Dapoxetine is marketed commercially as Westoxetin and Priligy and is used for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It is termed as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and was originally regarded as an antidepressant. However, due to its rapid absorption and elimination within the body, it is regularly used as a treatment option for premature ejaculation and not as an antidepressant.

Mechanism of Action

Unlike other premature ejaculation treatment options such as EMLA cream, Dapoxetine targets the problem internally. PE is normally caused due to psychological factors such as stress, relationship problems and personal distress. PE targets the neurotransmitter Serotonin, which is responsible for elevating individual moods.

Serotonin regulates the “happiness-meter” of a person, and people who experience negativity are usually low on serotonin levels. Once the serotonin has been released in the body, it undergoes reuptake after its work is done. Dapoxetine works by inhibiting this reuptake, causing a person to feel happier, more confident and achieve ejaculation in a timely manner instead of prematurely.

Effectiveness of Dapoxetine

Since Dapoxetine affects the serotonin in the brain and encourages sexual stimulation and timely ejaculation, it works best one to three hours after consumption. In many individuals, it can last up to 12 hours. Dapoxetine has been known to increase the ejaculation time period up to three-folds. It is very useful for men who feel they cannot last more than a few minutes.

Dapoxetine Dosage

There are two available doses for this medicine. Either 30mg, or 60mg concentration is available. Doctors initially prescribe 30mg, and might increase it to 60mg if need requires. While the medication can be taken with or without food, it is advised that alcohol should not be consumed in combination with this drug. Consumption of Dapoxetine with alcohol increases risks of fainting, and feeling of dizziness, drowsiness and slurry reactions.

Contraindication

Dapoxetine cannot be used in patients who have any form of hepatic problem. It should also not be used in patients who have cardiac problems or rely on pacemakers. If the user is already on drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOIs) or thioridazine, then he should wait at least two weeks before starting Dapoxetine dosage. Similarly, the aforementioned drugs should be consumed at least one week after stopping Dapoxetine usage.

Side Effects

No side effects have been reported in the case of over-dosage. However, commonly reported side effects under normal dosage include insomnia, diarrhoea, headache, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea. While other serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction, Dapoxetine is safe to use in comparison. Less than 4% of patients have been known to suffer from erectile dysfunction, and less than 1% of patients experienced loss in sexual libido after Dapoxetine intake.

Important Information

Care must be taken when consuming Dapoxetine after already consuming a medication for erectile dysfunction such as Cialis, Levitra or Viagra. Using the two medications in combination can cause blood pressure level to fall noticeably, and make the user feel faint when sitting up or standing up. There should be at least an interval of 48 hours between Dapoxetine and Cialis, and an interval of 24 hours with the other two medications. If you plan to take the medicines in combination, you should practice it after permission from the doctor.

It should be noted though that while Dapoxetine might help men last longer, it does nothing to treat the underlying causes of premature ejaculation. It can only help improve sexual performance, and in return, improve personal confidence in bed.