PE Treatment Comparison Tool
Compare PE Treatments
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Treatment Comparison Table
| Treatment | Dosing | Onset (min) | Cost (£) | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duratia | On-demand | 30-60 | 30 | Nausea, Headache, Dizziness |
| Priligy | On-demand | 30-60 | 28 | Similar to Duratia |
| Paroxetine | Daily | 120-180 | 5/month | Weight gain, Sexual dysfunction |
| Sertraline | Daily | 90-150 | 4/month | Diarrhea, Sexual side-effects |
| Lidocaine Spray | On-demand | 5-10 | 15/bottle | Local numbness, Irritation |
| Behavioral Therapy | Practice | Varies | 0-200/session | Requires time, consistency |
| Tramadol | On-demand | 30-45 | 7/tablet | Constipation, Dependence risk |
Ever wondered if Duratia is really the best choice for premature ejaculation, or if there’s a cheaper or safer option out there? This guide breaks down Duratia side‑by‑side with the most common alternatives, so you can see the trade‑offs and pick the one that fits your life.
What is Duratia and how does it work?
Duratia is a brand‑name formulation of dapoxetine, a short‑acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved specifically for on‑demand treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). It hits the brain’s serotonin receptors fast, usually within 30‑60 minutes, and its effects wear off after about 4‑6 hours, which means you don’t stay on the drug all day. The typical dose in the UK is 30mg or 60mg taken one hour before sexual activity.
Key criteria to compare PE treatments
When you line up Duratia against other options, keep these factors in mind:
- On‑demand vs daily dosing - Do you want a pill only when you plan intimacy, or are you okay with a daily regimen?
- Speed of onset - How quickly does the drug start working?
- Side‑effect profile - Nausea, dizziness, or mood changes can be a deal‑breaker.
- Cost per dose - Prescription price versus over‑the‑counter alternatives.
- Regulatory approval - Is the product licensed for PE in your country?
- Interaction risk - Does it clash with other meds you take?
Duratia compared with the most common alternatives
| Medication / Approach | Approval for PE | Dosing Style | Onset (min) | Typical Cost (UK) | Common Side‑effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duratia | Yes (EMA) | On‑demand, 30‑60mg | 30‑60 | ≈£30 per tablet | Nausea, headache, dizziness |
| Priligy | Yes (EMA) | On‑demand, 30‑60mg | 30‑60 | ≈£28 per tablet | Similar to Duratia |
| Paroxetine | Off‑label | Daily 20mg or on‑demand low dose | 120‑180 | ≈£5 per month (generic) | Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, insomnia |
| Sertraline | Off‑label | Daily 50‑100mg | 90‑150 | ≈£4 per month (generic) | Diarrhea, sexual side‑effects, anxiety |
| Lidocaine spray | Approved for PE (topical) | On‑demand, 2‑3 sprays | 5‑10 | ≈£15 per 10‑ml bottle | Local numbness, irritation |
| Behavioral therapy | Non‑pharmacologic | Regular practice (technique) | Varies | £0‑£200 (sessions) | Requires time, consistency |
| Tramadol | Off‑label | On‑demand 50‑100mg | 30‑45 | ≈£7 per tablet | Constipation, dependence risk |
Pros and cons of each option
Duratia (and its twin Priligy) wins on speed and convenience - you pop a pill an hour before intimacy and it’s cleared quickly. The downside is the price and the fact you need a prescription.
Paroxetine and Sertraline are cheap and work for many men, but they’re meant for daily use, can cause more systemic side‑effects, and you have to wait weeks for full benefit.
Lidocaine spray gives immediate numbing with virtually no systemic impact, but it can reduce sensation for both partners if you over‑apply.
Behavioral therapy has no drug‑related risks and can improve control long‑term, yet it demands practice and sometimes professional guidance.
Tramadol is an inexpensive analgesic that also delays ejaculation, but its addiction potential makes it a last‑resort choice.
Who should pick Duratia?
If you value a fast‑acting pill, don’t mind a prescription, and are willing to pay a premium for convenience, Duratia is a solid pick. It’s especially handy for occasional sexual activity rather than daily use.
Men on multiple medications that interact with SSRIs should talk to a pharmacist before starting Duratia, as it can raise serotonin levels and rare cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported.
Safety, contraindications, and drug interactions
All SSRIs, including dapoxetine, share a few red flags:
- History of heart disease - dapoxetine can affect QT interval.
- Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or other serotonergic drugs - risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Severe liver impairment - drug clearance slows down.
Topical lidocaine avoids these systemic concerns but isn’t suitable if you’re allergic to local anesthetics. Tramadol should be avoided if you have a history of substance misuse.
Practical tips for choosing the right treatment
- Check prescription requirements. In the UK, Duratia and Priligy need a NHS or private prescription, while lidocaine spray can be bought over the counter.
- Calculate cost per sexual encounter. Divide the price of a pack by the number of doses you expect to use - this can reveal hidden savings from daily SSRIs.
- Consider side‑effect tolerance. If nausea scares you, a topical spray may be the safer bet.
- Talk to a clinician. A pharmacist can run a quick interaction check, especially if you’re on antidepressants or heart medication.
- Try a short trial. Many clinicians will suggest a 2‑week trial of dapoxetine to see if it improves control before committing to a longer regimen.
Bottom line: a quick decision matrix
Here’s a plain‑English cheat sheet you can print out:
- Fast, on‑demand, prescription OK? - Choose Duratia or Priligy.
- Budget‑friendly, okay with daily pill? - Look at generic paroxetine or sertraline.
- Want no systemic drug at all? - Go for lidocaine spray or behavioral therapy.
- Need something cheap and already in your medicine cabinet? - Tramadol (only if other options fail and under doctor supervision).
Whichever route you take, remember that premature ejaculation is a treatable condition. The right choice often comes down to personal lifestyle, cost tolerance, and medical history. A brief chat with your GP or a sexual‑health pharmacist can clear up doubts and get you on the most suitable path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duratia the same as Priligy?
Yes. Both contain the active ingredient dapoxetine and are marketed for on‑demand treatment of premature ejaculation. The main difference is the brand name and price point set by the manufacturer.
Can I buy Duratia without a prescription in the UK?
No. Dapoxetine‑based products are prescription‑only in the UK because they are classified as SSRIs with potential cardiac effects.
How does lidocaine spray compare in effectiveness?
Clinical studies show lidocaine spray can extend intercourse by 3‑5 minutes on average, which is less than the typical 5‑10 minute gain reported with dapoxetine. However, it works instantly and has no systemic side‑effects.
Are there any long‑term risks with daily SSRIs for PE?
Long‑term use of SSRIs can lead to weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and rare cases of withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Regular monitoring by a doctor is advised.
What should I do if I experience dizziness after taking Duratia?
Sit or lie down, hydrate, and avoid driving. If dizziness persists beyond an hour or is severe, contact your GP. They may adjust the dose or suggest an alternative.
Jon Shematek
October 6, 2025 AT 19:54Duratia's speed is a game‑changer, grab it if you can afford it.
Beverly Pace
October 20, 2025 AT 17:14Choosing a prescription drug without weighing the health risks shows a lack of responsibility; the potential cardiac effects and drug interactions demand careful consideration before using any SSRI for premature ejaculation.