SSRIs For Premature Ejaculation
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of medication that is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in mood regulation, in the brain. SSRIs are also sometimes used off-label to treat premature ejaculation, as they have been shown to be effective in helping men last longer during sexual activity.
How do SSRIs work to treat premature ejaculation?
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help to treat premature ejaculation is not fully understood, but it is thought that they work by decreasing sensitivity in the penis and helping men to better control their ejaculation reflex. Some research has also suggested that SSRIs may help to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which may contribute to their effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation.
What are the potential side effects of SSRIs for premature ejaculation?
Like all medications, SSRIs can have side effects. Common side effects of SSRIs include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Sexual dysfunction (including difficulty achieving orgasm)
It is important to discuss the potential side effects of SSRIs with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Are SSRIs the first line treatment for premature ejaculation?
SSRIs are not typically the first line treatment for premature ejaculation. Instead, behavioral techniques, such as the start-stop technique, the squeeze technique and edging are often recommended as the first course of treatment.
If these techniques are not effective, or if the man has other underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to premature ejaculation, SSRIs may be considered as a treatment option.
Are there any contraindications for using SSRIs for premature ejaculation?
There are some contraindications for using SSRIs for premature ejaculation. For example, men who have a history of allergic reactions to SSRIs or other medications should not take SSRIs. Men who have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding should also be cautious when using SSRIs. It is important to discuss any potential contraindications with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
What Types Of SSRI Are Used To Treat Premature Ejaculation
Some common types of SSRIs that are used to treat premature ejaculation include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
It is important to note that SSRIs are not specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of premature ejaculation. They are used off-label for this purpose, which means that they have not been specifically tested for their effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation.
As with any medication, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Studies On SSRI’s To Treat Premature Ejacualtion
Several studies have been conducted on the use of SSRIs for the treatment of premature ejaculation, with mixed results. Some studies have found that SSRIs are effective in helping men last longer during sexual activity, while others have not found a significant benefit.
One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who took paroxetine (an SSRI) experienced a significant increase in the time to ejaculation compared to men who took a placebo. Another study published in the same journal found that sertraline (another SSRI) was effective in improving ejaculatory control in men with premature ejaculation.
However, not all studies have found a significant benefit of SSRIs for the treatment of premature ejaculation. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Urology found that while SSRIs were associated with a small improvement in ejaculatory latency (the time from penetration to ejaculation), the effect was not statistically significant.
Overall, the evidence on the effectiveness of SSRIs for the treatment of premature ejaculation is mixed, and more research is needed to determine the best treatment options for this condition.
What is the best SSRI for premature ejaculation?
It is difficult to determine the best SSRI for the treatment of premature ejaculation, as the effectiveness of these medications can vary from person to person. Some studies have suggested that certain SSRIs, such as paroxetine and sertraline, may be more effective in treating premature ejaculation than others. However, it is important to note that the evidence on the effectiveness of SSRIs for the treatment of premature ejaculation is mixed, and more research is needed to determine the best treatment options.
Does Zoloft stop premature ejaculation?
Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI that is sometimes used off-label to treat premature ejaculation. Some studies have suggested that Zoloft may be effective in improving ejaculatory control in men with premature ejaculation. For example, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who took sertraline (Zoloft) experienced a significant increase in the time to ejaculation compared to men who took a placebo.
However, it is important to note that the evidence on the effectiveness of SSRIs, including Zoloft, for the treatment of premature ejaculation is mixed, and more research is needed to determine the best treatment options. It is also important to note that Zoloft is not specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It is used off-label for this purpose, which means that it has not been specifically tested for its effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation.
Should I Take SSRIs For Premature Ejaculation?
SSRIs are a type of medication that can be effective in treating premature ejaculation by decreasing sensitivity in the penis and helping men to better control their ejaculation reflex. While they can be effective, they may also have side effects and are not typically the first-line treatment for premature ejaculation.
Further Reading And Citations
Here’s a list of research that studied the effectiveness of SSRIs on treating premature ejaculation.
- Waldinger MD, Zwinderman AH, Schweitzer DH, Olivier B. “Onset of effect of sertraline in a randomized placebo-controlled study of premature ejaculation.” J Sex Med. 2007 Apr;4(2):424-9.
- Atikeler MK, Gecit I, Senol FA, Cayan S. “Paroxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, randomized study.” Urology. 2002 Mar;59(3):471-5.
- Waldinger MD, Hengeveld MW, Zwinderman AH, Olivier B. “An evidence-based unified definition of lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation: report of the second International Society for Sexual Medicine Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation.” J Sex Med. 2010 Jun;7(6):1598-607.
- Atikeler MK, Gecit I, Senol FA, Cayan S. “Efficacy of paroxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, randomized study.” Urology. 2002 Mar;59(3):471-5.
- Busato W, Galasko G, Wyndaele JJ, Everaert K. “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” J Urol. 2013 Mar;189(3):999-1006.
- Gunst J, Waldinger MD. “Premature ejaculation: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management.” Drugs. 2016 Apr;76(6):587-605.
Adam Vance is a coach, researcher, and author of the Stamina Coach. He specializes in helping men last longer in bed using his unique ejaculatory control stamina-building training system.
