Reviewed by the Lucas Clinic Medical Team | Updated May 2026
Dapoxetine is a rapidly-absorbed, short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) developed specifically for on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) in adult men aged 18–64. Unlike conventional antidepressant SSRIs which are taken daily for weeks to achieve therapeutic plasma levels, dapoxetine is designed to be taken 1–3 hours before anticipated sexual activity and has largely cleared the body within 24 hours. It is the only drug specifically licensed for PE in multiple jurisdictions — carrying approval from the EMA (European Medicines Agency), the MHRA (UK), the TGA (Australia/New Zealand), and other regulatory bodies in countries across Asia and Latin America.
Dapoxetine is not FDA-approved in the United States. The FDA reviewed the compound but requested additional long-term safety data. In US clinical practice, off-label daily SSRIs (usually paroxetine, sertraline, or clomipramine at low doses, taken daily with an instructed 4–6 week onset period) are used for PE. In jurisdictions where dapoxetine is approved, it is available as a prescription medicine dispensed following a brief pharmacist-led consultation (similar to the consultation model for emergency contraception in the UK) without requiring a GP appointment in all cases — although physician involvement is recommended for initial diagnosis.
What Is Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine (trade names include Priligy in the EU/UK) is classified as a short-acting SSRI with a high maximum plasma concentration (Tmax approximately 1–2 hours) and a short half-life of approximately 1.5 hours for the parent compound (active metabolite desmethyl-dapoxetine has a longer half-life of approximately 19 hours, contributing to overall duration of effect). Its rapid pharmacokinetic profile — rapid absorption, rapid clearance — is what makes it suitable for on-demand use and distinguishes it from antidepressant-class SSRIs.
The mechanism in PE is not fully elucidated but is believed to involve central spinal serotonergic modulation via serotonin transporters (SERT) in neural circuits controlling ejaculatory reflex. Elevated serotonin signalling in the ejaculatory pathway raises the threshold for ejaculation, delaying the ejaculatory response. Clinically, dapoxetine doubles to triples intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) versus placebo in double-blind trials. It also improves patient-reported outcomes on validated PE questionnaires (IEJAD, PEDT) and increases perceived control over ejaculation.
Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Status
Dapoxetine is prescription-only in all jurisdictions where it is approved, without exception. In the UK it is available from pharmacies following a structured consultation (the pharmacist acts as the prescriber under a Patient Group Direction), but the medicine itself requires that consultation before dispensing. No OTC dapoxetine product is legally authorised. Purchases from online sources without a valid prescription risk counterfeit product, incorrect dosing, and no safety screening for contraindications. In the US, dapoxetine is not FDA-approved and cannot be legally imported for personal use in commercially meaningful quantities. A prescribing physician should evaluate any patient where on-demand PE therapy is being considered.
Available Strengths and Forms
Dapoxetine is available in 30 mg and 60 mg tablets (film-coated, for oral administration). The starting recommended dose is 30 mg taken approximately 1–3 hours before anticipated sexual activity. If 30 mg is well tolerated but effect is insufficient, the dose may be increased to 60 mg. The 60 mg dose is associated with greater efficacy in clinical trials but also with higher rates of adverse effects (nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea). CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitor co-medications require dose capping and consultation. The drug is taken on demand — not daily — and should not be taken more than once per 24-hour period. It is taken with a full glass of water (reduces nausea).
Price of Dapoxetine
In the UK, Priligy dapoxetine 30 mg (3 tablets) retails for approximately £14–£18 via licensed pharmacy; 60 mg (3 tablets) for approximately £17–£22. Generic dapoxetine is available via prescription in some markets at reduced cost. In countries where dapoxetine is approved and generics are available, prices are substantially lower. In the US, where it is not approved, unlicensed online sources offer it at varying prices with zero regulatory oversight — this route carries safety and legal risks. Patients in the US seeking PE treatment should consult a urologist or sexual medicine specialist for appropriate licensed options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dapoxetine be taken every day?
No. Dapoxetine is an on-demand medicine, not a daily medication. It is taken 1–3 hours before anticipated sexual activity and should not be taken more than once per 24 hours. Daily SSRIs for PE are a different clinical approach — these use conventional antidepressant-class SSRIs at low doses on a daily schedule, with therapeutic effect developing over 4–6 weeks. Dapoxetine uniquely occupies the on-demand niche due to its pharmacokinetic profile. Patients should not self-switch between these approaches without medical guidance.
What are the main contraindications for dapoxetine?
Key contraindications include: concurrent use of MAOIs (including moclobemide, selegiline, linezolid) — serotonin syndrome risk, fatal; thioridazine; moderate-to-severe renal impairment; cardiovascular disease (heart failure, significant arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities); history of syncope (fainting) — dapoxetine causes orthostatic hypotension; bipolar disorder without mood stabiliser coverage. Significant caution is also required with other serotonergic agents (SNRIs, triptans, fentanyl, tramadol, St. John's Wort) due to additive serotonergic risk. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 potent inhibitors require dose reduction to 30 mg maximum with medical supervision.
Does dapoxetine cause withdrawal if stopped?
Dapoxetine is not taken continuously, so traditional SSRI discontinuation syndrome (which occurs when daily SSRIs are stopped abruptly after weeks of treatment) does not apply. Because it is taken on-demand with each dose effectively starting and finishing its pharmacodynamic effect within 24 hours, there is no habituation concern comparable to daily antidepressants. However, because it is an SSRI class compound, patients with a history of antidepressant sensitivity or who have recently discontinued a daily SSRI should inform their prescriber before starting dapoxetine to avoid any inadvertent cross-reactions. Dependence has not been described in clinical trials or post-marketing surveillance.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. See our full disclaimer.