Editorially reviewed by Dr Fatimah Khan, registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC no. 104595-P). Editorial medical reviewer; does not prescribe or review patient assessments.
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What is dapoxetine used for?
Dapoxetine, commonly known as Priligy, is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for premature ejaculation. The NHS ejaculation-problems guide describes its licensed use in the UK and its on-demand approach.
This is a product- and country-specific statement. It does not establish that dapoxetine is the only authorised treatment worldwide or that the medicine is available in every European country.
Diagnosis matters more than timing alone
Occasional early ejaculation is common. A persistent problem causing distress deserves assessment, especially if it starts after a period without difficulties. Physical conditions, medicines, stress and relationship factors can all affect the discussion.
Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are distinct problems, even when they occur together. The treatment plan should address the diagnosed concern rather than treating every sexual difficulty with the same tablet.
On-demand treatment and review
NHS guidance describes taking prescribed dapoxetine before anticipated sexual activity and reviewing response after the initial treatment period. It is not a daily antidepressant regimen to copy from another SSRI.
The exact dose and frequency must come from the actual product leaflet and prescription. Do not increase the strength or combine it with another medicine because the first response was disappointing.
Discuss benefit in terms of control, distress and tolerability. A trial-average change in ejaculation time cannot predict an individual's result, and treatment is not a guaranteed cure.
Fainting, alcohol and interactions
The official Australian Priligy information warns about dizziness, light-headedness and fainting, and advises avoiding alcohol. It also identifies interactions with other antidepressants and several other medicines. This source supports product safety information, not European prescribing or supply rules.
Do not combine dapoxetine with another antidepressant or ED medicine without prescriber review. Tell the clinician about previous fainting, heart, kidney or liver conditions, and all prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products.
If faint or dizzy, avoid driving and other activities where a fall could cause injury. Seek medical advice about fainting or other concerning effects.
Options beyond one medicine
The NHS guide also discusses psychosexual counselling and other approaches. Ask which options fit your symptoms and whether an underlying cause needs assessment.
Read how independent online doctor review works. Prescrivia is a technology intermediary and does not provide medical care or employ the prescribing doctor. Independent clinicians decide whether a medicine or referral is appropriate. No medicine, access or outcome is guaranteed.
General information only, not medical advice. Follow the leaflet for your actual product and discuss decisions with a qualified clinician. See the current clinical, legal and language review statuses for this edition.
Sources
- NHS guidance: UK-licensed dapoxetine for premature ejaculation, on-demand approach, review, contraindication considerations and other treatments.
- Australian official Priligy product information: fainting, alcohol avoidance, interactions and individual prescription instructions; not evidence of European access.
Sources checked online on 6 October 2026. Country-specific guidance does not establish availability or prescribing rules throughout Europe.