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Dapoxetine tablets

Priligy

Dapoxetine is prescribed for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Take one tablet 1-3 hours before you have sex.

The most common side-effects include feeling dizzy or faint, and feeling sick (nausea). Drinking a full glass of water at the same time as taking the tablet can reduce these effects.

At a glance

  • Dapoxetine is a medicine for premature ejaculation in adult men.

  • It helps increase the time it takes to ejaculate and improves control.

  • Take one tablet whole with water, 1 to 3 hours before you anticipate having sex.

  • Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours.

  • Do not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice when taking dapoxetine.

  • Tell your doctor about your medical history and other medicines before starting.

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About dapoxetine

Type of medicine

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Used for

Premature ejaculation in adult men

Also called

Priligy®

Available as

Tablets

Premature ejaculation is the term used when a man orgasms (ejaculates) more quickly than he and/or his partner would like. For some men it can be temporary and can get better on its own; for others, prescribed treatments such as dapoxetine tablets can be helpful.

Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medicine which has been specially developed for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It increases the time it takes to ejaculate and can improve the control over the ejaculation. It starts to work very quickly, so it is taken when you anticipate having sex, rather than every day. You have to take it 1-3 hours before you have sex.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking dapoxetine it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you have a tendency to faint.

  • If you have a heart condition.

  • If you have a bleeding or clotting disorder.

  • If you have epilepsy.

  • If you have ever had a mental health problem causing 'high' or 'low' moods, such as bipolar disorder, depression or mania.

  • If you have increased pressure in your eye, a condition called glaucoma.

  • If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

  • If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

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  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about dapoxetine, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

  • Take dapoxetine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Drink a full glass of water at the same time as you take a tablet. The recommended starting dose is one 30 mg tablet, taken 1 to 3 hours before you anticipate having sex. Your doctor may later decide to increase your dose to one 60 mg tablet. Your doctor will only prescribe the higher dose for you if the 30 mg dose is insufficient, and providing you have not experienced any side-effects such as feeling faint.

  • Do not take more than one tablet in any 24 hours. Dapoxetine is not intended for regular daily use - you should only take it before you anticipate having sex.

  • The tablet has a bitter taste, so swallow it whole without chewing. You can take it either with or without food.

  • Make sure you keep your follow-on appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

  • Do not drink alcohol whilst taking dapoxetine, as it might increase the sedative effects of the alcohol. It can also increase the risk of fainting.

  • Do not use any recreational drugs while you are taking dapoxetine, as this could lead to you experiencing serious side-effects.

  • A chemical in grapefruit juice can increase the amount of dapoxetine in your bloodstream and this increases the risk of side-effects. If you do drink grapefruit juice, do not take a dapoxetine tablet for at least 24 hours afterwards.

  • Take care if you are a driver. If you feel faint or dizzy, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

  • If you buy any medicines, please check with your doctor or a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with dapoxetine.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with dapoxetine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Very common dapoxetine side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 men)

What can I do if I experience this?

Feeling dizzy or light-headed

Sit with your head between your knees, or lie down until the feeling passes

Feeling sick (nausea), sweaty or confused

These are signs that fainting may occur. Sit down until the feeling passes so that you do not fall and hurt yourself

Headache

Drink plenty of water and ask a pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets and which you are concerned about, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, please tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website.

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Check for possible interactions between medicines, supplements and foods before taking them together.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will dapoxetine start to work after I take it?

Dapoxetine works quite quickly. You should take it 1 to 3 hours before you plan to have sex. It is designed to be taken 'as needed' rather than every day.

Can I drink alcohol while taking dapoxetine?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol when taking dapoxetine. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects, making you feel more drowsy, and it can also increase your risk of fainting.

What should I do if I feel dizzy or light-headed after taking dapoxetine?

If you experience dizziness or light-headedness, you should sit with your head between your knees or lie down until the feeling passes. If these feelings are accompanied by nausea or sweating, these can be signs of fainting, so sit down to prevent a fall.

Is it safe to drive or operate machinery after taking dapoxetine?

You should be careful if you are a driver. If you feel faint or dizzy after taking dapoxetine, you should not drive or use tools or machines.

Can I take dapoxetine with grapefruit juice?

No, it is advised not to take dapoxetine with grapefruit juice. A chemical in grapefruit juice can increase the amount of dapoxetine in your bloodstream, which increases your risk of side-effects. If you drink grapefruit juice, you should wait at least 24 hours before taking a dapoxetine tablet.

What should I do if I am already taking other medicines?

Before you start taking dapoxetine, it is important that your doctor knows about all other medicines you are taking. This includes any medicines bought without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. Also, if you buy any new medicines after starting dapoxetine, check with your doctor or a pharmacist if they are suitable to take together.

Further reading and references

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

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Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

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