Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common forms of sexual dysfunction occurring in males at any given stage of their life. It has been researched and studied that premature ejaculation also has a significant impact on the duration and quality of sexual intercourse, thereby resulting in anxiety and depression and even affecting relationships between partners.
A sexual disorder such as premature ejaculation in men is increasingly becoming recognised for the psychological problems, somatic disorders and/or neurobiological disturbances, and polymorphisms of the serotonin (a type of neurotransmitter used in sleep, depression and memory) transporter or its promoters that frequently co-occur in the same individual.
However, other potential aetiologic factors, including depression, metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, chronic prostatitis, and thyroid dysfunction have been definitely established as causative in premature ejaculation.
Here, we’re going to look at what Paroxetine is and its use in the treatment of premature ejaculation.
What is Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is a type of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), a medicine that comes in the form of tablets and is commonly used for treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) etc, in patients.
Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially not approved the use of Paroxetine for premature ejaculation, however, most doctors/physicians still recommend the medicine off-label due to its effectiveness in treating the condition in men.
Paroxetine can often be used in treating premature ejaculation and its accompanying symptoms by boosting serotonin levels, which aids in delaying ejaculation, and thus, allows the male to maintain erection until the duration of their sexual activity. This medicine also prevents the brain from lowering the available supply of serotonin.
Furthermore, research suggests that Paroxetine is known to be more effective than other SSRIs and PDE-5 inhibitors, particularly in treating premature ejaculation conditions in men. Paroxetine can also provide better efficacy than placebo, fluoxetine and escitalopram in the treatment of premature ejaculation, with well-tolerated side effects. However, the use of Paroxetine is not approved in many countries. Therefore, it is advised to first, talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medicine.
How Paroxetine Helps Treat Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a condition that affects at least one in seven males. This condition can also affect the person’s sexual activity and relationship with their partner. And, if not treated immediately, it can show other complications which may hinder the affected person’s sexual desire for intimacy with their partner.
Premature ejaculation occurs when a man orgasms sooner than he or his partner would like during intercourse. The male nearly always ejaculates within one minute of penetration or is almost never able to delay ejaculation. For most men, the average time until ejaculation is about five minutes.
Over the past few decades, many medications as well as therapies have been researched by andrologists (medical professionals dealing primarily with men’s health). The research included exploring various types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), topical anaesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, PDE-5, α-receptor blockers surgery etc.
Although many of them have been reported to be useful for treating premature ejaculation with the lower impact of their side effects, however, none of these medications and therapies have been approved by the FDA, except for Dapoxetine. Dapoxetine is a medication used for the treatment of premature ejaculation in men aged between 18 and 64 years old.
Paroxetine is one of the SSRIs which can increase the amount of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in postsynaptic membrane receptors, and thus, delay ejaculation. It also has the advantage of lower drop-outs and cost, with almost identical effects to Dapoxetine.
There have been numerous high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Paroxetine with other therapeutic options for the treatment of premature ejaculation.
When and How to Take Paroxetine Medication for Premature Ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation can be prevented or treated effectively by certain techniques and medications. One of them is using Paroxetine medication.
Paroxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and an anti-depressant that helps increase serotonin in the brain. Most doctors usually prescribe the use of this medication to their patients who often experience problems like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) etc.
Aside from treating these psychological health problems, some doctors may prescribe Paroxetine for sexual dysfunction as well, such as premature ejaculation. Many medical researchers have discovered that the medication can help delay ejaculation.
The best dose of Paroxetine for premature ejaculation depends on the health condition of the user, as one size doesn’t fit all. Usually, males suffering from premature ejaculation can benefit from a single dose of Paroxetine taken before scheduled intercourse. Doctors typically prescribe taking a minimum dosage of 10 mg of Paroxetine on a daily basis for a certain period of time. The dosage may be increased to 20 mg and up to 60 mg, depending on the severity of the condition.
Paroxetine seems to be the most effective medication for premature ejaculation and is approved for use in the United States.
How Long Does Paroxetine Take to Work for Premature Ejaculation
Paroxetine is thus, an effective medicine in treating premature ejaculation. When taken orally, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days for the Paroxetine medication to begin working. For best results, it may also take around two or three weeks of treatment.
After taking Paroxetine, it can have a lasting effect for at least 9 hours and up to 12 hours.
Serotonin is an essential factor in ejaculatory response. High serotonin levels usually cause a delay in ejaculation. As a result of the enhanced serotonin activation caused by Paroxetine, it allows erections for longer durations until ejaculation.
Research also shows that approximately 8% of individuals experienced adverse effects like reduced sexual satisfaction and decreased sex drive, while the others encountered little or no side effects after taking the medication for a given period of time during the experiment.
Side Effects of Paroxetine and Precautions
Paroxetine may be very effective in treating premature ejaculation in males. However, when testing this medicine on a group of people, a few side effects were noted.
The following are the most prevalent side effects of Paroxetine oral tablets:
- Lack of sleep
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Lower sexual desire
- Delayed ejaculation
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- Serotonin Syndrome
If the side effects are minor, they should fade away within a few days or weeks. If they get more severe or do not go away, consult with your doctor. Bear in mind, that prolonged use of Paroxetine oral tablets may impair one’s ability to make decisions/judgements, think clearly, or respond quickly etc.
Individuals also should avoid driving, using heavy machinery, or performing other duties that require alertness until they have determined how this medicine affects them.
Wrapping Up
Although Paroxetine appears to be an effective medication in the treatment of premature ejaculation in adult males, consultation from a professional doctor/physician is crucial due to the side effects it may cause, especially when taken for a longer duration.