Paroxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy and the adverse effects of a new anti-depressant drug (paroxetine) in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The study comprised 32 men (mean age 28 years) with premature ejaculation (14 of whom ejaculated before penetration) who were treated with paroxetine (20 mg orally each evening for 2 months). The study group excluded those with neurological and psychiatric disorders, urinary tract infections and drug or alcohol abuse.

RESULTS

After about 14 days, the patients' symptoms improved and all patients reported a longer interval before ejaculation. The adverse effects were sleepiness in 19 patients (61%) and mild sensory confusion in 21 (68%), but only one had to withdraw from therapy. Three weeks after the end of therapy, the premature ejaculation recurred in 28 (90%) of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that paroxetine is an effective therapy for premature ejaculation. Further studies with different dosages are necessary to decrease the adverse effects and to prolong the efficacy.