Introduction
Priligy contains dapoxetine and helps men with premature ejaculation (PE). It’s the first pill approved for this common problem that affects about 1 in 4 men worldwide. Let’s explore what Priligy does, how well it works, and what you should know before using it.
What is Priligy?
Priligy’s active ingredient is dapoxetine hydrochloride. It belongs to a group of drugs called SSRIs but works differently from antidepressants. You take Priligy only when needed, not every day.
Key Facts:
- Main ingredient: Dapoxetine hydrochloride
- Drug type: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- How to take it: By mouth, 1-3 hours before sex
- Doses available: Usually 30mg and 60mg
- Approval: Used in over 50 countries, but not approved in the United States as of 2024
How Priligy Works
Priligy works by boosting serotonin in your nervous system. Serotonin is a brain chemical that affects mood and helps control when you ejaculate.
How It Helps:
- Blocks serotonin reuptake: Keeps more serotonin active in your brain
- Increases serotonin activity: Makes more serotonin available where needed
- Delays ejaculation: Higher serotonin levels help you last longer
- Improves control: Gives you more say over when you ejaculate
Dr. Ira Sharlip, sexual medicine expert, explains: “Dapoxetine works quickly and leaves your body faster than other SSRIs. This makes it perfect for taking just before sex rather than every day.”
Does It Work?
Many studies show Priligy helps men with premature ejaculation.
Research Shows:
- Longer lasting: Men last 2.5 to 3 times longer during sex
- Dose matters: The 60mg dose works better than 30mg, but may cause more side effects
- Better satisfaction: Men report enjoying sex more and feeling more in control
- Partner benefits: Partners also report better sexual experiences
A large study in The Lancet looked at over 6,000 men in 22 countries. It found both doses helped men last longer, starting with the very first dose.
Who Should Use It
Premature ejaculation has specific signs that doctors look for.
Signs of PE:
- Ejaculating within about one minute of starting sex
- Not being able to delay ejaculation during most sex
- Feeling upset, frustrated, or avoiding sex because of it
Priligy works best for men who:
- Are between 18 and 64 years old
- Have a steady partner
- Have had PE for at least six months
How to Take It
Taking Priligy correctly helps it work better and reduces side effects.
Best Way to Take It:
- Take 1 pill (30mg or 60mg) about 1-3 hours before sex
- Don’t take more than one pill in 24 hours
- Drink a full glass of water with it
- You can take it with or without food, but heavy meals might slow it down
- It’s not for daily use
Dosage Tips:
- Most men start with 30mg
- Your doctor might increase it to 60mg if needed
- Men over 65: Less information exists on safety
- Liver problems: Use with care if mild to moderate; avoid if severe
- Kidney problems: Usually no dose change needed for mild to moderate issues
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Priligy can cause side effects. It helps to know what to watch for.
Common Side Effects (affect more than 1 in 100 users):
- Nausea (10-15% of users)
- Dizziness (5-10%)
- Headache (5-8%)
- Diarrhea (3-7%)
- Trouble sleeping (2-4%)
- Feeling tired (2-4%)
Less Common Side Effects:
- Anxiety or feeling on edge
- Increased sweating
- Fainting
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in ears
A review in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at data from over 6,000 patients. It found that Priligy is generally safe when used as directed. Most side effects are mild and don’t last long.
Risk of Fainting:
About 3 in 1,000 men might faint when taking Priligy. To lower this risk:
- Drink plenty of water
- Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy
- Don’t drink alcohol when taking Priligy
- Be careful when driving until you know how it affects you
Drug Interactions
Priligy can interact with other drugs, which might cause problems or make it less effective.
Avoid These Drugs With Priligy:
- Other SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants
- MAOIs (a type of antidepressant)
- Thioridazine
- Tramadol, linezolid, and other drugs that affect serotonin
- Some antifungals and HIV drugs (ketoconazole, ritonavir)
- Some migraine drugs (triptans)
- Lithium, tryptophan supplements
- St. John’s Wort and similar herbs
Be Careful With:
- ED drugs like Viagra
- Alpha-blockers
- Some antibiotics and antifungals
- Blood thinners like warfarin
Dr. Emmanuele Jannini, professor of sexual medicine, notes: “Many men with PE also have erection problems. While you can use Priligy with ED drugs, you should know there’s a higher risk of getting dizzy or lightheaded.”
When Not to Take It
Priligy isn’t right for all men. Some health issues make it unsafe.
Don’t Take Priligy If You Have:
- Allergy to dapoxetine
- Heart problems (heart failure, irregular heartbeat)
- History of fainting
- History of mania or severe depression
- Moderate to severe liver problems
- Are taking MAOIs, thioridazine, or other SSRIs/SNRIs
Use With Caution If You Have:
- Mild liver problems
- Severe kidney problems
- Bipolar disorder
- Controlled epilepsy
- Bleeding problems or use blood thinners
Beyond Pills: Other Approaches
Experts suggest using Priligy along with other strategies for best results.
Try These Too:
- Behavioral techniques: Start-stop and squeeze methods to build control
- Couples therapy: Working through relationship issues that might contribute to PE
- Mindfulness: Reducing anxiety and improving body awareness
- Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening muscles for better control
Research shows that combining medicine with these techniques works better than pills alone. The benefits also tend to last longer.
Other Treatment Options
If Priligy isn’t right for you, several other options exist.
Other Medical Treatments:
- Numbing sprays or creams: Containing lidocaine or prilocaine
- Daily SSRIs: Like paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine (off-label use)
- Tramadol: Sometimes used for PE (off-label)
- ED medications: Might help with PE in some men, especially those with erection problems too
Non-Drug Options:
- Special condoms with numbing lubricants
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Acupuncture (limited evidence but promising)
- Diet and lifestyle changes
A study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that while dapoxetine works more consistently than numbing sprays, some men prefer sprays because they cause fewer body-wide side effects.
Other Uses
While Priligy is approved just for premature ejaculation, some doctors have tried it for other conditions.
Possible Other Uses:
- Other sexual issues: Limited research suggests it might help some cases of delayed ejaculation
- Chronic pain: Due to its effects on serotonin, though evidence is limited
- Stress urinary incontinence: Very early research only
These uses lack strong evidence and formal approval. Dr. Wayne Hellstrom, Professor of Urology at Tulane, advises: “Off-label use should be approached carefully after discussing limited evidence and potential risks.”
Special Groups
Older Men
We have limited data on Priligy use in men over 65. Age-related body changes might make side effects more likely. Lower starting doses and careful monitoring are often advised.
Men With Other Health Issues
- Erectile dysfunction: Can use with ED medications but need careful monitoring
- Heart problems: Generally not recommended for men with significant heart disease
- Depression/anxiety: Requires careful assessment due to potential drug interactions
Real-World Results
How well Priligy works in everyday use sometimes differs from study results. User surveys provide valuable insights.
A large real-world study with 6,712 men across 29 countries found that:
- 71.4% of users reported “better” or “much better” control over ejaculation
- 62.1% said they enjoyed sex more
- More men stopped using it compared to clinical trials, mainly due to cost, not enough benefit, or side effects
Cost and Availability
Priligy’s cost and availability vary widely around the world.
Availability:
- Approved in over 50 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia
- Not approved in the United States as of October 2024
- Requires a prescription in most places
- Generic versions available in some countries at lower prices
Cost Factors:
- Often not covered by insurance
- Typically costs $5-15 per pill depending on location
- Generic versions may cost 30-60% less
Future Developments
Research continues on better treatments for premature ejaculation.
Coming Soon:
- New formulations with fewer side effects
- Combination therapies targeting multiple aspects of sexual function
- Novel delivery systems
- Longer-acting options that work with less frequent dosing
Common Questions
How quickly does Priligy work?
Priligy starts working within 1-3 hours after taking it. Unlike antidepressant SSRIs that need weeks of daily use, Priligy works on-demand and acts quickly.
Is Priligy the same as Viagra?
No. Priligy (dapoxetine) and Viagra (sildenafil) are completely different medicines. Priligy treats premature ejaculation by affecting brain chemicals. Viagra treats erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis.
Can I use Priligy long-term?
Priligy is made for as-needed use, not daily treatment. Studies have followed men using it for up to two years without finding new safety concerns. Still, check in with your doctor regularly if using it long-term.
Does Priligy affect fertility?
Current research hasn’t shown any negative effects on sperm or fertility. Because it’s short-acting, it has minimal impact on your reproductive system.
Will I become dependent on Priligy?
Studies haven’t shown evidence of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or worsening PE after stopping Priligy. Its makeup makes dependence unlikely when used as directed.
Can women take Priligy?
Priligy is not approved for women. Little research exists on its effects in women, and it hasn’t been studied for female sexual problems.
Conclusion
Priligy offers a proven option for men with premature ejaculation. It helps many men last longer and enjoy sex more. This can greatly improve quality of life and relationships.
Like all medicines, Priligy must be used correctly with awareness of possible side effects and drug interactions. The best results often come when combining Priligy with psychological and behavioral techniques.
If you’re considering treatment for premature ejaculation, talk with a healthcare provider who knows about sexual medicine. They can help you find the approach that works best for you.