Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) are two common sexual health problems for men. ED means you have trouble getting or keeping an erection for sex. PE means you ejaculate sooner than you want, which can be frustrating.
Dapoxetine and sildenafil are two medications that are sometimes prescribed to treat these problems. Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s used to treat PE. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that’s used to treat ED.
If you have both ED and PE, you might be interested in a combination medication that contains both dapoxetine and sildenafil. These medications are designed to treat both the physical and psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction.
Understanding Dapoxetine and Sildenafil: How They Work
Dapoxetine and sildenafil affect your body in different ways.
Dapoxetine: For Premature Ejaculation
Dapoxetine is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It raises the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and some body functions.
The increase in serotonin helps delay the signals that cause you to ejaculate, increasing the time from penetration to ejaculation.
Dapoxetine is designed to be taken only when you need it, not on a daily basis.
Sildenafil: For Erectile Dysfunction
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. It increases the flow of blood to your penis. It does this by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which breaks down a chemical called cyclic GMP (cGMP).
Cyclic GMP relaxes the muscles in your penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you’re sexually stimulated, although more exotic treatments such as Brazilian Wandering Spider Venom Spray for ED are also sometimes discussed. That increased blood flow allows you to get an erection.
Clinical Evidence for Dapoxetine/Sildenafil Combination Therapy
DAP-SPEED Study: Efficacy and Safety
The DAP-SPEED study looked at how well dapoxetine and sildenafil work together to treat premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED), and also looked at how safe it is to use the combination.
The study involved 74 patients who had both lifelong or acquired PE and ED.
The study found that patients experienced significant improvements in:
- IELT (how long they could delay ejaculation)
- Patient-reported ejaculatory function (PEP)
- Erectile function scores (IIEF-EF)
Improvements were seen after 4 weeks of treatment. For example, the average IELT increased from about 23 seconds to about 70 seconds. Also, the average PEP score increased from about 3.4 to about 9.9.
Any side effects that patients experienced were mild and went away.
Dosage and Administration
Combination drugs like DAPOXITIME STRONG, which contains 50mg of Sildenafil and 30mg of Dapoxetine, have specific dosage guidelines. Typically, you’ll take it orally one to three hours before sexual activity.
It’s really important to follow your doctor’s instructions on dosage and timing. The dose might need to be adjusted if you’re older or have kidney or liver problems, so a healthcare provider’s guidance is essential.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Like all medications, dapoxetine and sildenafil can cause side effects, and it’s crucial to understand potential interactions, such as when mixing Viagra and multivitamins. It’s important to be aware of these before taking either medication, especially in combination.
Common Side Effects
Side effects sometimes reported with sildenafil include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Upset stomach
- Changes in vision
Side effects sometimes reported with dapoxetine include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
Serious Side Effects and Precautions
More serious side effects are rare, but can happen. These include priapism (a prolonged, painful erection that needs immediate medical attention), severe allergic reactions, and mood changes.
People with pre-existing heart conditions should be very careful and talk with their doctor before taking these medications.
Dapoxetine can interact with other medications, particularly SSRIs or MAOIs. Combination products with sildenafil and dapoxetine can’t be taken by people using nitrates, and you should also be aware of interactions like those described when combining Shilajit and Viagra.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much longer does dapoxetine make you last?
Dapoxetine’s effect on prolonging intercourse varies from person to person. Clinical trials have shown it can increase the time to ejaculation by an average of 2 to 3 times compared to a placebo. However, individual results will differ.
Which pill is best to last longer in bed?
The “best” pill depends on the underlying cause of premature ejaculation and individual factors. Dapoxetine is specifically designed to delay ejaculation. Other options may include topical anesthetics or, in some cases, medications prescribed for other conditions that have a side effect of delayed ejaculation.
Is there a better alternative than dapoxetine?
Whether an alternative is “better” is subjective and depends on individual needs and tolerance. Some men find topical anesthetics or behavioral techniques to be effective. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation.
Does dapoxetine make you hard?
Dapoxetine does not directly cause an erection. Its primary function is to delay ejaculation. If erectile dysfunction is also a concern, a medication like sildenafil (Viagra) may be needed in conjunction with dapoxetine.
What is the best combination with dapoxetine?
For men experiencing both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, the combination of dapoxetine and sildenafil can be effective. Sildenafil helps achieve and maintain an erection, while dapoxetine helps delay ejaculation. Combination pills containing both medications are available, but it’s crucial to discuss this option with a doctor to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
The Bottom Line
Combining dapoxetine and sildenafil may be a useful treatment for men who experience both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Research has shown that this combination may improve both sexual function and overall satisfaction.
But you should always talk with a healthcare professional to decide whether this treatment is right for you. A doctor can consider your individual needs, help you weigh the pros and cons, and provide advice based on your specific situation. As more research is conducted, the uses of this combination therapy may become clearer.