Dapoxetine

Dapoxetine should be taken exactly as directed by a pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet.

It is usually taken 1 to 3 hours before sexual activity. It should not be taken more than once in 24 hours and is not intended for continuous daily use. The usual starting dose is 30 mg, and a higher dose may only be considered after clinical review if the lower dose is not suitable or has not been effective enough.

Swallow the tablet whole with at least one full glass of water. This can help reduce the chance of dizziness, fainting or low blood pressure. Dapoxetine can be taken with or without food.

Avoid alcohol when taking Dapoxetine. Alcohol can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, slow reactions and injury. You should also avoid grapefruit juice within 24 hours before taking Dapoxetine, as it may increase the level of medicine in your body.

Do not take extra tablets to try to improve the effect. Taking more than directed can increase the risk of side effects and may be harmful. If you take more than advised, or feel unwell after taking it, seek medical advice promptly and take the medicine packaging with you where possible.

Dapoxetine tablets contain dapoxetine as the active ingredient. Branded Priligy tablets contain either 30 mg or 60 mg dapoxetine as dapoxetine hydrochloride.

Other ingredients may include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica and magnesium stearate in the tablet core. The tablet coating may include lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, triacetin, iron oxide black and iron oxide yellow.

Ingredients can vary between brands or manufacturers. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine before use, especially if you have allergies or have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars.

Some people may experience side effects when taking Dapoxetine. Very common side effects include dizziness, headache and feeling sick. Other possible side effects can include anxiety, agitation, restlessness, pins and needles, sweating, flushing, diarrhoea, dry mouth, indigestion, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, sleepiness, reduced concentration, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, increased blood pressure, reduced libido or difficulty getting or keeping an erection.

Dapoxetine can cause dizziness, low blood pressure or fainting, especially when standing up. To reduce this risk, take it with a full glass of water and do not take it if you are dehydrated, have been sweating heavily, have diarrhoea, are vomiting, have a fever, or have not had enough to drink.

Stop taking Dapoxetine and seek medical advice straight away if you faint, have a seizure, notice mood changes, feel unusually agitated, have thoughts of harming yourself, develop symptoms of serotonin syndrome, or experience signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe rash.

Dapoxetine is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by men under 18 or over 65 years old. It may not be suitable if you have heart rhythm problems, heart failure, a history of fainting, moderate or severe liver problems, severe depression, mania, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, glaucoma, bleeding problems, kidney problems or certain mental health conditions.

Dapoxetine can interact with many medicines. It should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, other antidepressants, thioridazine, lithium, linezolid, tryptophan, St John’s wort, tramadol, some migraine medicines, certain antifungal medicines, some HIV medicines, some antibiotics or other medicines that affect serotonin or dapoxetine levels. Always list all current medicines during your consultation, including prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products.