Dapoxetine
About
Dapoxetine belongs to the group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors primarily used to treat premature ejaculation in adult men aged 18-64 years old. Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates (orgasms) more quickly with less sexual stimulation before the man or his partner would like. This could lead to problems in a sexual relationship.
Dapoxetine contains ‘Dapoxetine’, which increases the serotonin level in the nervous system; this increases the time it takes to ejaculate and improve the control over ejaculation. Thereby, helps in decreasing the worry or frustration about fast or premature ejaculation.
You are advised to take Dapoxetine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and indigestion. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Dapoxetine should not be used by men below 18years or above 65years. Dapoxetine is not intended for use in women. Dapoxetine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, fainting or blurred vision, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Dapoxetine is not recommended for use in children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Uses of Dapoxetine
Medicinal Benefits
Dapoxetine belongs to the group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Dapoxetine is used to treat premature ejaculation in adult men aged 18-64years. Dapoxetine works by increasing the serotonin level in the nervous system; this increases the time it takes to ejaculate and could improve control over ejaculation. Thereby, it helps in decreasing the worry or frustration about fast or premature ejaculation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dapoxetine
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Dapoxetine if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have heart problems such as heart failure or heart rhythm problems, mania or severe depression, moderate to severe liver problems, history of fainting, or if you are taking medicines such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), thioridazine, lithium, linezolid, tryptophan, tramadol, St. John’s wort, anti-depressants, and anti-migraine drugs. Inform your doctor if you have erectile dysfunction, a history of dizziness due to low blood pressure, depression, mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy/fits, bleeding or blood clotting problems, glaucoma, or kidney problems. Dapoxetine is not intended for use in women. Dapoxetine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, fainting or blurred vision, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Dapoxetine is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Rise slowly from sitting or lying position as Dapoxetine may cause dizziness on standing up suddenly. Dapoxetine should not be used by men below 18 years or above 65 years.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dapoxetine may interact with phenothiazine (thioridazine), anti-psychotic (lithium), antibiotic (linezolid, telithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin), an amino acid (tryptophan), pain killer (tramadol, ibuprofen, aspirin), anti-HIV (ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole), anti-depressant (nefazodone), blood thinner (warfarin), impotent agents (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), calcium channel blocker (diltiazem, verapamil), anti-emetics (aprepitant), BPH agents and anti-migraine medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take St. John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression) while taking Dapoxetine. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice within 24 hours of taking Dapoxetine as it could lead to an increase in the level of Dapoxetine in the body.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular/heart disease, a history of dizziness due to low blood pressure, depression, mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy/fits, bleeding or blood clotting problems, glaucoma, kidney problems, or moderate to severe liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Dapoxetine as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeDapoxetine is not intended for use in women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDapoxetine is not intended for use in women.
Driving
cautionDapoxetine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, fainting or blurred vision. Therefore you are advised to drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDapoxetine should not be taken if you have moderate to severe liver problems. Please consult your doctor before taking Dapoxetine if you have liver impairment/liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Dapoxetine if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeDapoxetine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercising may help manage premature ejaculation.
- Pelvic floor exercises help in strengthening muscles.
- Decreasing the sensitivity of the penis by using condoms can be helpful.
- Share intimate time with your partner.
- Stay sexually active to prevent further problems.
- Eat foods that help improve blood flow, such as onions, garlic, bananas, chilli, eggs, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, and pepper.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in reducing stress.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Get some sunlight; it helps increase melatonin, increasing sexual desire.
- Pay attention to your partner. Spend quality time.
Special Advise
- Dapoxetine has a bitter taste, so take Dapoxetine with at least one full glass of water. This also helps in lowering the chance of fainting.
- Take Dapoxetine 1-3hours before sexual activity.
- Do not take more than 1tablet in a day (24hours).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates (orgasms) more quickly with less sexual stimulation before the man or his partner would like. This could lead to problems in a sexual relationship. Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax or early ejaculation. Symptoms include regular inability to delay the orgasm or ejaculation for more than a minute after the start of intercourse. Premature ejaculation may be lifelong/primary or acquired/secondary. Lifelong or primary premature ejaculation is when you experience this always or almost always since your first sexual experience. Acquired/secondary premature ejaculation is when you have had longer-lasting orgasms in your life but have developed early ejaculation. The causes of premature ejaculation could be poor self-esteem, depression, history of sexual abuse, worrying about ejaculation, anxiety about limited sexual experience, stress, dissatisfaction or problems in a relationship.
FAQs
Dapoxetine works by increasing the time it takes to ejaculate and could improve control over ejaculation. Thereby, helps in decreasing the worry or frustration about fast or premature ejaculation.
Medicines such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), thioridazine (used to treat schizophrenia), lithium (used to treat mania), linezolid (antibiotic), tryptophan (used to help you sleep), tramadol (used to relieve pain), St. John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression), anti-depressants, and anti-migraine medicines should not be taken along with Dapoxetine. Maintain a gap of 14 days before taking Dapoxetine if you have taken any of the above medicines. After taking Dapoxetine, maintain a gap of 7 days before taking these medicines. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
You may experience sleeping problems and may feel dizzy if you stop taking Dapoxetine on your own. Therefore, consult your doctor before discontinuing the medicine.
Do not take Dapoxetine for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Discuss with your doctor after the first 4weeks or after taking 6doses if you should continue the treatment. If Dapoxetine has been prescribed for longer durations, regular consultation with the doctor is advised for every 6 months.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Dapoxetine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Orthostatic hypotension could be a side-effect of Dapoxetine. Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking, instead, lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better.
