Dapoxetine: What It Does and How to Use It Safely

Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI used to treat premature ejaculation (PE) in men. It works by delaying the time to ejaculation and can help you feel more in control during sex. Unlike daily antidepressant SSRIs, dapoxetine is taken only when needed, usually a few hours before sexual activity.

Who should consider dapoxetine? Men diagnosed with premature ejaculation who are physically healthy and not taking contraindicated medicines. It’s not a treatment for erectile dysfunction. If you have mood disorders, seizures, serious heart problems, or are under 18, dapoxetine is usually not recommended. Always talk to your doctor before starting it.

How to take Dapoxetine

The usual starting dose is 30 mg taken 1 to 3 hours before sex. If 30 mg is not effective and side effects are tolerable, a doctor may increase the dose to 60 mg. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Take it with water; food does not affect it much but a heavy meal may slow absorption. Don’t use dapoxetine as a daily pill—its benefit comes from on-demand use.

If you miss a planned dose, don’t double up later. If you experience a painfully long erection (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours, seek emergency care right away. Stop using the medicine and contact a doctor if you have fainting, sudden vision changes, severe dizziness, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Safety, side effects and buying tips

Common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and diarrhea. These usually go away after a few doses. Less common but serious risks include fainting, low blood pressure, and interactions with other drugs. Avoid combining dapoxetine with MAO inhibitors, other SSRIs, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole), and certain heart or psychiatric medicines. Use caution with alcohol—drinking can increase dizziness and fainting risk.

If you’re thinking of buying dapoxetine online, use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Check pharmacy credentials, look for clear contact details, secure payment methods, and real customer reviews. Beware of sites offering extremely low prices without asking for a prescription—those medicines may be fake or unsafe. When in doubt, consult your doctor or local pharmacist before ordering.

Do not mix dapoxetine with nitrates or recreational drugs like amyl nitrite — that can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Men over 65 should use caution and start under medical supervision. If you have liver problems your doctor may lower the dose or avoid it. Dapoxetine isn't suitable if you have a history of significant heart rhythm problems or uncontrolled blood pressure. Keep the medicine in its original packaging, store at room temperature away from moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

Finally, track how you feel after taking dapoxetine and share results with your doctor. Adjustments to dose or switching to other strategies—like behavioral techniques or counseling—might be needed. With the right precautions, dapoxetine can be a useful tool for many men managing premature ejaculation.

Talk openly with your partner about expectations today.