Dapoxetine is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor specifically developed for the on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men. It is not intended for long-term psychiatric therapy and differs fundamentally from conventional antidepressant SSRIs in both purpose and pharmacokinetics. The drug was designed to be taken only before sexual activity, allowing temporary control over ejaculation without continuous exposure to serotonergic medication.
The primary target group for dapoxetine is men aged 18 to 64 who experience persistent difficulty controlling ejaculation, typically occurring very early during sexual activity and causing personal distress or relationship problems. Dapoxetine is most commonly marketed under the brand name Priligy and is available in 30 mg and 60 mg tablet strengths in countries where it is approved for use.
How Dapoxetine Works to Delay Ejaculation
Dapoxetine acts on the central nervous system by temporarily increasing serotonin activity in pathways involved in ejaculatory control. Serotonin plays a key regulatory role in the spinal ejaculation reflex, and higher serotonergic signaling helps suppress rapid ejaculation during sexual stimulation. By inhibiting serotonin reuptake for a short period, dapoxetine increases ejaculatory latency without permanently altering brain chemistry.
After oral administration, dapoxetine is absorbed quickly, reaching peak plasma levels within approximately one to two hours. Unlike traditional SSRIs, it is eliminated rapidly, with most of the active substance cleared from the body within 24 hours. This rapid onset and short duration make dapoxetine suitable for planned, on-demand use rather than daily dosing.
Dapoxetine Dosage and How to Take It Correctly
Dapoxetine is taken only when needed, usually one to three hours before anticipated sexual activity. The recommended starting dose for most men is Dapoxetine 30 mg. If this dose provides insufficient control but is well tolerated, a healthcare professional may recommend increasing the dose to 60 mg. The medication should never be taken more than once within a 24-hour period.
Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Dapoxetine may be taken with or without food, although very heavy or high-fat meals may slightly delay its onset of action. Alcohol should be avoided, as it significantly increases the risk of dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting.
| Patient category | Recommended dose | Timing | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults 18–64 years | 30 mg initially, up to 60 mg if needed | 1–3 hours before sexual activity | Do not exceed one dose per 24 hours |
| Adults 65 years and older | Not recommended | — | Safety and efficacy not established |
| Mild renal impairment | No routine adjustment | Standard timing | Use with caution |
| Moderate to severe liver disease | Contraindicated | — | Risk of drug accumulation |
- Take dapoxetine only when sexual activity is anticipated.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs on the day of use.
How Effective Is Dapoxetine and What Results to Expect
Dapoxetine has been clinically shown to significantly increase intravaginal ejaculatory latency time in men with premature ejaculation. In controlled trials, men taking dapoxetine typically lasted three to four times longer compared to placebo, resulting in improved sexual satisfaction and a greater sense of control during intercourse.
Effects usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes after dosing, peak around one to two hours, and gradually decline over the following several hours. Individual results vary and may depend on factors such as baseline ejaculation time, anxiety levels, relationship dynamics, and consistency of use. Many men report more reliable control after several uses rather than after the first dose alone.
- Average improvement: 3–4× increase in ejaculation control
- Typical duration of effect: 4–6 hours after dosing
Dapoxetine Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Dapoxetine is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but it can cause side effects related to its action on the central nervous system and blood pressure regulation. The most frequently reported reactions include nausea, dizziness, headache, mild gastrointestinal upset, and transient insomnia. These effects are usually short-lived and occur within the first few hours after taking the medication.
More serious adverse reactions are uncommon but clinically important. Fainting, significant drops in blood pressure, or mood changes may occur, particularly in men who consume alcohol, are dehydrated, or use other serotonergic medications at the same time. For this reason, dapoxetine should not be combined with antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, or recreational drugs that affect serotonin pathways.
- Avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of dizziness and syncope
- Do not combine with other SSRIs or serotonin-affecting drugs
Dapoxetine Compared With Other Premature Ejaculation Treatments
Dapoxetine occupies a unique position among premature ejaculation treatments because it was specifically designed for on-demand use. Long-acting SSRIs such as paroxetine or sertraline require daily dosing and weeks of treatment before benefits appear, while topical anesthetics act locally by reducing penile sensitivity rather than improving central control.
In men who experience both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, dapoxetine may be combined with a PDE5 inhibitor such as sildenafil under medical supervision. This dual approach addresses both ejaculatory timing and erection quality, although it may increase the likelihood of dizziness or low blood pressure in susceptible individuals.
| Treatment option | Primary effect | Use pattern | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dapoxetine | Delays ejaculation via central control | On demand | Nausea or dizziness in some users |
| Daily SSRIs | Delays ejaculation | Daily therapy | Delayed onset, persistent side effects |
| Topical anesthetics | Reduces penile sensitivity | Before intercourse | Reduced sensation, transfer risk |
| PDE5 inhibitors | Improves erection quality | On demand | No direct effect on ejaculation |
Dapoxetine Availability, Legal Status, and Buying Guidance
Dapoxetine is approved for the treatment of premature ejaculation in many regions, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, parts of Asia, and Australia, where it is commonly sold under the brand name Priligy.It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning it is not routinely available through U.S. pharmacies.
Where approved, dapoxetine is prescription-only and should be obtained through licensed pharmacies or legitimate telemedicine services that provide medical evaluation. Men should avoid websites offering dapoxetine without a prescription, as these sources frequently sell counterfeit or substandard products that pose serious safety risks.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using or changing any medication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dapoxetine
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Kari Quickenden, Pharm.D., RPh.
Resources
- European Medicines Agency referral page for Priligy – regulatory information about dapoxetine’s approval in the EU.
- UK’s electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) for Priligy tablets – Summary of Product Characteristics.
- PubMed article “Dapoxetine (Priligy): on demand treatment of premature ejaculation” – mechanism and clinical use.
- Australia’s NPS MedicineWise consumer information sheet – Priligy (dapoxetine) tablets guide.