What is Dapoxetine?

Dapoxetine is a type of antidepressant medication that is usually prescribed for treating premature ejaculation. It is a member of the class of drugs which are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers secreted by the CNS. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that are associated with maintaining penile erection and ejaculation.

Visit Online Pharmacy

Premature ejaculation refers to the attainment of orgasm which is accompanied by the emission of seminal fluid (semen) occurring just before vaginal penetration or shortly after the beginning of the sexual intercourse. 

It is said to be premature if the release of semen (ejaculation) occurs too early than the partner’s expectations, usually less than one minute of intense vaginal stimulation during coitus. In some cases premature ejaculation is biological, while in other cases it could be psychological.

Dapoxetine works by ensuring that enough serotonins are made available to the nerve and muscles of the penis to maintain longer erection. It does this by inhibiting the molecules that transport serotonin. 

This inhibition helps to increase the action of serotonin on postsynaptic clefts thereby promoting the delay in ejaculation. The longer the time the penis stays erect, the longer the time it takes for ejaculation. 

It is believed that the drug increases premature ejaculation time by at least 2 to 3 folds. Studies have revealed that men with premature ejaculation who used Dapoxetine, were able to have a pre-ejaculation time of 3 minutes on the average.  

Dapoxetine, sometimes  marketed with the brand name Priligy, comes as film coated white or off-white tablets. It is available in dosage strengths of 30mg and 60mg.

Uses of Dapoxetine

The drug is indicated for the treatment of premature ejaculation among men who are 18- 64 years of age. Some people use it as off label treatment for depression and anxiety even though the FDA has not approved its use for such purposes.

How to Consume Dapoxetine

The tablet can be taken with food or without food. It should not be crushed or chewed because it has a bitter taste. Also, you are to take it with copious amounts of water. 

The recommended dose for an initial therapy is 30mg per day. It is usually taken between one to three hours before sexual intercourse. The dose may be adjusted to 60mg per day if it is discovered that the 30mg was ineffective. 

While increasing to 60mg dose, you must be cautious to avoid an increase in the incidence of the side effects of the drug. This is because higher doses of the drug can raise the chances of experiencing more serious side effects. You are not supposed to take more than the daily recommended dose within a 24 hour period. 

Missed Dose and Overdose 

There are very minimal cases of missed doses because the drug is usually taken once a day and one to three hours before having sex. To avoid experiencing serious adverse effects of the drug, do not utilize more than the daily recommended dosage.  

Dapoxetine Precautions and Contraindications 

Patients should adhere to these precautions:

• Do not ingest the drug if you have allergies to it. Do well to inform your doctor about your allergy history. 
• Dapoxetine is not recommended for you if you have cardiomyopathies like cardiac arrhythmias or heart failure as it increases the chances of worsening your condition.
• Do not consume the drug if you have any form of liver impairment as this will lead to accumulation of Dapoxetine in your blood circulation. 
• The drug is not recommended for use as therapy in Bipolar disorder. Anyone with a history of this condition should avoid Dapoxetine because it can worsen the condition. 
• Pregnant women should not use the drug as it is designed strictly for use in men.
• Breastfeeding mothers should also stay clear of the drug. 
• Dapoxetine should only be used when clinical evidence or diagnosis of premature ejaculation has been established in the patient. It is not intended for use in children and adolescents who are less than 18 years as the safety of the drug has not been established in this group of individuals.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders as the drug is known to promote the risks of excessive bleeding. 
• Those who are operating heavy machines should take leave from work because the drug is known to cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.
• Those who are prone to orthostatic hypotension (a decrease in blood pressure which usually occurs when rising up from a lying or sitting position), should be cautious while using Dapoxetine. 
• To avoid drowsiness when driving, do not consume the drug if you know you’re going to drive especially for longer distances. 
• Individuals with a history of seizures or prone to seizures should apply extreme caution while using the drug because it can trigger serious episodes of seizures. 
• Alcohol is known to cause sedative effects. It is not advisable to take alcohol with Dapoxetine because it can potentiate the calming effects of alcohol.
• It is also not advisable to take Dapoxetine with grape juice. Grape juice contains some chemicals that can raise the retention time or amount of drug in the bloodstream. This can lead to an increase in the severity of the side effects associated with the drug. It is advisable not to consume Dapoxetine for a minimum of 24 hours after you have consumed grape juice. 

Side Effects of Dapoxetine and Possible Remedies 

• Headaches: drink plenty of water and rest. If the headache persists, do consult your doctor for the appropriate pain killer or seek medical attention.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness: in this case you’ll have to sit up and place the head between both knees or you can lie down till the feeling stops. If it persists, inform your doctor.
• Nervousness and confusion: sit or lie down till the feeling stops.

Other side effects of Dapoxetine include: 

• Diarrhea
• Dryness of mouth
• Problems with digestion 
• Decrease in libido
• Excessive sweating
• Blurred vision
• Ringing and or buzzing sensation in the ears
• Excessive tiredness
• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heart beats 
• Sleepiness
• Abnormal dreams  
• Problems with erection ( erectile dysfunction) 
• Vomiting 

Dapoxetine Interactions 

Dapoxetine interacts with various compounds at varying degrees. It interacts moderately with the following drugs:

• Lithium
• Erythromycin
• Fluconazole
• Verapamil 
• Warfarin
• Tramadol
• Ketoconazole and
• Ritonavir 

Pathological interactions associated with Dapoxetine include:

• Kidney diseases: since the kidneys are involved in the excretion of the drug, impaired kidney function will lead to increased concentration on the drugs in the blood. This will increase the risks of suffering more side effects.
• Glaucoma: some of the symptoms that go with glaucoma are similar to the side effects that are experienced while using the drug. Caution should be taken when using Dapoxetine in people with glaucoma.