Introduction
Priligy helps men who deal with premature ejaculation (PE). About 20-30% of men worldwide have this common issue. Priligy was the first drug made just for PE. It has changed how doctors treat this problem. This article will tell you about Priligy, how it works, its benefits, side effects, and what to think about before using it.
What Is Priligy?
Priligy is the brand name for dapoxetine. It’s a type of drug called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Unlike other SSRIs that treat depression, Priligy was made just for men with PE. It’s for adult men aged 18 to 64.
Dr. Irwin Goldstein, who runs Sexual Medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, says: “Priligy is the first drug made just for premature ejaculation. It helps millions of men who needed this kind of treatment.”
The Form and Type
Priligy comes in pill form. You can get it in 30mg and 60mg doses. You take it only when needed, not every day. This makes it different from other SSRIs.
History and Development
In the 1990s, doctors noticed that some depression drugs delayed ejaculation. This led drug companies to look for a medicine just for PE.
Johnson & Johnson created Priligy. Finland approved it first in 2009. Since then, many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America have approved it too. As of April 2025, Priligy is not approved in the United States. But it’s still used in many other countries.
Dr. Stanley Althof, who leads the Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida, says: “Dapoxetine changed sexual medicine. It showed that PE is a real health issue that needs proper treatment.”
How Priligy Works
Effects on Brain Chemistry
Priligy blocks the serotonin transporter. This increases serotonin’s action in the brain. It affects the 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors that control ejaculation.
Dr. Marcel Waldinger, an expert in sexual medicine, explains: “Dapoxetine boosts serotonin in key brain pathways. This delays the ejaculation reflex. Unlike other SSRIs, it enters and leaves the body quickly. That makes it good for as-needed use.”
How It Moves Through Your Body
Priligy stands out from other SSRIs in three ways:
- Fast absorption: It reaches peak levels in your blood in just 1-2 hours
- Short half-life: Your body clears it quickly, within about 1.5 hours
- No buildup: It doesn’t collect in your body even with regular use
These traits make it ideal for “on-demand” use. You don’t need to take it every day.
How to Use Priligy
Who Should Use It
Before getting Priligy, your doctor will check if you have PE. The International Society for Sexual Medicine says PE means:
- You almost always ejaculate within about one minute of sex (if you’ve always had PE) or within about three minutes (if PE is new for you)
- You can’t delay ejaculation during most or all sex
- You feel distress, frustration, or avoid sex because of the problem
Dosage and How to Take It
Here’s how to take Priligy:
- Starting dose: Usually 30mg taken 1-3 hours before sex
- How often: No more than once every 24 hours
- Dose changes: Your doctor may increase it to 60mg if needed
- How to take it: With a full glass of water, with or without food
Dr. Annamaria Giraldi, who teaches Clinical Sexology at the University of Copenhagen, advises: “Take Priligy 1-3 hours before sex. Don’t take it more than once a day. Taking it with a big meal might make it work less but could reduce side effects.”
What to Expect
Studies show Priligy can really help. Men who take it can last 2.5 to 3 times longer during sex. But results vary from person to person. Priligy works best when used along with counseling and behavior techniques.
Benefits and How Well It Works
What Studies Show
Many clinical trials prove Priligy works. A 2011 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at five trials with over 6,000 men. It found:
- Men taking 30mg lasted 2.5 times longer
- Men taking 60mg lasted 3 times longer
- Both doses worked much better than placebo pills
What Men Report
Besides lasting longer, men taking Priligy report:
- Better control over when they ejaculate
- More satisfaction during sex
- Less distress about their condition
- Better relationships with partners
- More confidence in their sexual performance
Dr. Raymond Rosen, Chief Scientist at the New England Research Institutes, notes: “Priligy does more than just delay ejaculation. Men gain better control, enjoy sex more, and feel less stressed—all key parts of sexual health.”
Possible Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Like all drugs, Priligy can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. Common side effects include:
- Nausea (11-22% of men get this)
- Dizziness (6-11%)
- Headache (5-8%)
- Diarrhea (3-6%)
- Trouble sleeping (2-4%)
These side effects are usually mild to moderate. They often go away as your body adjusts or as the drug leaves your system.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare but can include:
- Fainting
- Drop in blood pressure when standing up
- Serotonin syndrome (if taken with certain other drugs)
- Mood changes
Dr. Alan Shindel, Professor of Urology at the University of California, says: “Priligy is usually well-tolerated. But men should know about possible dizziness and fainting. Taking it with a full glass of water and avoiding alcohol can help reduce these risks.”
Who Should Not Take It
Priligy isn’t right for all men with PE. Don’t take it if you have:
- Heart problems or heart failure
- A history of fainting
- A history of mania or severe depression
- Moderate to severe liver problems
- Are taking MAOIs, thioridazine, other SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Are allergic to dapoxetine
Other Treatment Options
Other Medications
Other treatments for PE include:
- Other SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine): Used off-label, these need daily dosing and stay in your body longer
- Numbing creams and sprays (with lidocaine/prilocaine): These reduce feeling in the penis but may affect your partner too
- ED medications (sildenafil, tadalafil): Sometimes used off-label for PE, especially when you have both PE and erectile dysfunction
Non-Drug Options
You can also try:
- Behavioral techniques: The stop-start method and the squeeze technique
- Counseling: To address anxiety or relationship issues
- Pelvic floor exercises: To strengthen muscles that help control ejaculation
Dr. David Rowland, Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University, suggests: “The best approach often combines a drug like Priligy with behavioral techniques and counseling. This treats both the physical and mental aspects of PE.”
How PE Affects Men and Relationships
Mental and Emotional Impact
Premature ejaculation can cause:
- Lower self-confidence
- Anxiety about sex
- Avoiding sex
- Relationship problems
- Depression in some cases
How Treatment Helps Society
Having an approved, effective treatment like Priligy has broader benefits:
- It shows PE is a real medical condition
- It reduces shame about seeking help
- It improves quality of life for men and their partners
- It raises awareness about sexual health
Current Research and Future Treatments
Ongoing Studies
Research on Priligy and PE continues to evolve. Current studies look at:
- Long-term safety and effectiveness
- Combining Priligy with other drugs
- Genetic factors that affect how well it works
- New ways to deliver the medicine
New Treatments on the Horizon
Besides Priligy, other new approaches to PE are being developed:
- New drugs that target different brain pathways
- Better numbing creams that don’t affect partners
- New devices to help men gain better control
Dr. Emmanuele Jannini, Professor at the University of Rome, predicts: “In the next ten years, we’ll likely see more personalized PE treatment. Genetic testing might help choose the right drug, and combination treatments may become common for tough cases.”
Practical Tips for Patients
How to Get Priligy
Getting Priligy depends on where you live:
- In many European, Asian, and Latin American countries, you need a prescription
- Some online pharmacies sell it, but be careful to use trusted sources
- In the United States, where Priligy isn’t approved, talk to your doctor about other options
Cost and Insurance
The cost of Priligy varies by country:
- Insurance coverage differs widely
- Weigh out-of-pocket costs against potential benefits
- Generic versions may cost less in some places
Talking to Your Doctor
Before asking about Priligy:
- Track your symptoms, including how long you last during sex
- Prepare questions about benefits, risks, and other options
- List all medications you take to avoid drug interactions
- Be honest about alcohol use and lifestyle factors
Frequently Asked Questions
How well does Priligy work for PE?
Studies show Priligy can help men last 2.5 to 3 times longer. Results vary by person. About 60-80% of men in studies reported better control and more satisfaction during sex.
How quickly does Priligy work?
Priligy reaches peak levels in your blood within 1-2 hours. For best results, take it 1-3 hours before sex.
Can I drink alcohol with Priligy?
It’s best to avoid alcohol when taking Priligy. Alcohol can increase dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting. It may also make the drug less effective.
Is Priligy the same as Viagra?
No. Priligy (dapoxetine) and Viagra (sildenafil) are different drugs that treat different problems. Priligy treats premature ejaculation by delaying ejaculation. Viagra treats erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow.
Can I use Priligy long-term?
Priligy is for as-needed use, not daily treatment. Long-term safety studies show no major concerns with continued use, but regular check-ups with your doctor are advised.
Does Priligy affect fertility?
There’s no evidence that Priligy affects sperm quality or fertility. It works mainly on brain chemicals, not on reproductive organs or hormones.
What if Priligy doesn’t work for me?
If Priligy doesn’t help after several tries (at least 6), talk to your doctor. They might:
- Adjust your dose (from 30mg to 60mg if suitable)
- Suggest combining it with behavioral techniques
- Recommend other treatments
- Check if other factors are causing the problem
Can women take Priligy?
No, Priligy is only approved for men. It hasn’t been studied or approved for women.
Conclusion
Priligy is an important advance in treating premature ejaculation. It’s the first drug made just for PE in many countries. This has helped show that PE is a real medical condition, not just a mental or performance issue.
While not a cure for PE and not available everywhere, Priligy offers hope for many men with this common problem. Talk to your doctor before taking Priligy. They’ll consider your health, preferences, and whether you can get the drug where you live.
As research continues and awareness grows, PE treatment will likely get even better. Priligy may become part of more complete treatment plans that address both the physical and mental aspects of PE.