What is Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a medicine that is used for the treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men. It helps in increasing the time taken for ejaculation. It is best to take Dapoxetine a few hours before when sex is anticipated, about one to three hours before, rather than taking it every day, as the drug works very fast.
Long-term use of the medicine can cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract or the heart. The medicine must be started only after a doctor’s consultation. Also, the uses and side effects vary from one person to another.
What are the uses of Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine is primarily used in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions like premature ejaculation.
What are the contraindications of Dapoxetine?
Dapoxetine is contraindicated in the following cases, that include:
- Allergy to the components of the drug.
- Heart failure.
- Liver diseases.
How does Dapoxetine work?
The exact mechanism of how Dapoxetine works is unclear. However, it is believed to work by inhibiting the serotonin transporter. The drug is specially formulated to help in preventing premature ejaculation.
What are the drug interactions of Dapoxetine?
Drug interactions occur when two or more drugs are taken together, or a medication is taken with food or beverages, affecting how the drug acts. For example, the interactions of Dapoxetine are listed below:
- Interaction With Other Medicines: Dapoxetine interferes with the actions of Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Tramadol, Lithium, Warfarin, and Ritonavir.
- Interaction With Alcohol: When alcohol is consumed during Dapoxetine use, it can lead to a moderate to severe impairment of body movements and cognition. It can also cause sleep disturbances.
- Interaction With Diseases: Conditions like depression, glaucoma, and liver dysfunctions are affected by the use of Dapoxetine.
What are the precautions to be taken before using Dapoxetine?
All medications may not be suitable for some people, whereas medicines must be taken with extra precaution and care in others. Therefore, before starting the use of Dapoxetine, a few important things that have to be mentioned to the doctor include:
- Tendency to faint.
- Epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes seizures and unusual behaviors.
- Heart problems.
- Bleeding or clotting problems.
- Heart diseases.
- Mental health disorders that cause mood swings, like depression, bipolar disorder, or mania.
- Glaucoma is a condition in which there is an increase in eye pressure.
- Kidney or liver disorders.
- Allergic reaction to a particular medicine.
- Take other medicines like OTC (over-the-counter) medicines, herbal supplements, or multivitamins.
How are Dapoxetine tablets to be taken?
- The first step before starting the medicine includes reading the manufacturer’s information leaflet that comes along with the drug. The leaflet contains information about Dapoxetine and lists all the side effects of taking medication.
- Intake of Dapoxetine has to be as suggested by the doctor. The patient is advised to take the tablet with a full glass of water, once daily, a few hours before anticipated sex.
- Intake of more than one tablet within 24 hours is not recommended. Also, the tablet cannot be used every day.
- Dapoxetine can be taken with or without food.
- As the drug tastes bitter, it is advised to swallow the medicine rather than chewing it.
How to get the most from Dapoxetine?
There are specific points that are to be kept in mind while using Dapoxetine, which include:
- Alcohol must be avoided during Dapoxetine use, as it can enhance the drug’s sedative effects and lead to fainting.
- Recreational drugs should not be taken along with Dapoxetine, as they can lead to severe side effects.
- Care must be taken during driving. If a fainting sensation occurs, it is advised to avoid driving. Also, people working with tools and machines must refrain from using them.
- While buying or starting new medicines, they must be informed to the doctor or pharmacist, as some medications can lead to drug interactions when taking Dapoxetine.
- It is advised to avoid taking Dapoxetine for at least 24 hours after consuming grapefruit juice as it contains a chemical that elevates the Dapoxetine amount in the blood, leading to serious side effects.
- Follow-up appointments have to be maintained with the doctor, as they can keep a check on the progress of the patient.
