Is Paroxetine for premature ejaculation really an option? This post will help you understand this and other questions about the theme and the use of this medication. Stay tuned!
Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem among adult men. Contrary to what one might imagine, premature ejaculation is multifactorial and is mainly related to psychological issues (such as anxiety and depression).
The condition affects 30 to 40% of the male population, according to the Virtual Health Library of Primary Health Care (BVS APS), and is diagnosed when ejaculation occurs before or up to 1 minute after penetration, according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM).
Premature ejaculation has profound impacts not only on a man’s sexual health but also on quality of life, affecting, in some cases deeply, self-esteem and even relationships.
The evaluation and treatment of other associated diseases are of utmost importance for the treatment.
In the search for effective solutions and the growing discussion around the use of medications, Paroxetine for premature ejaculation has been considered as a possible treatment option.
Today’s text brings a brief reflection on its use and whether Paroxetine is effective for premature ejaculation, evaluating if it can really be an effective solution.
What is Paroxetine?
On the market since the 1990s, Paroxetine is an antidepressant medication from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, presented in the form of hydrochloride.
It is important to remember that the medication should only be used under medical guidance.
Mechanism of Action and Indications
Among the main indications of the medication are mood disorders, such as major depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
In addition, Paroxetine is also used for other psychiatric conditions, such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Studies on the medication also discuss, currently, the use of Paroxetine for premature ejaculation in cases of premature ejaculation.
Contraindications and Precautions in the Use of Paroxetine
The medication has some contraindications, such as:
- Hypersensitivity to the drug or any component of the product
- Combination with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
In addition, it should be used with caution in the following cases:
- Cardiac problems
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Patients receiving oral anticoagulants
- Under 18 years of age
- Glaucoma
- Bleeding problems
- Kidney or liver problems
What are the Most Common Side Effects of Paroxetine?
Among the most common side effects of the medication are: nausea, drowsiness, sweating, tremor, asthenia, dry mouth, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction (including impotence and ejaculation disorders).
Does Paroxetine for premature ejaculation work?
But after all: does Paroxetine really work for premature ejaculation? The answer may not be so simple.
Let’s look at the main hypotheses:
- Paroxetine, as explained above, increases serotonin levels in the brain, helping to regulate mood and anxiety;
- It is known that, often, premature ejaculation is directly associated with anxiety. For this reason, the psychiatric medication began to be studied in the field of urology;
- In addition, as listed in the leaflet, one of the side effects of the medication is sexual dysfunction. In some cases, the use of Paroxetine can lead to a delay in ejaculation.
The combination of factors led to studies on the efficacy of the drug, which came to be considered in the treatment of premature ejaculation.
However, there is still no consensus on the subject in the medical community.
Although there are studies that consider not only Paroxetine but also fluoxetine and other medicinal treatments (such as dapoxetine) for the control of premature ejaculation, there is still no medical consensus on an ideal treatment for controlling premature ejaculation.
Both fluoxetine and Paroxetine are examples of off-label prescriptions, that is: there is no clear indication in the leaflet about treatment for premature ejaculation.
However, this does not prevent the medication from being used for other purposes and safely (as long as there is rigorous medical monitoring).
If you suffer from premature ejaculation, it is important that you consult a specialist about the treatment possibilities that are appropriate for your case.
Importance of Treatment with Paroxetine under Medical Supervision
Treatment with Paroxetine always requires supervision and medical guidance. The specialist in question determines the appropriate dosage for the patient and monitors possible side effects.
Medical guidance is extremely important not only for maintaining treatment but also for the safety and well-being of the patient.
It is also worth remembering that Paroxetine is a controlled substance and requires a special medical prescription.
Are there other treatment options for premature ejaculation?
After evaluation by the specialist, some tests will be necessary to detect what caused the problem.
The issue could be physical, such as a drop in testosterone or the existence of chronic diseases. There is also the possibility that the problem is localized. For this, there are ejaculation control exercises and topical anesthetics that temporarily reduce sensitivity during intercourse.
If the issue is psychological, however, psychological counseling, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and yoga, for example, can help.
As you can see, the use of Paroxetine is not the first option for this sexual dysfunction. Seeking a specialist is always important to ensure that the appropriate treatment is studied on a case-by-case basis.
If this is your problem, it is important that you seek guidance and medical help to regain quality in your sexual life.
