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How Effective Is Sertraline for Premature Ejaculation?

R. Soden
R. Soden

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), treats disorders such as depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Using sertraline for premature ejaculation is an off-label use for this medication, but it can be effective. The side effects of SSRIs include sexual dysfunction and anejaculation. The mechanism behind these side effects lessens the incidence of premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation is defined as an orgasm and ejaculation occurring before the person desires. This typically occurs either before or soon after penetration and often results in an unsatisfactory experience for both people. Treatments for premature ejaculation include relaxation techniques, distraction methods and medication. Sertraline for premature ejaculation works by the natural side effect of delayed ejaculation. Before a treatment for premature ejaculation commences, the doctor performs tests on the patient to determine possible underlying health causes such as hormone imbalance, injury or side effects of medication.

Sertraline may be prescribed to treat post traumatic stress disorder.
Sertraline may be prescribed to treat post traumatic stress disorder.

Mental disorders such as depression and OCD are caused by an imbalance of hormones in the brain. Sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, leveling off this imbalance to alleviate depressive symptoms. The natural side effects of sertraline include anejaculation. This side effect is what works to alleviate symptoms of premature ejaculation.

Doses of 25-100 milligrams of sertraline may alleviate symptoms of premature ejaculation.
Doses of 25-100 milligrams of sertraline may alleviate symptoms of premature ejaculation.

Studies show that dosages of 25-100 milligrams of sertraline for premature ejaculation work to alleviate the symptoms. Initial dosages for sertraline start at 50 milligrams per day. An increase in dosage of 50-milligram increments is allowable after a week. The dosage of sertraline for premature ejaculation tops out at 200 milligrams once per day. The side effects of sertraline increase with the increase in dosage.

Side effects of sertraline may include drowsiness.
Side effects of sertraline may include drowsiness.

The common side effects of sertraline include weight changes, diarrhea, increased sweating, unusual drowsiness and trouble sleeping. The most common side effects in men include decreased sexual ability or desire. Some men report an inability to discharge semen. Serious side effects such as chest pains, hostility, suicidal thoughts, tremors and painful erections need to be immediately reported to a medical professional. A list of the common and serious side effects typically is provided with the medication.

Sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Sertraline, which in some locations is available only by prescription, reacts negatively with certain medications, including tryptophan, St. John's Wort, rizatriptan and smatriptan. Using sertraline for premature ejaculation can cause agitation, irritability and subnormal behaviors. It also can cause sleepiness, so someone who is taking should not operate machinery or drive until the side effects are known. Alcohol should not be consumed by someone who is taking sertraline, because alcohol can aggravate the natural side effects of sertraline, causing a sedative effect.

Discussion Comments

anon998679

It works brilliantly, I've gone up to 150mg a day and have been taking Sertraline for 3 months or so. Side effects aren't pleasant but they should subside after the first few days.

anon993015

Very helpful article, Maybe this will help us to enjoy our sex life. I will definitely recommend this website to my husband.

will2138

I've been on both Sertraline and Seroxat and both were very, very good at delaying ejaculation. Normally, I can quite easily ejaculate within two or three minutes, which was always a complete pain, whereas while on these antidepressants, I could go for hours without ejaculating.

I did notice that my libido decreased but I was still having sex at least once or twice a week with my girlfriend. My own personal experience regarding erection was that it wasn't a problem, however, I did notice a slight decrease in how solid my erection was.

Anybody considering this drug must realize that to experience the benefits, you will need to take the drug continuously. The effects will not occur if you take the tablet as a one off. Furthermore, there are a lot of other side effects which come with taking this drugs, specifically major withdrawal symptoms when coming off the drug, which are not pleasant, to say the least!

SteamLouis

My husband is on sertraline and he says that he has good results when he takes the sertraline with an erectile dysfunction medication. On its own, the sertraline isn't making much of a difference.

fBoyle

@MikeMason-- I was prescribed sertraline for premature ejaculation and I do think it has helped a little bit. My doctor said that sertraline has the side effect of delaying (and in some cases preventing) ejaculation. And this is why it is prescribed off-label for premature ejaculation.

I don't expect sertraline to cure my sexual dysfunction. But I think that when combined with behavioral therapy, it will help. I'm already seeing an improvement and it's only been a few weeks since I started the drug.

stoneMason

I took sertraline for two years for anxiety and depression. I'm very surprised to hear that this drug is sometimes prescribed for premature ejaculation. It's such an unlikely drug for sexual problems, actually most SSRIs are in my opinion.

The reason I say that is because I had sexual dysfunction when I was on this drug. I lost sexual desire and erection was difficult. So I can't imagine sertraline having a positive affect on anyone's sexual life and I highly doubt that it can treat a sexual dysfunction like premature ejaculation. If anyone has had the opposite experience, let me know because this is just based on my personal experience.

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    • Sertraline may be prescribed to treat post traumatic stress disorder.
      By: John Gomez
      Sertraline may be prescribed to treat post traumatic stress disorder.
    • Doses of 25-100 milligrams of sertraline may alleviate symptoms of premature ejaculation.
      By: emiliau
      Doses of 25-100 milligrams of sertraline may alleviate symptoms of premature ejaculation.
    • Side effects of sertraline may include drowsiness.
      By: vadymvdrobot
      Side effects of sertraline may include drowsiness.
    • Sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the brain.
      By: snyggg.de
      Sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the brain.