There is increasing evidence that suggests medications like Paxil can help treat premature ejaculation. Research shows that taking Paxil 3-4 hours before sex can help with treating premature ejaculation. As Dr. Laurence Levine explains, “Paxil helps to inhibit serotonin reuptake in the brain, which affects mood and emotion, and delays ejaculation.” But, what exactly is Paxil, and is this medication any more effective or helpful at treating depression and PE? Below is everything you need to know about using Paxil for depression and PE.
What is Premature Ejaculation?
Before you understand how Paxil helps with PE, it’s good to get a better understanding of this condition. Premature ejaculation is a condition in which men will finish and ejaculate before “desired.” For many experts, this usually means ejaculating within one minute of starting intercourse. However, PE symptoms might differ in some men rather than others. Whether it takes someone seconds or minutes to finish, one thing is certain – PE can have devastating consequences for those that want to have a meaningful sexual relationship with their partner.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments for PE that can help men regain their confidence, last longer during sex, and improve their quality of life. One of the best medications to help men during sex is Paxil. Paxil is an anti-depressant, which can help men that suffer from both PE and depression. It’s important to note that not everyone’s PE is due to depression, and Paxil might not work for everyone. However, you might benefit from asking your medical provider about Paxil as a treatment option.
What is Paxil?
Paxil (full name Paroxentine) is a powerful SSRI antidepressant. SSRIs, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a class of drugs that are typically used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Paxil is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs, and it is also one of the most potent. Other SSRIs include:
- Lexapro
- Zoloft
- Prozac
- Priligy
- Cipralex
Paxil works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, Paxil increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to elevate mood.
Paxil is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. While it is not considered a first-line treatment for depression or PE, it can be very effective for some people. It is important to note that Paxil can have serious side effects, so it should be used with caution.
Some side effects people might notice when using Paxil include:
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Sweating
Fortunately, studies have shown that the most severe side effects of Paxil are relatively rare. The vast majority of people who take Paxil do not experience any serious problems. In addition, these studies showed that most adverse drug reactions, or ADRs, occurred due to intentional drug overdoses.
Still, if you are considering taking Paxil, it is important to speak with your doctor first to make sure it is the right medication for you. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking Paxil.
How Paxil Helps With PE
Now that you know what Paxil is used for, it’s good to understand how this medication can help treat premature ejaculation. There is a high correlation between depression and premature ejaculation. In fact, studies have shown that depression poses a significant risk for premature ejaculation.
Unfortunately, treating depression isn’t as simple as “getting over it” or “being happy.” Depression is a serious mental illness that leads to issues such as:
- Suicidal ideation
- Periods of intense low mood
- Feelings of low self-esteem
- Negative perception of oneself
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of isolation
All of these feelings alone have the potential to impact sex. In fact, studies have shown that depression can lead to both PE and ED, or erectile dysfunction, and has genetic factors associated with it. Because of these intense feelings of depression, it’s important to understand how medication can help.
Medications like Paxil can help treat biological aspects of depression, mainly helping increase serotonin in the brain. Lack of serotonin is thought to be the main cause behind depression, with serotonin being a major contributor to moods and low levels associated with depression. For those that need help treating depression, Paxil can help increase serotonin levels and reduce the risk of severe depression symptoms.
How Paxil Compares to Other SSRIs
While other SSRIs can also be effective at treating depression, studies have shown that Paxil is among the most potent of SSRIs. Paxil, unlike other medications, was associated with an earlier response to treatment, meaning people that took Paxil showed decreased signs and symptoms of depression earlier than when they used other medications. These studies show that Paxil is effective at treating depression sooner, and therefore, might just be able to treat PE sooner than other SSRIs as well.
Will Paxil Work For My PE?
Again, not everyone will benefit from Paxil, especially if you are taking other medications or have another medical condition that might impact how Paxil works for you. The best way to determine whether Paxil will work for you is to speak with your medical provider. Your medical provider will answer questions about which SSRI is right for you, or if other medications can help with your PE. For instance, they might suggest a milder SSRI or a topical ointment can help you during sex.
In addition, your doctor will follow-up and ensure that Paxil is working for you. If you notice your PE improve with Paxil, you might be able to continue to take it with your doctor’s recommendation. Fortunately, even if Paxil doesn’t work for you, there are many other medications and treatment options to help you last longer and improve your quality of life. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask your doctor about Paxil or other treatment options for PE, and enjoy sex to the fullest.