Premature ejaculation can be a life-changing sexual dysfunction. It can cause low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. If you are experiencing premature ejaculation, it is not surprising that you want to try all treatment options available. One such option is sertraline. What is sertraline used for premature ejaculation? Is it safe and how do you take it? Let’s learn about sertraline and how it can help you.
What is sertraline?
Sertraline is a type of antidepressant. It belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. In simple terms, SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin hormone in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger found in the brain, platelets, and digestive tract. Serotonin affects mood and behaviour.
Sertraline is often sold under the brand name Zoloft. It is commonly used to treat depression, but also used for the following:
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder or OCD – a mental and behavioural disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts. A person with OCD has intrusive thoughts and an uncontrollable desire to perform certain duties repeatedly as a means to relieve distress.
Panic Disorder – an anxiety disorder characterised by frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These panic attacks are often accompanied by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pains.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD – a psychotic disorder caused by experiencing a traumatic event. It can be because of child abuse, sexual abuse, a natural disaster, warfare, or sexual assault. A person with PTSD relives traumatic experiences through recurring and vivid flashbacks and nightmares.
Social Anxiety Disorder or SAD – an anxiety disorder also called social phobia. A person with SAD experiences fear or anxiety in social situations, such as attending gatherings, going to work, or attending school.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD – is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome or PMS. A woman with PMDD suffers from severe depression, irritability, and tension before the start of her menstrual cycle.
How it works against PE
If sertraline is used to treat mental health disorders, what is sertraline used for premature ejaculation? The sertraline used for treating mental health disorders and premature ejaculation is one and the same. How come?
Premature ejaculation can be caused by a host of physical factors. It can be because of prostate problems or hormonal issues. It can be a side effect of medication for high blood pressure. It can be due to alcohol or drug abuse. PE can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Premature ejaculation can also be because of psychological factors such as stress, poor body image, or relationship issues. Other cases of premature ejaculation are caused by anxiety, stress, and depression. This is where sertraline comes in.
There is a complex relationship between depression and premature ejaculation. Depression is one of the main causes of premature ejaculation. Men suffering from premature ejaculation are at risk of developing depression.
If your premature ejaculation is because of depression, sertraline might be a viable treatment option. The American Urological Association identified sertraline as one of the off-label drugs for treating PE. An off-label drug is a drug that can treat a condition that it is not originally formulated for. In the case of sertraline, it is originally an antidepressant but doctors found that one of its side effects is that it delays orgasms.
Since it is primarily an antidepressant, sertraline is also an excellent medication for treating premature ejaculation because of depression. Depression can cause negative thoughts and feelings not just about yourself but also about your sexual performance. If you believe that your premature ejaculation is because of depression, see a medical professional. Aside from prescribing sertraline or another antidepressant, a specialist can develop a holistic treatment plan for treating your depression. This might include cognitive-behavioural therapy and healthy lifestyle changes on top of medication. This multi-pronged approach can help ensure that you are addressing all possible causes of your depression which is causing premature ejaculation.
Things to know before using sertraline
Before taking sertraline, it is important to know everything about it. Having these pieces of information at hand can help ensure that you understand what you are taking and how it might affect you.
When to take sertraline for premature ejaculation?
Sertraline is an excellent treatment for premature ejaculation if your premature ejaculation is because of depression. However, sertraline is also an off-label drug and can be used as a treatment for PE even if you don’t have depression. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor about your condition. Your doctor can run tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis and target the precise source of your PE.
Make sure that you tell your doctor if you have:
- Liver problems
- Heart issues
- Kidney problems
- A history of seizures
- High blood pressure
- A history of stroke
- Bipolar disorder
You should also give your doctor a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Tell your doctor if you are taking vitamins, supplements, or herbal products.
What is the best SSRI for premature ejaculation?
The best SSRI for premature ejaculation is sertraline. However, the efficacy of sertraline depends on several factors. If you don’t achieve the desired results with sertraline, your doctor might switch you to another SSRI drug. Other SSRI options include citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine.
How to take sertraline for premature ejaculation?
You take sertraline by mouth followed by a glass of water. You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. As much as possible, take sertraline at regular intervals. Carefully read the directions on the label.
How much sertraline for premature ejaculation should you take?
Sertraline comes in the following dosages:
- 20 mg/mL oral solution
- 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg oral tablets
- 150 mg, 200 mg oral capsules
Your doctor will recommend a suitable dosage based on your needs.
If I take sertraline for premature ejaculation, how long does it take to feel its effects?
How long does it take for sertraline to work for premature ejaculation? It usually takes around four hours before you feel the effects of sertraline. However, sertraline is best taken on a daily basis at around the same time. You should also note that you should notice improvements in ejaculation time around four weeks after the initial dose.
When to take sertraline for premature ejaculation and when to stop?
Take sertraline only upon the recommendation of your doctor and do not take more than the recommended dosage.
Side effects of sertraline include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Stop taking sertraline and contact your doctor if you experience:
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding
- Heart rhythm changes
- Sudden eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Low sodium levels
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If you are experiencing issues with premature ejaculation and are considering medication, it is crucial to consult a licensed doctor for guidance. They can help determine the most suitable treatment options based on your individual needs.
For personalised care, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC). MHC is a telehealth clinic specialising in male sexual dysfunctions. MHC offers custom treatments for both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation to help you regain control and enhance your sexual health. Book a FREE consultation today.
Conclusion
Premature ejaculation can affect anyone. If left untreated, PE can damage your relationship. It can affect your self-esteem. It can also lead to depression. If you have PE, sertraline is one of your treatment options. Although sertraline is mainly used for treating depression, it is an off-label drug for premature ejaculation. It can help if you are experiencing premature ejaculation because of depression. It can also help delay orgasms. Make sure that you speak to a licensed medical professional before taking sertraline or any other anti-PE medication. With proper medical guidance, you can fight off premature ejaculation and regain the mojo you have lost.
