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Dapoxetine - Uses, Contraindications, Drug Interactions, and Side Effects

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Dapoxetine - Uses, Contraindications, Drug Interactions, and Side Effects

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Dapoxetine is a medication that is prescribed to treat premature ejaculation. Keep reading the below article to learn more about the drug.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Raveendran S R

Published At July 22, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 25, 2023

Introduction:

Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would expect, leading to a dissatisfactory sexual experience. Though less talked about, it is a common condition that most men face at some time in their lives. When premature ejaculation occurs less frequently, it is not a matter of concern. However, medical attention is necessary when it happens every time during sex or masturbation, where ejaculation occurs within less than a minute after penetration. Medicines, counseling, sexual techniques, or a combination of therapies can help delay ejaculation and improve the sexual experience.

What Is Dapoxetine?

Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a medicine that is used for the treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men. It helps in increasing the time taken for ejaculation. It is best to take Dapoxetine a few hours before when sex is anticipated, about one to three hours before, rather than taking it every day, as the drug works very fast.

Long-term use of the medicine can cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract or the heart. Though readily available OTC (over-the-counter), the medicine must be started only after a doctor's consultation. Also, the uses and side effects vary from one person to another.

What Are the Uses of Dapoxetine?

Dapoxetine is primarily used in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions like premature ejaculation.

What Are the Contraindications of Dapoxetine?

Dapoxetine is contraindicated in the following cases, that include:

How Does Dapoxetine Work?

The exact mechanism of how Dapoxetine works is unclear. However, it is believed to work by inhibiting the serotonin transporter. The drug is specially formulated to help in preventing premature ejaculation.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Dapoxetine?

Drug interactions occur when two or more drugs are taken together, or a medication is taken with food or beverages, affecting how the drug acts. For example, the interactions of Dapoxetine are listed below:

  1. Interaction With Other Medicines: Dapoxetine interferes with the actions of Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Tramadol, Lithium, Warfarin, and Ritonavir.

  2. Interaction With Alcohol: When alcohol is consumed during Dapoxetine use, it can lead to a moderate to severe impairment of body movements and cognition. It can also cause sleep disturbances.

  3. Interaction With Diseases: Conditions like depression, glaucoma, and liver dysfunctions are affected by the use of Dapoxetine.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken Before Using Dapoxetine?

All medications may not be suitable for some people, whereas medicines must be taken with extra precaution and care in others. Therefore, before starting the use of Dapoxetine, a few important things that have to be mentioned to the doctor include:

  • Tendency to faint.

  • Epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes seizures and unusual behaviors.

  • Heart problems.

  • Bleeding or clotting problems.

  • Heart diseases.

  • Mental health disorders that cause mood swings, like depression, bipolar disorder, or mania.

  • Glaucoma is a condition in which there is an increase in eye pressure.

  • Kidney or liver disorders.

  • Allergic reaction to a particular medicine.

  • Take other medicines like OTC (over-the-counter) medicines, herbal supplements, or multivitamins.

How Are Dapoxetine Tablets to Be Taken?

  • The first step before starting the medicine includes reading the manufacturer's information leaflet that comes along with the drug. The leaflet contains information about Dapoxetine and lists all the side effects of taking medication.

  • Intake of Dapoxetine has to be as suggested by the doctor. The patient is advised to take the tablet with a full glass of water. The dosage is started initially with a 30 mg tablet once daily, a few hours before anticipated sex. If the patient tolerates it well, the doctor may increase the dosage to 60 mg daily. However, few patients can complain of a fainting sensation after taking 30 mg tablets.

  • Intake of more than one tablet within 24 hours is not recommended. Also, the tablet cannot be used every day.

  • Dapoxetine can be taken with or without food.

  • As the drug tastes bitter, it is advised to swallow the medicine rather than chewing it.

How to Get the Most From Dapoxetine?

There are specific points that are to be kept in mind while using Dapoxetine, which include:

  1. Alcohol must be avoided during Dapoxetine use, as it can enhance the drug's sedative effects and lead to fainting.

  2. Recreational drugs should not be taken along with Dapoxetine, as they can lead to severe side effects.

  3. Care must be taken during driving. If a fainting sensation occurs, it is advised to avoid driving. Also, people working with tools and machines must refrain from using them.

  4. While buying or starting new medicines, they must be informed to the doctor or pharmacist, as some medications can lead to drug interactions when taking Dapoxetine.

  5. It is advised to avoid taking Dapoxetine for at least 24 hours after consuming grapefruit juice as it contains a chemical that elevates the Dapoxetine amount in the blood, leading to serious side effects.

  6. Follow-up appointments have to be maintained with the doctor, as they can keep a check on the progress of the patient.

What Are the Rules for Storing Dapoxetine?

The following rules are to be followed while storing the drug, that includes:

  • Keeping the medicine out of sight and reach of children.

  • To be stored in a clean and dry place away from direct sunlight.

What Are the Side Effects of Dapoxetine Use?

Many medicines have side effects along with useful medicinal effects. However, the unwanted effects may vary differently in different persons. For example, some may experience more severe side effects, whereas others may have minimal to zero adverse effects. The manufacturer's information leaflet contains a complete list of the possible side effects that can occur due to the usage of the drug. The side effects of the medicine generally improve with time; however, if they continue to persist, then the doctor or pharmacist must be informed.

The commonly noted side effects include:

  • Dizziness can be managed by lying down until the person starts feeling better.

  • Nausea, sweating, or confusion can progress to fainting. Therefore, the patient is advised to lie down and relax until the symptoms subside.

  • Headaches can be managed by drinking water. However, if the headache continues, the pharmacist or doctor prescribes painkillers.

  • Dry mouth.

  • The blurring of vision.

  • Insomnia or difficulty in getting sleep.

What Are the General Rules to Be Followed While Using Medications?

  1. The prescribed dose of the medicine is not to be exceeded. If an excess dose of the medicine is taken accidentally, it is advised to go to the emergency room at the earliest.

  2. Prescribed medicines should not be given to others without a doctor's advice, even if the symptoms appear to be the same.

  3. If the person is undergoing any dental or surgical procedures, the doctor must be prior informed about the medicines taken by them.

  4. Out-of-date medicines should not be taken and must be disposed of.

Conclusion:

Dapoxetine is a medicine that is advised in people having premature ejaculation. Though the condition is common in many men at some stage of their lives, treatment is necessary when it bothers frequently. Dapoxetine helps in increasing the ejaculation time, thereby improving sexual life. Though side effects are less common with the drug, any uncomfortable effects must be informed to the health care provider at the earliest for better care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Does Dapoxetine Make You Last Longer?

Dapoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is very effective in managing premature ejaculation. It helps in:
- Lasting long.
- Controls ejaculation.
- Reduces frustration during sexual activity.

2.

Does Dapoxetine Cause Any Side Effects?

The commonly encountered side-effects of Dapoxetine are:
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Blurred vision.
- Dry mouth.
- Insomnia.

3.

What Are the Indications of Dapoxetine Tablets?

Dapoxetine tablets are mainly indicated for men with premature ejaculation. It is a common sexual concern in men. The drug is usually suggested once daily with a 30 mg dosage, which may gradually increase. Various biological and psychological factors cause premature ejaculation. Therefore, the specialist may advise treating it with physical therapies, medications, and counseling.

4.

When Is the Best Time to Take Dapoxetine?

Dapoxetine for premature ejaculation can be taken as follows:
- One tablet per day.
- Three hours before the sexual activity.
- It should not be taken daily.
- With or without food.
- Drink enough fluids after taking the tablet Dapoxetine to avoid side effects.

5.

Can Dapoxetine Be Used Daily?

Tablet Dapoxetine should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription. The doctor may suggest avoiding taking it daily due to side effects and drug complications. One tablet is suggested initially, then gradually increased. Therefore, do not take more than the recommended dose and consume it daily.

6.

Can I Use Dapoxetine for Anxiety?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Fluoxetine, Sertraline, etc., are suggested to treat various mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. Dapoxetine is also an SSRI, but it is not recommended for treating anxiety and depression. It is approved only for the management of premature ejaculation in men.

7.

Does Dapoxetine Cause High Blood Pressure?

No studies or reports prove that Dapoxetine may increase blood pressure. However, individuals with the following conditions should inform the doctor before taking medicine:
- Epilepsy.
- Heart disease.
- Depression.
- Kidney disorders, etc.

8.

Can Dapoxetine Elevate Serotonin?

Dapoxetine is often the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). The SSRIs mainly act by hindering the transport of serotonin ad improving its level in the nervous system, thereby relieving the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illness. But, Dapoxetine is recommended for the treatment of sexual disorders in men.

9.

Can I Expect Dapoxetine to Work Quickly?

Yes, tablet Dapoxetine works instantly. However, studies show that its peak level in the plasma is reached within an hour. Therefore, it is best to take it one to three hours before the sexual activity to manage premature ejaculation. In addition, the doctor may advise drinking enough water and other fluids to prevent its side effects like dizziness, nausea, etc.

10.

Can Dapoxetine Permanently Treat PE?

Tablet Dapoxetine is effective in improving the sexual life and ejaculation time. However, it does not provide a permanent cure. To obtain its maximum, one should not try taking it in more significant amounts, as it may lead to unnecessary complications. Therefore, it is essential to consult a specialist to manage premature ejaculation.

11.

Can I Take Tadalafil With Dapoxetine?

Information about your current medications is required during your doctor visit, as drug interactions are possible. But, it is entirely safe to take Dapoxetine with Tadalafil, as there are no such interactions between them, and they are tolerated. In addition, they are effective in improving sexual activity in men. However, consult the doctor before taking such medicines.

12.

How Long Can Dapoxetine Be Taken?

Dapoxetine is effective in treating premature ejaculation, and it acts within one to three hours. However, the duration and dosage of the drug depend on each individual’s condition. Usually, it is not prescribed not more than ten weeks. In addition, only one tablet must be taken within 24 hours, along with enough fluids.
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Dr. Raveendran S R
Dr. Raveendran S R

Sexology

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