Dapoxetine “On-Demand” for Premature Ejaculation: What Guidelines Say, What’s New, and What Are the Real Risks?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them.

• Taking dapoxetine with food may delay the onset of action.
• Do not share dapoxetine with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
• Dapoxetine can be used with lifestyle changes to improve sexual health.
• Patients should avoid heavy alcohol consumption during treatment.
• The medication may cause temporary flu-like symptoms in some users.
• Follow-up with your healthcare provider as recommended for ongoing assessment.

The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with dapoxetine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets and which you are concerned about, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Common Side Effects

Take one tablet 1-3 hours before you have sex. The most common side-effects include feeling dizzy or faint, and feeling sick (nausea). Drinking a full glass of water at the same time as taking the tablet can reduce these effects. Premature ejaculation is the term used when a man orgasms (ejaculates) more quickly than he and/or his partner would like. For some men it can be temporary and can get better on its own; for others, prescribed treatments such as dapoxetine tablets can be helpful.

Introduction and current guidance

Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medicine which has been specially developed for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It increases the time it takes to ejaculate and can improve the control over the ejaculation. It starts to work very quickly, so it is taken when you anticipate having sex, rather than every day. You have to take it 1-3 hours before you have sex. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken.

When is Dapoxetine Safe to Use?

For these reasons, before you start taking dapoxetine it is important that your doctor knows: sildenafil dapoxetine tablets If you have a tendency to faint. If you have a tendency to faint. If you have a bleeding or clotting disorder. If you have ever had a mental health problem causing 'high' or 'low' moods, such as bipolar disorder, depression or mania. If you have increased pressure in your eye, a condition called glaucoma. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

Take the container with you, even if it is empty. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, please tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

How do I know if I have premature ejaculation?

If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.

Efficacy and safety of dapoxetine/sildenafil combination tablets in the treatment of men with premature ejaculation and concomitant erectile dysfunction—DAP-SPEED Study

It will give you more information about dapoxetine, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it. Take dapoxetine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Drink a full glass of water at the same time as you take a tablet. The recommended starting dose is one 30 mg tablet, taken 1 to 3 hours before you anticipate having sex. Your doctor may later decide to increase your dose to one 60 mg tablet.

Further reading and references

Your doctor will only prescribe the higher dose for you if the 30 mg dose is insufficient, and providing you have not experienced any side-effects such as feeling faint. Do not take more than one tablet in any 24 hours. Dapoxetine is not intended for regular daily use - you should only take it before you anticipate having sex. The tablet has a bitter taste, so swallow it whole without chewing. You can take it either with or without food. If you have any questions tadalafil with dapoxetine tablets about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Publication types

Do not use Dapoxetine if you have a history of heart problems or severe liver disease. Avoid alcohol as it can increase dizziness and other side effects. Not recommended for men under 18 or over 65 years of age. Inform your doctor about any ongoing medications or health conditions. Do not take Dapoxetine with recreational drugs or other antidepressants.

When Should You Be Cautious?

Q: What is Dapoxetine used for?A: Dapoxetine is used for treating premature ejaculation in adult men. Q: How long does Dapoxetine take to work?A: Dapoxetine typically starts working 1-3 hours after taking the tablet. Q: Can I take Dapoxetine daily?A: No, Dapoxetine is taken as needed, and you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Q: Are there any serious side effects of Dapoxetine?A: Serious side effects are rare but may include fainting or severe mood changes. Q: Is Dapoxetine safe for older men?A: Dapoxetine is not recommended for men over 65 years.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Premature Ejaculation

Disclaimer : Zeelab Pharmacy provides health information for knowledge only. Always consult a qualified doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine or treatment. Save upto 90% on your medicine bills Share location to check quick delivery serviceability. Your location appears to be blocked or disabled.Please enable the location from your browser or device settings. Peer reviewed by Sid DajaniLast updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 14 Apr 2025 Dapoxetine is prescribed for the treatment of premature ejaculation. If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website. Check for possible interactions between medicines, supplements and foods before taking them together. Manufacturer's PIL, Priligy® 30 mg and 60 mg film-coated tablets; A. Menarini Farmaceutica Internazionale SRL, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Medicines Complete BNF 89th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London. Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community. Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

• Dapoxetine is marketed under various brand names likePriligy.
• It’s designed specifically for men experiencing premature ejaculation.
• The medication works by increasing serotonin levels in nerve cells.
• Use dapoxetine consistently as prescribed for maximum benefit.
• It is not intended for daily use but as needed before sex.
• Always inform your doctor about other medications to avoid interactions.

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians. Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics. Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control. Premature Ejaculation Medications are prescribed to help improve ejaculatory control and support sexual confidence when clinically appropriate. These treatments may include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other evidence-based options used to delay ejaculation and enhance overall satisfaction. Therapy decisions are guided by individualized medical evaluation and consideration of overall health factors. Here you can learn more about each medication in detail. Premature Ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual health concerns.

What are the common side effects to Priligy?

Make sure you keep your follow-on appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Do not drink alcohol whilst taking dapoxetine, as it might increase the sedative effects of the alcohol. It can also increase the risk of fainting. Do not use any recreational drugs while you are taking dapoxetine, as this could lead to you experiencing serious side-effects.

Step 2 — Clinical Review and Diagnostic Screening

A chemical in grapefruit juice can increase the amount of dapoxetine in your bloodstream and this increases the risk of side-effects. If you do drink grapefruit juice, do not take a dapoxetine tablet for at least 24 hours afterwards. Take care if you are a driver. If you feel faint or dizzy, do not drive and do not use tools or machines. If you buy any medicines, please check with your doctor or a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with dapoxetine. It can affect men of different ages and relationship situations, and it can have a significant impact on confidence, intimacy, and quality of life.

Despite how common it is, many men delay seeking care because they feel embarrassed or assume the problem is not medically treatable.

• Combining dapoxetine with recreational drugs can be dangerous and is not recommended.
• Dapoxetine can improve quality of life in men with PE.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.
• Maintain open communication with your partner about treatment options.
• Lifestyle adjustments, like reducing stress, can complement medication treatment.
• Regular health screenings are advised during dapoxetine therapy.

In reality, PE is a recognized clinical condition with evidence-based management options—including behavioral strategies, sexual health counseling, and in selected cases, prescription medication. This page provides a Discover-safe educational overview of PE, including dapoxetine (Priligy), and explains how telemedicine can support structured evaluation, safety screening, and ongoing care. PE is not simply “finishing quickly once in a while.” Clinicians evaluate PE based on: timing (how quickly ejaculation occurs after penetration or stimulation) Some men experience PE as a lifelong pattern, while others develop PE later due to stress, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis symptoms, or relationship changes. Clinicians often describe PE in two broad patterns: may involve neurobiologic sensitivity and learned patterns develops after a period of normal sexual function often associated with a contributing factor such as: erectile dysfunctionanxietythyroid issuesprostatitis-like symptomsrelationship stressmedication changes Identifying the pattern matters because it affects treatment planning. Some men experience PE because they rush to climax due to fear of losing an erection. Others develop ED due to anxiety created by PE. This is why a responsible evaluation often includes screening for: In many cases, treating ED improves PE symptoms indirectly.