Dapoxetine: A Guide to the On-Demand Treatment for Premature Ejaculation

What is dapoxetine?

Dapoxetine is a medicine developed specifically to treat premature ejaculation (PE). It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While most SSRIs are used long term for conditions such as depression, dapoxetine is different: it is short-acting and designed to be taken on demand, only when needed before sexual activity.

It is not a treatment for erectile dysfunction and does not cause an erection. Its purpose is to help delay ejaculation and improve a man's sense of control.

How it works

Ejaculation is partly controlled by the brain chemical serotonin. Higher levels of serotonin activity in certain pathways tend to delay ejaculation. Dapoxetine increases serotonin activity temporarily, which can lengthen the time to ejaculation and give a greater feeling of control.

Because it is absorbed and cleared quickly compared with standard SSRIs, it suits on-demand use rather than daily dosing.

How it is taken

Dapoxetine is usually taken a few hours before planned sexual activity rather than every day. The specific timing and dose must be guided by the patient information leaflet and the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who will assess what is appropriate for you. Do not exceed the frequency stated in the leaflet.

For this reason, the medicine is taken in anticipation of sex rather than continuously, which many men find convenient.

Possible side effects

As with any medicine, dapoxetine can cause side effects. Commonly reported ones include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness

Some men experience fainting or feeling faint, particularly on standing, which is one reason the leaflet's guidance must be followed carefully. The patient information leaflet lists all possible effects, and you should report anything that concerns you to a doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not take it

Dapoxetine is not suitable for everyone. It may be unsuitable for men with certain heart conditions, a history of fainting, some mental health conditions, or those taking particular other medicines — including other SSRIs and some treatments for migraine, infections or mood. There are also important interactions to be aware of.

This is exactly why a proper assessment matters. A doctor or pharmacist will review your full medical history and medication list before deciding whether dapoxetine is right for you.

Dapoxetine and erectile dysfunction

Some men experience both PE and erectile dysfunction (ED). Dapoxetine treats only the ejaculation timing, not the erection. Where both problems exist, a doctor will consider how best to manage them together.

If ED is part of your situation, PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil are the usual treatments — you can compare them in Tadalafil vs Sildenafil and see options in the erectile-dysfunction range. Combining medicines should only ever be done under professional guidance.

Realistic expectations

Dapoxetine can meaningfully increase the time to ejaculation for many men, but it is not a cure and works best when combined with behavioural techniques and, where relevant, addressing underlying anxiety. Results vary from person to person.

The takeaway

Dapoxetine offers a convenient, on-demand option for men troubled by premature ejaculation, with the flexibility of taking it only when needed. As a prescription-strength SSRI it carries genuine considerations around side effects and interactions, so it should always be used after a proper consultation and with careful reading of the leaflet.

You can shop all to see what products are available, but speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any treatment.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.