Dapoxetine
DRUG STATUS
Approvals
UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
Pharmaceutical Class
N/A
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Dapoxetine
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Click HereSummary
Dapoxetine is used to treat premature ejaculation in men aged 18 to 64. It's not for depression or other mental health problems.
Dapoxetine works by affecting the brain's signals that control ejaculation. It increases the level of a brain chemical called serotonin, which helps delay ejaculation.
Dapoxetine is taken orally, 1 to 3 hours before sex, but not more than once a day. The usual starting dose is 30mg, which can be increased to a maximum of 60mg if needed.
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause fainting or a slow heartbeat.
Dapoxetine should not be taken by people with serious heart problems, severe mental health issues, or those taking certain other medications like MAOIs, thioridazine, or other antidepressants. It's also not safe for people with liver problems. Drinking alcohol while taking dapoxetine can increase risk of injuries.
Indications and Purpose
What is Dapoxetine used for?
Dapoxetine is a medicine for men who ejaculate too quickly during sex. It's not for depression or other mental health problems. If a man is depressed, a doctor needs to check him before he takes this medicine. And it shouldn't be taken with other medicines for depression.
How does Dapoxetine work?
Dapoxetine is a medication that helps with premature ejaculation. It works by affecting the brain's signals that control ejaculation. It increases the level of a brain chemical called serotonin, which helps delay ejaculation. Think of it like a brake on the ejaculatory reflex, giving a man more control.
Is Dapoxetine effective?
Studies show dapoxetine helps men last longer during sex. After several weeks of taking it, a larger percentage of men taking dapoxetine reported improvement compared to those taking a sugar pill (placebo). The improvement was even better after a longer time (24 weeks). This means more men on dapoxetine had a longer time before ejaculation.
How does one know if Dapoxetine is working?
Dapoxetine is a medication, and like all medications, it has both benefits and risks. Doctors carefully watch for any problems after it's approved. After someone has taken it for a while (at least six times), their doctor will check if the benefits still outweigh the risks. This check-up should happen at least every six months.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine is a medicine for grown-up men only, ages 18 to 64. You take it one to three hours before sex. The usual starting dose is 30mg, and the most you should take is 60mg. It's not a pill you take every day. It's not for kids.
How do I take Dapoxetine?
Take the Dapoxetine pill by mouth with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food. It doesn't matter what you eat.
For how long do I take Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine is a medication you take only when needed, not every day. Take it 1 to 3 hours before sex, but no more than once a day. Doctors don't have a lot of information on using it for longer than 24 weeks, so they'll want to check in with you every six months to see if it's still the right treatment.
How long does it take for Dapoxetine to start working?
Take this medicine 1 to 3 hours before you plan to have sex. Don't take it every day; only when you need it.
How should I store Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat, ensuring it is kept out of reach of children
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine is a medication with several important safety precautions. It shouldn't be taken by people with serious heart problems, like heart failure or irregular heartbeats, or those with a history of fainting. It's also not safe for people with severe mental health issues like depression or mania, or those taking certain other medications (like MAOIs, thioridazine, or other antidepressants). People with liver problems or those who take medications that interact with Dapoxetine need to talk to their doctor. Before starting this medicine, your blood pressure will be checked while standing and lying down to make sure it is safe. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, the medication will be stopped. If you have any troubling thoughts or feelings, or your depression worsens, you should stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor. You should also avoid taking it with other similar medications or recreational drugs. If you have bleeding problems, talk to your doctor before using this medication.
Can I take Dapoxetine with other prescription drugs?
Dapoxetine is a medication with important safety rules. Don't take it with certain other medicines, especially MAOIs (a type of antidepressant) – there needs to be a gap of at least 14 days before or after taking either one. The same applies to thioridazine (an antipsychotic). It also shouldn't be combined with other antidepressants, certain pain relievers (like tramadol and triptans), or herbal remedies like St. John's Wort. Alcohol and recreational drugs can make side effects worse. Some other medicines can affect how dapoxetine works, so talk to your doctor if you're taking anything else. If you have problems with bleeding, be careful.
Can I take Dapoxetine with vitamins or supplements?
There are no specific interactions noted between dapoxetine and vitamins or supplements; however, caution should be exercised when combining it with other serotonergic agents due to the risk of serotonin syndrome
Can Dapoxetine be taken safely while pregnant?
Dapoxetine is only for men. Tests on animals haven't shown it harms fertility or pregnancy, but there aren't enough studies on how it affects mothers and babies after birth.
Can Dapoxetine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
We don't know for sure if the drug dapoxetine or the substances it breaks down into pass into breast milk.
Is Dapoxetine safe for the elderly?
We don't know if the drug dapoxetine is safe and works well for people 65 and older. More research is needed in this age group.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Dapoxetine?
Exercising while taking dapoxetine is generally safe; however, individuals should stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities if they experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new exercise routines while on medication.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Dapoxetine?
Mixing dapoxetine and alcohol can be dangerous. It can make you more dizzy and confused, and increase your chances of fainting, which could lead to accidents. So, don't drink alcohol while taking dapoxetine.