Priligy (Dapoxetine) is the first non-topical treatment available for premature ejaculation.
It comes as a tablet and is suitable for men aged 18-64 who cannot regularly last longer than 2 minutes during sex.
Dapoxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” (“SSRIs” for short). SSRIs are usually used as antidepressants.
The difference between Priligy and traditional SSRIs is that Priligy works much quicker, giving your body a surge of serotonin when needed during sex and not long-term, thus prolonging the heightened feeling during intercourse and making you last longer.
How does Priligy work?
Priligy stops your body from “mopping up” serotonin, allowing for a prolonged, heightened feeling during sex. This increased serotonin level also delays the ejaculation reflex signal. Making you last longer.
Priligy comes in two strengths, 30mg and 60mg. It’s always recommended to start with the lower dose, and treatment should be taken between 1 and 3 hours before sex. It’s not a daily treatment, but rather when required. Once taken, the treatment can last for up to four hours.
Priligy should not be taken alongside traditional PDE-5 inhibitor type (e.g. Viagra, Cialis, Sildenafil, etc) treatments. This is because they can both cause a fall in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and fainting.
Use with more localised treatments, such as Vitaros, should be fine as Vitaros doesn’t cause the same marked reduction in blood pressure as its tablet counterparts. Priligy should be avoided with any medication that is likely to cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Other Treatments
Priligy is effective if the cause of premature ejaculation is not easy to get to the bottom of. If you know that you have certain lifestyle factors that could be causing it, then these should be controlled first (i.e. excessive alcohol consumption or drug use). Priligy should be taken for at least 6 doses to determine if Priligy is effective for you. Some men will need to use Priligy a few times, whereas others will find it effective from the 1st dose.
If the cause is over-sensitisation, then a topical numbing treatment like EMLA cream may also help. The use of extra-thick condoms can also help prolong sexual activity.
FAQs
What is dapoxetine and how does it work for premature ejaculation?
Dapoxetine is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) specifically designed to treat premature ejaculation. It works by increasing the levels and activity of serotonin in the nervous system. This helps to delay the messages sent to the brain that trigger ejaculation, allowing for better timing and control.
Does dapoxetine (Priligy) actually help you last longer?
Yes, clinical studies have shown that Priligy may help improve control and delay ejaculation in men who experience PE. While individual results vary, it is specifically formulated to help increase the time it takes to reach climax during sexual activity.
How quickly does dapoxetine work and when should you take it?
Dapoxetine is a "demand" medication, meaning it is only taken when needed rather than every day. For the best results, you should take one tablet approximately 1 to 3 hours before you expect to have sex. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.
How long do the effects of dapoxetine last?
The effects of dapoxetine are usually most effective shortly after taking the dose and can last for up to 4 hours. Because it is processed quickly by the body, it does not stay in your system as long as other types of SSRIs.
Can you take dapoxetine with Viagra or other erectile dysfunction tablets?
It is not recommended to take dapoxetine alongside Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), or other PDE5 inhibitors. Combining these medications can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or fainting. If you suffer from both Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction, please consult your GP or our pharmacist for alternative advice.
Is generic dapoxetine the same as Priligy?
Yes. Priligy is simply the brand name for the medication. The active ingredient is dapoxetine. Both versions contain the same medical component and work in the exact same way to treat premature ejaculation. The primary difference is the branding and the packaging.
Who should not take dapoxetine and is it safe for everyone?
While safe for many, dapoxetine is not suitable for everyone. It should be avoided by men with a history of heart problems, significant liver or kidney issues, or those prone to fainting. It also reacts with certain medications, such as antidepressants. Always complete our online consultation accurately so our pharmacist prescriber can ensure this treatment is safe for you.
How to take Priligy Tablets
The recommended starting dose is 30 mg.
Priligy is to be taken 1 to 3 hours before sexual activity is anticipated and only once every 24 hours.
If you take more Priligy than you should:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have taken more tablets than you should. You may feel sick or be sick.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 men):
Feeling dizzy
Headache
Feeling sick
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 men):
Feeling irritable, anxious, agitated, or restless
Feeling numb or having ‘pins and needles’
Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
Sweating more than normal or flushing
Diarrhoea, constipation, or having wind
Stomach pain, bloating or being sick
Problems sleeping or strange dreams
Feeling tired or sleepy, yawning
Blocked nose (nasal congestion)
A rise in blood pressure
Difficulty concentrating
Shaking or trembling
Lower interest in sex
Ringing in the ears
Blurred vision
Indigestion
Dry mouth
Stop taking Priligy and see your doctor straight away if:
You have fits (seizures)
You faint or feel light headed when you stand up
You notice any changes in your mood
You have any thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.
If you notice any of the above, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor straight away.
Fainting and low blood pressure
This medicine can make you faint or make your blood pressure drop when you stand up. To help lower the chance of this happening:
Take this medicine with at least one full glass of water.
Do not take this medicine if you are dehydrated (you do not have enough water in your body).
This can happen if:
You have not had anything to drink in the past 4 to 6 hours
You have been sweating for a long time
You have an illness where you have a high temperature, diarrhoea or being sick.
If you feel like you might faint (such as feeling sick, feeling dizzy, light headed, confused, sweaty, or have an abnormal heartbeat), or feel light headed when you stand up, immediately lie down so your head is lower than the rest of your body or sit down with your head between your knees until you feel better. This will stop you from falling and hurting yourself if you do faint.
Do not stand up quickly after you have been sitting or lying down for a long time.
Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you feel faint when taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you faint when taking this medicine.
