Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Alexander Wong, MD, FECSM
Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine
Consultant Urologist & Sexual Medicine Specialist
Last updated: November 18, 2025
Only licensed on-demand medication for premature ejaculation worldwide
Approved in over 60 countries • Increases IELT 3–4× • No daily side effects
Approved in over 60 countries • Increases IELT 3–4× • No daily side effects
What Is Dapoxetine Used For?
Dapoxetine is the only medication specifically developed and regulatory-approved for the on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) in men aged 18–64 years who meet all of the following criteria:
- Persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration
- Marked personal distress or interpersonal difficulty
- Poor control over ejaculation
- IELT ≤2 minutes in most sexual encounters
2025 Comparison Table: Dapoxetine vs Off-Label Alternatives
| Treatment | IELT Fold Increase | Licensed for PE | Dosing | Daily Side Effects | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dapoxetine 30–60 mg | 3–4× | Yes | On-demand | Very low | 1–3 h |
| Paroxetine daily | 6–8× | No | Daily | High | 2–3 weeks |
| Sertraline daily | 4–6× | No | Daily | Moderate | 2–3 weeks |
| Clomipramine on-demand | 4–5× | No | On-demand | Moderate | 2–6 h |
| Lidocaine/prilocaine spray | 4–6× | No | On-demand | Numbness | 20–30 min |
Dosing & Administration (2025 Guidelines)
| Starting dose | 30 mg |
| If insufficient after 4 weeks | Increase to 60 mg |
| Timing | 1–3 hours before sexual activity |
| Maximum frequency | Once every 24 hours |
| Food | With or without food |
| Alcohol | Avoid – increases risk of syncope |
Clinical Efficacy (Pooled Phase III Data)
- 30 mg → IELT from 0.9 min to 2.8–3.2 min
- 60 mg → IELT from 0.9 min to 3.6–4.0 min
- 70–80% report “good” or “very good” control
- Significant improvement in partner satisfaction
Official Sources
- EMA Product Information 2024: Priligy (Dapoxetine) – EMA
- Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs: PubMed – BJU Int 2020
Verified Patient Reviews (2024–2025)
"Mark T., 34 – From 30 seconds to 5–7 minutes on 60 mg. Confidence restored!" 5 stars
"James R., 29 – 30 mg works perfectly. No daily pills, no side effects." 5 stars
"David L., 41 – Lasts 3–4× longer. My partner noticed immediately." 5 stars
"Chris P., 37 – Tried everything – dapoxetine finally solved it." 5 stars
"Alex K., 31 – 60 mg when needed. Best decision ever." 5 stars
"Michael S., 45 – Generic works exactly like brand Priligy." 5 stars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Peak effect within 1–3 hours. Most men notice improvement from the very first dose.
Strongly discouraged – alcohol significantly increases risk of dizziness and fainting.
Yes – no pharmacokinetic interaction. Frequently prescribed together for PE + ED.
