stendra
Takeaways
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which works to increase serotonin in the brain. It's found in medication to treat depression and other psychological disorders.
The reviews for using Fluoxetine for premature ejaculation indicate that fluoxetine is a viable medication for helping to prolong orgasm for men.
However, such medications are not FDA-approved for such purposes.
Side effects associated with fluoxetine intake range from nausea and serotonin syndrome to potentially severe heart issues and seizures.
Alternatives to fluoxetine for treating PE include over-the-counter products like condoms and delay sprays, behavioral therapy, behavioral techniques, lifestyle changes, and erectile dysfunction medication.
Dr Laurence Levine is a Professor of Urology and practices at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He is focused specifically on Male Sexual Health and is past President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). Dr. Levine graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine where he received his MD and completed his training in Urology at the Harvard Program in Boston.
Sources:
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