Frustration. Loneliness. Hopelessness. Experiencing premature ejaculation (PE) can cause many unpleasant feelings, but there’s good news – you’re not alone. It’s the most common ejaculation problem faced by men and can affect men of any age.1,2 Whatever your age and however long you’ve experienced the issue, there are ways to combat premature ejaculation. The latest treatment? Paroxetine.
What is paroxetine?
Paroxetine is an antidepressant. It belongs to a group known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which means it increases the amount of serotonin in the brain.3 It’s typically used to treat depression, OCD, panic attacks, PTSD, and anxiety. Since experts have noted that the drug delays ejaculation, under specific circumstances it may be prescribed as off-label for the treatment of premature ejaculation.4
The difference in treatments belongs in the frequency. When taking paroxetine for premature ejaculation, you should take a single dose a few hours before having sex. For mental health issues, the treatment is daily.5
How does paroxetine combat premature ejaculation?
Serotonin is a critical component of ejaculatory response. Typically, high amounts of serotonin delay the time taken to trigger ejaculation.2 So, when paroxetine activates an increased amount of serotonin, you should experience longer times before ejaculation. But does it actually work?
In a study on the use of paroxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation, over two-thirds of men experienced delayed ejaculation - a vast improvement for many.5 Only around 8% experienced paroxetine side effects – such as inhibited orgasm and reduced libido - whilst the majority experienced no side effects.5
How does paroxetine compare to other treatments?
There are various methods to combat premature ejaculation, depending on your symptoms and preferences. Some men use erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments like Viagra Connect, Sildenafil, or Tadalafil. While these don’t treat PE directly, they can help maintain an erection after ejaculation. This is especially helpful since PE and ED often occur together. Reducing the pressure around performance can also ease the psychological triggers behind PE.6
Another option is Priligy, a short-acting medication taken 1–2 hours before sex. It’s been shown to help men last up to three times longer, but it does come with some limitations.7 It’s available only by prescription and may not be suitable for those with certain heart conditions, blood disorders, or who are taking specific medications. It’s also typically reserved for men who have experienced PE for at least six months.7
How long does paroxetine take to work?
Paroxetine isn’t designed for on-the-spot use, as it takes time to build up in your system. While some benefits may be noticed within a few days, the full effect usually kicks in after 1–2 weeks of daily use.8 This daily approach is generally more effective than taking it only before sex, and many people prefer it because it allows for more spontaneity. Even on days when you don’t have sex, taking paroxetine can support mood and overall progress with premature ejaculation.8
Can you take paroxetine with ED products?
If you experience both PE and ED, your clinician might consider using paroxetine alongside a medication like sildenafil or tadalafil. These medicines work in different ways: paroxetine helps delay ejaculation over time, while sildenafil and tadalafil improve erections. For some men, addressing both issues together can lead to better overall sexual satisfaction.9
Research has shown that combining paroxetine with sildenafil may lead to longer-lasting control over ejaculation and a more satisfying experience compared to using paroxetine on its own. That said, combining treatments can increase the chances of side effects like headaches or flushing.9
However, this combination isn’t right for everyone. It depends on your health history, symptoms, and how you respond to treatment. Always speak to a clinician first, as they can help you explore the safest, most effective options for you.
How long does paroxetine stay in your system?
Paroxetine has a half-life of around 21-24 hours. That means it can stay in your system for up to five days. We recommend keeping your dosage to a maximum of once per day, even if you’re having sex multiple times per day.
The numan take
Paroxetine can be prescribed off-label for the treatment of premature ejaculation. Many appreciate the subtlety of taking a pill and experiencing the benefits hours later – you can relax as it gets to work. It’s also a key boost in the psychological battle with premature ejaculation. It alleviates the stress of experiencing PE and allows you to focus on the fun part.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Taking medication outside of its licensed use can carry risks. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and use medications exactly as prescribed.
References.
Website NHS. Ejaculation problems. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/ [Accessed 20th May 2025].
Crowdis M, Leslie SW, Nazir S. Premature ejaculation. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
Zhang D, Cheng Y, Wu K, Ma Q, Jiang J, Yan Z. Paroxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC urology. 2019;19(1): 2
McMahon CG, Touma K. Treatment of premature ejaculation with paroxetine hydrochloride. International journal of impotence research. 1999;11(5): 241–245; discussion 246.
Martyn-St James M, Cooper K, Ren S, Kaltenthaler E, Dickinson K, Cantrell A, et al. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European urology focus. 2017;3(1): 119–129.
McMahon CG. Dapoxetine for premature ejaculation. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. 2010;11(10): 1741–1752.
The Royal Australian College of general Practitioners. Premature ejaculation: A clinical review for the general physician. Australian Family Physician. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2015/october/premature-ejaculation-a-clinical-review-for-the-ge [Accessed 20th May 2025].
Salonia A, Maga T, Colombo R, Scattoni V, Briganti A, Cestari A, et al. A prospective study comparing paroxetine alone versus paroxetine plus sildenafil in patients with premature ejaculation. The journal of urology. 2002;168(6): 2486–2489.
Luke has worked across many industries in e-commerce, now focusing on his passion for men’s health. He’s a keen writer who loves to learn about new topics and expand his knowledge. When he’s not at Numan, he’s playing football or tennis with his friends. He loves to travel and has visited over 50 countries. He’s also been on Countdown (but lost).
Dr Luke Pratsides is a GP by clinical training. He works as a GP in the NHS and as the Head of Medical at digital men's health clinic Numan. At Numan, he advises on the development of new products and services, manages the clinical team, and works closely with marketing to develop medical messaging for television advertising and social media. In addition, he regularly contributes expert medical comments to mainstream media publications on behalf of Numan such as The Times, The Independent, The Sun, The Daily Mail, Men's Health and Vice.
