Sertraline For Premature Ejaculation
This content is based on clinical guidelines (AUA/EAU) for educational use. It does not replace a professional medical consultation. Please consult a specialized doctor before starting any treatment mentioned.
What is sertraline?
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is one of the most popular antidepressants in the world, used by millions in the US and abroad.
As an antidepressant, sertraline (Zoloft) works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain and body. Serotonin is involved in controlling aspects of your personality and mood. By increasing serotonin levels, SSRIs such as sertraline can help treat symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
Sertraline (Zoloft) is prescribed for the treatment of premature ejaculation. In fact, it is one of the most widely used premature ejaculation pills on the market today. In a study published in the journal Urology in 1999, men who used Sertraline for premature ejaculation were able to significantly increase their average ejaculation delay.
Sertraline's effect on premature ejaculation
Sertraline for premature ejaculation is used in two different ways. The first way is a daily intake, which means you will be dosed with sertraline every day, even if you don't always plan to have sex that day. The second method is on-demand, meaning you take the sertraline tablet only on days you plan to have sex.
There is no "perfect" way to use sertraline for premature ejaculation for everyone. The most effective approach is to follow your doctor's instructions and take the prescribed dose of sertraline as needed or daily.
Although sertraline (Zoloft) is effective, the results are not always immediate. It may take several weeks for sertraline to be fully effective in treating premature ejaculation. In previous studies, most men saw the greatest improvement after four weeks of sertraline.
Sertraline for Premature Ejaculation Dosage
When sertraline (Zoloft) is prescribed for the treatment of premature ejaculation, it is considered off-label use. This means that the FDA does not provide a specific recommended dose of sertraline for the treatment of premature ejaculation. Most studies of sertraline for premature ejaculation include a daily dose of 25 mg to 100 mg.
Sertraline for Premature Ejaculation side effects
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a safe medication for most people. However, like other SSRIs, it can cause side effects. Most side effects of sertraline are minor and only occur in a small percentage of users.
In rare cases, sertraline can cause more serious side effects. Sertraline can also interact with other medications and cause side effects and allergic reactions. Common sertraline (Zoloft) side effects include the following:
- Dry mouth
- Acidity
- loss of appetite
- Weight changes
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Excessive tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nervousness
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in libido
- Changes in sexual function.
While sertraline (Zoloft) generally improves overall sexual performance in men who suffer from premature ejaculation, research suggests that sertraline may cause erectile dysfunction. Overall, only a small percentage of men taking sertraline (only four percent) experience erectile dysfunction.
However, it is important to note that most scientific studies of the sexual side effects of SSRIs involve people taking these drugs to treat depression and anxiety disorders, not as unapproved treatments for premature ejaculation.
Sertraline for premature ejaculation: Interactions
Although most side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) are minor, there are some interaction risks that you should be aware of before using it for premature ejaculation. The first is serotonin syndrome, which occurs when taking sertraline with serotonergic drugs (other drugs that also cause an increase in serotonin levels in the body).
The most common serotonergic drugs are other antidepressants such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Other drugs that can cause serotonin syndrome when used with sertraline include opioid pain relievers and amphetamines.
Serotonin syndrome can cause a range of serious symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, and other mental status changes. In some cases, the condition can be life-threatening. To avoid drug interactions with sertraline for PE, tell your doctor about all current and recent medications.
This article was written and reviewed by Dr. Hassan Ali - Urologist
Medical References :
Content curated according to international clinical guidelines:
- American Urological Association (AUA).
- European Association of Urology (EAU).
- Campbell-Walsh Urology Textbook.
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