Dapoxetine (Priligy) is a medication for treating premature ejaculation, which is usually common in men between 18 and 64 years. Experiencing premature ejaculation can contribute to psychological distress, which is why this medication is related to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Therefore, when dapoxetine is ingested, it inhibits the serotonin receptor and causes a delay with ejaculation.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of the method of usage and everything else you need to know before taking dapoxetine medication.
How does Dapoxetine work?
Dapoxetine qualifies as an on-demand treatment as it is readily absorbed in the body and shows significant results when taken between 1-3 hours of expected sexual activity. Not only does it bring about sexual satisfaction, but it also gives the man a sense of control over ejaculation, leading to prolonged sexual function.
In the brain, we have the serotonin system, which primarily slows down or delays ejaculation, which means that more serotonin leads to a longer time before ejaculation. So, dapoxetine works by increasing serotonin’s effect, and even though it doesn’t stay in the body for long, it keeps the serotonin active to perform its job. This is why men can take it only when they need it, usually 1-3 hours before sex.
Dapoxetine Uses
Dapoxetine is used to treat premature ejaculation and increase how long a man lasts during sexual intercourse before ejaculating, also known as intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). On average, the IELT for most men is about 5-6 minutes but men with premature ejaculation often have an IELT of less than 1-2 minutes.
While dapoxetine boosts this, it also has effects on other sexual functions, which include increased sexual satisfaction for both partners and reduced anxiety related to sexual performance.
Dapoxetine Dosage and Administration
The standard recommended dosage for dapoxetine is one tablet of either the 30 mg or 60 mg. This 60 mg is only recommended if needed and can be tolerated by your body. There are chances that you’ll see higher doses of maybe 90 mg but this is not supported by the official clinical guidelines. This is because higher doses, such as 90 mg, may not provide any additional benefits and increase the risk of side effects.
When you’re starting your dapoxetine treatment, it’s required that you go for the 30 mg tablet, which is taken 1-3 hours before the sexual activity. The reason for this is to allow you to monitor how effective dapoxetine is and whether there are underlying side effects.
You can only proceed with increasing to 60 mg if the 30 mg proves ineffective without side effects. This 60 mg dosage is the most you can take within 24 hours. As a bitter medication, dapoxetine ought to be swallowed with a glass of water (not alcohol/juice) and can be taken after you’ve eaten or on an empty stomach.
Dapoxetine Precautions
These are some key precautions you must know about before taking dapoxetine.
- This medication is not for daily use. You can only use one dapoxetine tablet during a 24-hour period
- Patients with heart failure, irregular heartbeat or serious heart diseases must avoid taking dapoxetine.
- People with medium or serious liver damage should not take dapoxetine. People with kidney problems need to exercise special caution regarding Dapoxetine usage.
- You should be aware that dapoxetine can trigger dizziness leading to fainting incidents. Lie down immediately with your head pointed below your body or lean forward with your head resting between your knees if you experience lightheadedness.
- You must avoid consumption of alcohol because this substance interacts dangerously when taking dapoxetine. The compound will raise the likelihood of adverse effects together with fainting symptoms.
- Inform your doctor about each medication you take because other drugs could interact dangerously with dapoxetine. Dapoxetine presents dangerous drug interactions with both antidepressants and other therapeutic medications
- Delays in the consumption of grapefruit juice should exceed a period of 24 hours before dapoxetine intake.
- The use of recreational drugs like caffeine, cannabis, or opioids should always be avoided when taking dapoxetine. The use of this medication leads to major unwanted effects.
- Driving activities might become dangerous with dapoxetine since it causes dizziness which may affect hallucinations.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before beginning dapoxetine treatment because they will verify its safety for your situation.
Dapoxetine Side effects
When precautions for taking dapoxetine are not followed, several potentially serious side effects may occur. Dizziness and nausea are some of the side effects seen with the ingestion of dapoxetine but it can get worse than these.
There’s the potential of depression worsening.If you had a pre-existing heart condition, there’s a chance it’d worsen too. You may experience fainting, anxiety, dry mouth, and increased sweating.
Dapoxetine Interactions
Certain drugs and drinks interact badly with the body when taken alongside dapoxetine, hence increasing side effects. They include antidepressants, some antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medicines, erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, pain relievers, and recreational drugs. Drinks like grapefruit juice and alcohol can be dangerous when taken with dapoxetine.
Therefore, it only makes sense to always tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you’re taking before using dapoxetine.
Dapoxetine Storage
Proper storage of dapoxetine helps to maintain its effectiveness and safety, as improper storage can lead to its degradation. This is how best to store your dapoxetine medication:
- Keep it in the cool, dry place below 25°C (77°F).
- Store out of the reach of moisture, heat ,and direct sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children, ideally in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 m from the ground.
- Until it is time to take the tablets, keep them in their original packaging.