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Ubayd Ali

Authored by

Ubayd Ali

Superintendent Pharmacist

Registration Number: 2219322

NHS Pharmacist and founding member of HEBA, with years of experience in healthcare across innovative organisations.
Sufyan Tahir

Reviewed by

Sufyan Tahir

Clinical Governance Lead

Registration Number: 2221275

Review Date 4 May 2026
Next Review 1 May 2028
Published on 4 May 2026
Last Update 4 May 2026

What is Priligy? 

Priligy is a prescription drug whose active ingredient is dapoxetine. It’s specifically designed to treat premature ejaculation (PE), a condition where ejaculation happens sooner than desired, often with minimal stimulation. Priligy is suitable for men who are aged 18 to 64 and suffer from premature ejaculation. Suitable patients who can take this medication usually ejaculate in less than two minutes and have been struggling with this condition for more than six months.

How does Priligy work?

Dapoxetine is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It increases levels of serotonin in the brain, which:

  • Enhances control over ejaculation
  • Delays the reflex that triggers ejaculation
  • Improves the sense of control and reduces distress

Unlike traditional SSRIs (used for depression), dapoxetine is absorbed and eliminated quickly, which is why it’s used “on demand” rather than daily.

How long does Priligy last?

Priligy should generally be taken about 1 to 3 hours before sexual activity. For many men—around four out of five—it can noticeably extend the time before ejaculation.

That said, it doesn’t work for everyone. If you don’t experience improvement, it’s worth speaking with your doctor about whether a higher dose, such as 60 mg, might be appropriate.

It’s also important to understand that Priligy only works when you take it; it doesn’t provide a permanent fix for premature ejaculation. While it can be useful for short-term management, you may want to consult your doctor about longer-term treatment options.

 

Priligy is taken only when needed, rather than on a daily basis. It should be used ahead of planned sexual activity so the medication has time to work effectively.

  • Take 1 to 3 hours before sex
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
  • It can be taken with or without food

Treatment usually begins with a lower dose to assess how well it works for you.

  • Starting dose: 30 mg
  • If needed, your doctor may increase this to 60 mg
  • Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours

Because the medication can sometimes cause dizziness or fainting, it’s important to take a few precautions.

  • Avoid alcohol, as it increases side effects
  • Be cautious when standing up quickly
  • If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit or lie down immediately

Priligy works on a dose-by-dose basis, meaning it only has an effect when you take it.

  • It does not cure premature ejaculation
  • Your doctor will usually review your progress after a few uses
  • If it’s not effective or causes side effects, treatment may be adjusted or stopped

Who should not take it?

Priligy is generally not recommended if you:

  • Have certain heart conditions (e.g., rhythm problems)
  • Have moderate to severe liver disease
  • Have a history of fainting or very low blood pressure
  • Are taking medications that interact with dapoxetine (such as some antidepressants or antifungals)

It’s important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Priligy to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you.

Common side effects

These are the most frequently reported and are usually mild to moderate:

  • Nausea (very common)
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia or sleep disturbance
  • Fatigue

Less common side effects

These may occur but are less frequent:

  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Reduced libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Blurred vision
  • Sweating
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g. abdominal pain, indigestion)

Important / serious side effects

These are less common but clinically significant.

  • Mood changes, including low mood
  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing)
  • Rare risk of serotonin syndrome (especially if combined with other serotonergic medicines)

When to seek medical advice

Stop taking Priligy and seek medical help if you experience:

  • Fainting or feeling like you might faint
  • Persistent or severe dizziness
  • Mood changes or unusual symptoms
  • Signs of serotonin syndrome (e.g. agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat)

Patient Information Leaflet 

NHS Information 

Verified customer reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Priligy used for?

    Priligy is used to treat premature ejaculation in adult men aged 18–64. It helps increase the time before ejaculation and improves control.

  • How do you take it?

    • Take 1–3 hours before sex
    • Swallow whole with water
    • Use only when needed (not daily)
    • Maximum 1 tablet in 24 hours
    • Usually starts at 30 mg, may increase to 60 mg if needed

  • How quickly does it work?

    • Starts working within 1–3 hours
    • Effects are short-acting (same-day use only)

  • Do you need to take it every day?

    No. Priligy is an on-demand treatment, not a daily medicine.

  • Does it cure premature ejaculation?

    No. It does not cure the condition. It only works for the time you take it and helps manage symptoms temporarily.

  • How effective is it?

    • Many men notice improved control
    • Can significantly increase time to ejaculation (often 2–3× longer in studies)
    • But response varies between individuals

  • What are common side effects?

    Most common:

    • Nausea
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Sweating
    • Diarrhoea
    • Dry mouth

  • Are there serious risks?

    Less common but important:

    • Fainting (especially when standing quickly)
    • Low blood pressure
    • Mood changes
    • Rare risk of serotonin syndrome if mixed with certain medications

  • Can you drink alcohol with it?

    It’s not recommended. Alcohol increases:

    • Dizziness
    • Fainting risk
    • Low blood pressure episodes

  • Who should avoid it?

    Avoid or use caution if you have:

    • Heart problems
    • Liver disease
    • History of fainting
    • Certain antidepressant or interacting medications

  • Is it available everywhere?

    No. It is prescription-only and available in many countries, but not approved in some (e.g., USA).

  • When should you speak to a doctor?

    Always before starting Priligy. A clinician will:

    • Confirm the diagnosis
    • Check safety and interactions
    • Decide if it’s appropriate for you

  • Priligy vs numbing creams or sprays

    Priligy works by affecting serotonin levels in the brain to improve control over ejaculation, while numbing creams and sprays work locally by reducing sensitivity in the penis. Topical treatments can sometimes have a stronger effect on delaying ejaculation, but they may reduce sexual sensation and can affect a partner unless used carefully. Priligy avoids local numbness but carries systemic side effects like dizziness or nausea.

  • Priligy vs behavioural techniques

    Behavioural methods such as stop–start training or pelvic floor exercises aim to improve long-term control through practice, without medication. Priligy provides immediate, temporary support but does not train lasting control. Behavioural techniques take longer to show results but may offer more durable improvement when used consistently.

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