Priligy

Priligy is a tablet that you swallow and is used to treat premature ejaculation in men aged between 18 and 64. Priligy tablets contain 30mg of the active ingredient dapoxetine, a type of medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI that works by delaying the signals in the brain that trigger ejaculation, helping you last longer during sex.

Priligy works to treat premature ejaculation because its active ingredient, dapoxetine, targets chemical signals in the brain that are important in the pathway that controls ejaculation.

Dapoxetine, an SSRI, works by increasing levels of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in managing sexual responses like erections and ejaculation. Dapoxetine blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin, allowing it to remain active in the brain for longer.

Higher serotonin levels help delay the reflex responsible for ejaculation, providing better control over ejaculation, helping you to have sex for longer and stay in control of your sex life.

How long does Priligy last?

The effects of Priligy typically last for 4 to 6 hours, but this can differ from person to person.

How long does Priligy take to work?

Priligy typically starts to work within 1 to 3 hours of taking a dose. It is fast-acting and often referred to as an ‘on-demand’ medication because it can be taken shortly before you plan to have sex.

How effective is Priligy?

Priligy is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for premature ejaculation.

In a clinical trial after 24 weeks:

• 28.4% (30mg) and 35.5% (60mg) of people reported their condition to be “better” or “much better”, compared to 14% for placebo
• 53.4% (30mg) and 65.6% (60mg) reported their condition to be at least “slightly better”, compared to 28.8% for placebo

Further research shows it improves ejaculatory control and reduces stress related to sexual performance.

Take one 30mg Priligy tablet around 1 to 3 hours before you plan to have sex. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break it or chew it. Priligy can be taken with or without food.

To take Priligy safely, you should avoid:

• drinking alcohol, as this can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or fainting
• grapefruit and grapefruit juice for at least 24 hours before taking it, as it may raise the levels of the active ingredient in your system
• taking more than 1 tablet in 24 hours – Priligy is intended for occasional use, so you should take it only when needed, not continuously (several days in a row)

Please note:

You may need to try taking Priligy on 4 to 6 separate occasions to find out if the medication works for you. It may not be effective the first time you use it.

If the 30mg Priligy dose is not effective after several uses, your doctor may recommend 60mg of Priligy instead. Never increase the dose on your own, you can only increase your dose of Priligy under a doctor’s instruction.

➤ If Priligy is not right for you, we may be able to offer an alternative treatment.

Like all medications, Priligy may cause some side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) include:

• feeling dizzy
• feeling sick (nausea)
• headaches

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• feeling irritable, anxious, agitated, or restless
• numbness or having ‘pins and needles’
• difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• sweating more than normal or flushing
• blurred vision
• diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or having wind
• ringing in the ears
• stomach pain, discomfort, or being sick
• feeling tired, sleepy, or yawning
• problems sleeping, insomnia, or strange dreams
• blocked sinuses
• raised blood pressure
• difficulty concentrating
• shaking or trembling
• less interest in having sex
• indigestion
• dry mouth

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• feeling confused, disoriented, or unable to think clearly
• fainting or feeling dizzy upon standing
• low or high blood pressure
• changes in heart rate, slow or irregular heartbeat, or an increased heart rate
• change in mood, feeling overly excited, or feelings of paranoia
• feeling depressed, nervous, or indifferent
• difficulty ejaculating or reaching orgasm, and loss of sex drive
• feeling weak, sedated, lethargic, or fatigued
• feeling itchy or cold sweating
• dizziness with a spinning sensation
• vision problems, eye pain, or dilated pupils
• having an abnormal taste in your mouth
• feeling hot, jittery, abnormal, or drunk
• grinding your teeth

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people) include:

• feeling dizzy following exertion
• the sudden onset of sleep and drowsiness
• urgency of bowel action (urgently needing a poo)

Always read the patient information leaflet provided in the packaging with your medication or available online. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about Priligy side effects.

How long do side effects last?

Most side effects from Priligy are mild and should get better within 2 to 3 weeks of using it. Side effects usually occur soon after you take the tablet, typically within a few hours. Common effects like dizziness, feeling sick, or headaches will typically wear off as the medication leaves your system, within 12 to 24 hours.

If you continue to experience side effects beyond this timeframe or if they get worse, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist. In rare cases, some side effects (mood changes or fainting, for example) are more serious, and you should speak to your doctor straight away.

What to do if you get Priligy side effects

If you do experience the mild side effects of Priligy, such as headaches or feeling sick, you can usually manage them at home. Over-the-counter pain relief may help, and symptoms will typically improve as the medication wears off.

If you feel dizzy, faint, or get low blood pressure after taking Priligy, you should:

• drink plenty before taking it, and always take the tablet with at least 1 full glass of water
• lie down with your head lower than the rest of your body, or sit with your head between your knees until you start to feel better
• avoid standing up too quickly after sitting or lying down for a while
• avoid driving or operating machinery
• stop taking Priligy if it continues to make you feel this way

If you do feel unwell when you take Priligy, make sure to rest and stay hydrated. If any side effects persist or become difficult to manage, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Stop taking Priligy, speak to a doctor straight away, or call 999 in an emergency, if you experience any of the following:

• seizures (fits)
• fainting
• significant mood changes
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm

Priligy (dapoxetine) may not be right for everyone. Certain medical conditions and medications can interact with Priligy and affect how it works, making it less effective, or potentially unsafe and increasing the chance of side effects.

Do not take Priligy if you:

• are allergic to dapoxetine or any other ingredients in Priligy tablets (including lactose, a type of sugar)
• are under 18 years old
• have a history of fainting or ‘blackouts’
• have heart problems, such as heart failure or arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm problems)
• have ever been diagnosed with certain mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, mania, or severe depression
• have moderate or severe liver problems
• are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as Priligy is not intended for use in women or individuals assigned female at birth

Speak to your doctor before taking Priligy if you:

• have not been formally diagnosed with premature ejaculation
• have erectile dysfunction or another sexual problem and are taking medication for it
• have a history of dizziness from low blood pressure
• have a history of mental health problems such as depression, mania, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
• drink alcohol regularly
• use recreational drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, benzodiazepines, or narcotics
• have a bleeding disorder or issues with blood clotting
• have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• have kidney problems
• have or are at high risk of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)

Priligy and other medications

Do not take Priligy if you take any of the following medications:

• medicines called ‘monoamine oxidase inhibitors’ (MAOIs) − used for depression
• thioridazine − used for schizophrenia
• other medicines for depression
• lithium − a medicine for bipolar disorder
• linezolid − an antibiotic used to treat infections
• tryptophan − a medicine to help you sleep
• st John’s wort − a herbal medicine
• tramadol − used to treat serious pain
• medicines used to treat migraines, including triptans

If you’re taking any of these medications, you must wait at least 14 days after stopping them before starting Priligy.

Similarly, if you need to begin taking any of these medications after taking Priligy, wait at least 7 days after your last Priligy dose before starting them. If you’re not sure about what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

Before taking Priligy, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter treatments, or herbal supplements. Let your doctor know if you are taking:

• medicines for other mental health conditions (excluding depression)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin
• erectile dysfunction treatments, including sildenafil or tadalafil
• medications for high blood pressure or chest pain
• certain medicines for fungal infection, including ketoconazole and itraconazole
• certain medicines for HIV, including ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, and atazanavir
• certain antibiotics for treating infection, including telithromycin
• aprepitant, used to manage nausea and vomiting

These medicines may affect how Priligy works or increase the risk of side effects.

Priligy is a prescription-only medication. It can be prescribed by your GP or online from UK-regulated pharmacies like Asda Online Doctor.

Can I buy Priligy online?

Yes, you can request a Priligy prescription from Asda Online Doctor using our fast and discreet service, simply:

1. Complete our quick and easy online health questionnaire.
2. Next, one of our doctors will review your request to see if Priligy is appropriate for you.
3. If approved, you can choose to have your medication sent by post or collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy.

Getting Priligy from Asda Online Doctor allows you to get the treatment you need to get back your sex life, especially if you are anxious about speaking to someone face-to-face. Our service is completely confidential and discreet, and your medication will be delivered in discreet packaging.

Can I buy Priligy over the counter?

No, Priligy cannot be bought over the counter because it’s a prescription-only medication. You need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to get it.

If you’re looking for an over-the-counter treatment for premature ejaculation, options are more limited. While oral medications like Priligy require a prescription, some numbing creams, like EMLA cream, or ‘delay’ condoms may be available without one. These products can help reduce sensitivity and may improve sexual stamina, but they are generally less effective than prescription medicines like Priligy.

Can I get Priligy on the NHS?

Yes, you can get a prescription for Priligy on the NHS if it is available at your local GP practice. You will first need a consultation with your GP for them to assess if it is suitable for you.

If you’re unsure if Priligy is the right treatment for you, there are a few alternatives available. These alternatives include topical anaesthetic creams or ‘self-help’ approaches. The right choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Alternatives we offer

At Asda Online Doctor, we offer EMLA cream as an alternative to Priligy. EMLA is a topical anaesthetic cream that works by numbing the skin, which helps to reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation. It should be applied to the head of the penis before sex and washed off before intercourse.

Clinical studies show that topical treatments like EMLA were effective at delaying ejaculation time by over 5 minutes when compared to a placebo.

EMLA cream is an effective alternative to Priligy. It may be preferable if you would prefer not to take tablets or are worried about side effects. EMLA cream is sold over the counter for other uses, but when used for premature ejaculation, it is ‘off-label’ and should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use. Side effects are usually mild, such as temporary numbness or skin irritation.

There are some other non-medical alternatives to Priligy to help you last longer during sex, including:

• using thick condoms to reduce sensitivity
• trying condoms with local anaesthetic to numb and decrease sensation
• taking deep breaths to reduce arousal and delay ejaculation
• trying a “start-stop” technique where you take breaks during sex to prolong it
• gently squeezing the base of the penis (where the glans meets the shaft) until the urge to ejaculate passes

These approaches may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful when used alongside medical treatments or as a starting point for managing premature ejaculation.