Priligy

Priligy is a prescription-only tablet containing dapoxetine, a short-acting SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) specifically developed for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) in men. Unlike antidepressant SSRIs that are taken every day, Priligy is taken on demand — only when you plan to have sex. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which delays the signals responsible for triggering ejaculation, helping you to last longer and have greater control. It is one of the most effective treatments available for PE, working in up to 80% of men who take it. A consultation with one of our clinicians at Access Doctor is required before it can be prescribed.

Clinical studies have shown that Priligy can double or even triple the time before ejaculation compared to without treatment. Results vary between individuals — some men experience a significant improvement with the 30mg starting dose, while others need the higher 60mg dose for the best effect. Priligy works best when used consistently over several occasions — you may need to try it up to four times before you find the dose and timing that works best for you. It is a temporary solution rather than a permanent cure, but it can make a significant positive difference to sexual confidence and satisfaction for both you and your partner.

Take one Priligy tablet 1 to 3 hours before you plan to have sex. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water — drinking plenty of water at the same time helps to reduce the risk of dizziness and nausea. You can take it with or without food. Never take more than one tablet in any 24-hour period. The starting dose is 30mg — if this is well tolerated but not fully effective, your clinician at Access Doctor may increase this to 60mg. Do not take Priligy daily — it is an on-demand treatment only and should only be taken when you anticipate having sex. Do not drink alcohol before or after taking Priligy, as this significantly increases the risk of dizziness and fainting.

Most side effects associated with Priligy are mild and temporary. The most commonly reported ones are nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, and fainting — particularly in the first hour or two after taking it. Drinking a full glass of water when you take the tablet and avoiding alcohol can help reduce these effects. Because Priligy can cause dizziness and fainting, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires full concentration for several hours after taking it. If you feel faint after taking Priligy, sit or lie down immediately until the feeling passes. If side effects are troublesome, speak to your clinician at Access Doctor, as the 30mg dose is less likely to cause side effects than the 60mg dose.

You should not take Priligy alongside Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), or other erectile dysfunction medications without specific medical supervision, as combining them can cause a significant drop in blood pressure — leading to dizziness, fainting, and in rare cases more serious complications. If you suffer from both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, speak to your clinician at Access Doctor, who can advise on the safest approach. In some cases, treating the erectile dysfunction first may also improve PE symptoms.

Priligy is not suitable for everyone. It should not be taken by men under 18 or over 64 years of age. It is also not suitable for men with significant heart problems — including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or a history of fainting — or those with a personal or family history of mania, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. Priligy must not be taken alongside certain other medications, including other SSRIs, antidepressants, MAOIs, thioridazine, or lithium. Grapefruit juice can also increase the level of dapoxetine in your blood and should be avoided for at least 24 hours before taking it. Always give your full medical and medication history to your clinician at Access Doctor before starting Priligy.

No — you must not drink alcohol when taking Priligy. Alcohol significantly increases the risk of side effects — particularly dizziness, fainting, and impaired coordination — and can make the medication feel much stronger than intended. Even a small amount of alcohol can worsen these effects. If you plan to drink, do not take Priligy on that occasion. This is an important safety consideration, so please factor it into when you choose to take the medication.

No — Priligy is a highly effective treatment for premature ejaculation, but it is not a permanent cure. It works only on the occasions it is taken and does not address any underlying psychological causes of PE. For the best long-term outcomes, Priligy works particularly well when used alongside behavioural techniques — such as the squeeze or stop-start method — and, where appropriate, psychosexual counselling or therapy.