According to an article published by The British Association of Urological Surgeons, between 20 to 30% of men in the UK have premature ejaculation. Global prevalence is about the same, with the National Library of Medicine reporting that around 30% of men around the world have PE. Because of how common PE is, medical professionals have been working on various ways of managing the said sexual dysfunction. One such treatment involves the use of paroxetine. What is paroxetine, and how can it help against PE?
What is paroxetine?
Paroxetine is an antidepressant. It belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Common brand names of paroxetine include Brisdelle, Paxil, and Paxil CR.
Paroxetine is often used to treat mental health issues such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Women can also use paroxetine to manage symptoms of menopause like hot flashes. A medical professional can also prescribe paroxetine for other health conditions.
How does paroxetine help with premature ejaculation?
Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter. Its main role is to act as a chemical messenger. It carries signals between the various nerve cells throughout the body. Serotonin helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, digestion, and others. Serotonin is primarily produced in the gut while a portion is produced in the brain. Serotonin is critical in maintaining one’s overall health and well-being.
So, how does paroxetine help with premature ejaculation? Paroxetine stimulates the activity of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a vital component of the body’s ejaculatory response. High amounts of serotonin help delay the time required to trigger ejaculation. This means that when paroxetine causes an increase in the amount of serotonin, a man should take longer to ejaculate. It is for this reason that medical professionals prescribe paroxetine as an off-label drug for premature ejaculation. An off-label drug is a medication created to treat a specific health condition but is effective in treating a different ailment.
This effect of paroxetine is supported by proper research. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, over two-thirds of participants experienced delayed ejaculation after taking paroxetine. The said study also showed that only 8% of participants experienced side effects from taking paroxetine.
How to take paroxetine for premature ejaculation
Paroxetine comes in several dosage forms. All dosage forms are taken by mouth. You take paroxetine in 7.5 mg oral capsules. It also comes in oral suspension form with a dosage of 10 mg/5 ml. If you prefer taking oral tablets, you can get paroxetine in dosages of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg. There are also paroxetine extended-release oral tablets in dosages of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 37.5 mg.
You can take paroxetine with or without food. Do not take paroxetine unless it is prescribed to you by your doctor. Make sure that you carefully read the label to learn how to use paroxetine for premature ejaculation properly.
When to take paroxetine for premature ejaculation
How long does paroxetine take to work for premature ejaculation? Unlike other premature ejaculation drugs that usually take around an hour to work, paroxetine is something that you take on a daily basis. Taking paroxetine on a daily basis gives the drug enough time to build up in your system. You should notice results after one to two weeks of taking paroxetine daily.
The half-life of paroxetine is around 21 to 24 hours. This means that paroxetine might stay in your system for up to five days. This doesn’t mean that you can skip taking a daily dose. It is also important that you follow your doctor’s instructions on when to take paroxetine for premature ejaculation and which dosage to take.
Disadvantages of taking paroxetine for PE
Although paroxetine is considered an effective off-label medication for premature ejaculation, it is by no means perfect. Here are some disadvantages of taking paroxetine for PE:
It needs time to take effect
Since you need to give paroxetine time to build up in your system, you might not feel its effects immediately after your initial dosage. However, once you have been taking it religiously for a couple of weeks, you should reap its benefits whenever you need it. This makes it an ideal medication for spontaneity.
There are possible side effects
There are possible side effects when taking paroxetine for PE. Here are some of them:
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Headaches
- Tiredness
Aside from the common side effects listed above, there are some uncommon and more serious side effects, including:
- Serotonin syndrome (a life-threatening condition due texcessive serotonin activity in the body
- Increased risk of bruising or bleeding
- Extremely elevated mood or mania
- Seizures
Although side effects are normal with any medication, it is still best to inform your doctor if you experience any side effects whether common or uncommon.
Some might be allergic to it
Paroxetine might cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergic reactions can be mild but can also be serious. Symptoms of severe allergic reactions include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, lips, or throat
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Stomach cramps
If you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
It might interact with other drugs
Paroxetine might interact with other drugs. Before taking paroxetine, make sure that you provide your doctor with a list of all the drugs and supplements that you are taking.
Can you take paroxetine if you are taking ED medication?
Yes, you can take paroxetine with an ED drug if you have both ED and PE. ED and PE medications work differently so taking both at the same time should not be an issue as long as your doctor prescribed them to you.
Can you combine paroxetine with other PE treatments?
Yes, you can combine paroxetine with other PE treatments to ensure that you get the best possible results.
You can try behavioural techniques tohelp delay ejaculation. An example is the “stop-start” technique, which requires stopping all sexual stimulation if you feel that you are nearing ejaculation. You can resume sexual activities if you feel that you are no longer close to ejaculation. Another example is the practice of masturbating around an hour before sexual intercourse. This will help prolong the ejaculation time while having sex with your partner.
Counselling or therapy is also an excellent treatment if PE is caused by a psychological issue such as stress, anxiety, poor body image, or low self-esteem. Therapy is also recommended if the possible causes of premature ejaculation are relationship issues.
You can also try using topical sprays or creams to treat premature ejaculation. They act as a numbing agent to delay ejaculation. Don’t forget to talk to a licensed doctor about using sprays and creams with paroxetine so you can get proper guidance, especially since they can cause skin rashes and irritation.
Why you should try custom treatment for premature ejaculation instead
While paroxetine is a widely prescribed SSRI for managing premature ejaculation, custom treatment represents a more potentially effective approach.
Custom-compounded medications are tailored to a man’s unique health profile. The formulations directly address the patient’s specific symptoms and any underlying health considerations.
These custom medications for premature ejaculation are also designed to minimise or eliminate any adverse reactions. In contrast, paroxetine comes with several side effects, which can diminish your quality of life. All in all, custom treatment for premature ejaculation emerges as a superior alternative, as it focuses on both efficacy and patient-centred care.
If you’re ready to try personalised treatment for premature ejaculation, don’t hesitate to book a FREE consultation with Men’s Health Clinic (MHC).
MHC has over 13 years of experience in the men’s health industry, offering comprehensive treatment for male sexual dysfunctions that target the cause. We are partnered with a wide range of medical professionals (doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, psychiatrists, sex and relationship counsellors) who work together to treat bedroom issues holistically.
Final Words
Although paroxetine provides hope for those suffering from premature ejaculation, it must be only taken when prescribed by a doctor. Remember: paroxetine is not a permanent fix. The best way to deal with PE is to treat its cause. Manage premature ejaculation with bespoke treatments from a trusted clinic like MHC!
