Priligy is the first oral medication approved for "on-demand" premature ejaculation treatment. It contains the active ingredient dapoxetine hydrochloride, a drug belonging to the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of drugs. Priligy is a unique, short-acting, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor designed to be taken only when needed - one to three hours before sexual intercourse is anticipated - rather than every day.
Priligy delays the ejaculation reflex signal to your brain via the sympathetic nervous system, influencing the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin that reaches the brain. It controls the serotonin breakdown in the body and the levels remain higher than normal to prevent early ejaculation.
Priligy helps men who cannot naturally control their ejaculation and who normally ejaculate within less than 1-2 minutes to last longer during sex.It doesn’t cure premature ejaculation, but it can treat it temporarily by boosting your serotonin levels and can increase sexual satisfaction.The effect of Priligy lasts for up to four hours after the tablet has been taken.
Priligy is licensed for use in the UK to treat premature ejaculation when the time between penetration and ejaculation is under 2 minutes. When prescribed to treat PE that happens between 2 and 5 minutes from penetration, this is an ‘off-label’ use.Prescribing ‘off-label’ is common practice by healthcare professionals to ensure a medication can safely benefit as many patients as possible. This is always based on updated information and evidence since the product first became available.
Priligy comes in two strengths - 30mg and 60mg. The lower dose, Priligy 30mg, is recommended for starting. The dose can be increased to 60mg if the standard dosage is not as effective. Priligy is not intended for continuous daily use. Priligy should be taken only when sexual activity is anticipate.
Tablets should be swallowed whole to avoid the bitter taste. It is recommended that tablets be taken with at least one full glass of water. Priligy may be taken with or without food.
The active substance dapoxetine takes about one hour to take effect, so you need to allow time for it to work before having sex. The effect of Priligy will last for up to four hours, therefore you should take Priligy one to three hours before you think you are going to have sex.Do not take Priligy more than once every 24 hours.
You should take Priligy for at least 4 weeks (or at least 6 doses) to determine if Priligy is effective for you. This is because some men experience improvements on the first dose, while others may need to use Priligy a few times before they notice any changes.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Common side effects of Priligy may include:
Uncommon side effects include:
- abnormal dreams
- mood swings
- anxiety
Priligy can cause a drop in blood pressure that may result in fainting or a loss of consciousness. You can help to minimise this by making sure you drink enough water.
You shouldn’t drink alcohol during this time period, as alcohol consumption increases your risk of side effects such as dizziness and fainting.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
Priligy should NOT be taken by men who have:
- Heart problems, such as heart failure or problems with the heart rhythm.
- A history of fainting or dizzy episodes due to low blood pressure.
- Ever had mania (symptoms include feeling over-excited, irritable, or not being able to think clearly) or severe depression.
- Moderate or severe liver problems.
- Over 65 years of age.
- Another sexual problem, such as erectile dysfunction
- Who use recreational drugs such as ecstasy, LSD, narcotics or benzodiazepines
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- A history of bleeding or blood clotting problems
Taking Priligy can affect your ability to concentrate as well as your vision. It can also cause side effects such as dizziness and feeling sleepy. If you experience any of these side effects you must not drive or operate machinery due to the increased risk of accident and injury.
You should seek urgent medical advice if you notice any changes in your mood, including thoughts of harming yourself, or suicide. Rarely, Priligy can cause some people to have fits or seizures. You should consult a doctor immediately if this happens.
Priligy can cause your blood pressure levels to drop, which might make you feel dizzy or faint. Please stop taking the medication and consult a doctor immediately if you have fits or faints, or feel dizzy on standing up.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
