Priligy

Priligy is a licensed prescription medication used in adult men to treat premature ejaculation (PE). It is the only oral tablet specifically developed and approved in the UK for this condition. PE is one of the most common male sexual health concerns, and it is far more widespread than many people realise. Studies suggest it affects between 20% and 30% of men at some point in their lives, yet it remains under-discussed and undertreated.

Living with premature ejaculation can be frustrating and isolating. It can affect self-confidence, intimacy, and the quality of relationships. Understanding that effective, clinically evaluated options exist is an important first step. If you are considering dapoxetine as a premature ejaculation treatment, this page explains how the medicine works, who it may be suitable for, and how the prescribing process works at Pharmacy Planet.

Priligy is the brand name for dapoxetine hydrochloride. It belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Unlike other SSRIs, which are taken daily for conditions such as depression, Priligy is taken on demand, shortly before anticipated sexual activity. This makes it a fast-acting PE medication designed to fit around your life.

Priligy is licensed in the UK for the treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men aged 18 to 64 years who meet specific diagnostic criteria. It is available in two strengths: 30mg and 60mg film-coated tablets.

The Role of Serotonin in Ejaculatory Control

Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain. It plays a role in regulating mood, emotions, and several physical processes, including the ejaculatory reflex. In some men, the ejaculatory reflex is triggered too quickly, leading to climax sooner than the person or their partner would prefer.

Dapoxetine's Mechanism of Action

Dapoxetine works by temporarily inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the nerve synapses. This increases serotonin activity in the nervous system, which in turn helps to delay the ejaculatory reflex. The result is improved control over ejaculation timing.

Why On-Demand Dosing Works

Because dapoxetine is absorbed and cleared from the body relatively quickly, it is effective when taken one to three hours before sexual activity. This on-demand approach means the medicine is only active when needed, which suits many men who do not want to take a daily tablet.

Taking Priligy correctly is important for both safety and effectiveness. Read the following guidance carefully and always follow the instructions provided by your prescriber and in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Before you take Priligy:

• Tell your prescriber about all other medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.
• Inform your prescriber of any medical conditions you have, particularly heart conditions, liver or kidney problems, or a history of mental health conditions.
• Do not take Priligy if you have consumed alcohol. Alcohol significantly increases the risk of side effects, including dizziness and fainting.

Taking your dose:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water (at least 240ml).
• Take the tablet one to three hours before anticipated sexual activity.
• Do not take more than one tablet in any 24 hour period.
• Priligy can be taken with or without food.

After taking Priligy:

Sit or lie down for a short period after taking your tablet, particularly when you first start treatment. This is because Priligy can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or fainting in some people. This is known as orthostatic hypotension. If you feel lightheaded after standing up, sit back down until the feeling passes.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Priligy affects you.

Priligy 30mg

The 30mg tablet is the recommended starting dose for most men beginning treatment. Your prescriber will typically start you at this dose to assess how well you tolerate the medicine. This allows both you and your prescriber to evaluate whether the response is appropriate before considering any adjustment.

Priligy 60mg

If the 30mg dose provides insufficient benefit and you have tolerated the lower strength without significant side effects, your prescriber may consider increasing your dose to 60mg. This decision will be based on your individual clinical review. The 60mg dose should only be taken on your prescriber's recommendation.

Key dosage points to remember:

• One tablet per 24 hours is the maximum. Do not take a second tablet.
• Priligy is for adult men aged 18 to 64. It is not licensed for use in men aged 65 or over.
• Do not take Priligy more frequently than once every 24 hours regardless of the number of episodes of sexual activity.

All medicines can cause side effects, and Priligy is no exception. Not everyone will experience them, and many side effects are mild and short-lived. The information below reflects the data in the current UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Feeling restless
• Insomnia
• Blurred vision
• Flushing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Sweating

Important safety warnings:

Priligy can cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up). This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or, in some cases, fainting. To reduce this risk, remain seated or lying down for a period after taking your tablet, particularly when you first begin treatment or when using the higher 60mg dose.

There is a risk of a condition called syncope (sudden loss of consciousness) associated with Priligy use. This risk is increased if you drink alcohol, are dehydrated, or take other medicines that lower blood pressure.

Dapoxetine belongs to a class of medicines associated with a risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken alongside other medicines that increase serotonin levels. Symptoms can include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and muscle twitching. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Stop taking Priligy and seek immediate medical advice if you experience:

• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Signs of serotonin syndrome (as listed above)
• A severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Sudden mood changes or thoughts of self-harm

If you notice any side effect that is not listed here, or if a listed side effect becomes severe, report it to your prescriber or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

This Medicine May Be Appropriate If You:

• Are a male aged between 18 and 64 years
• Consistently experience ejaculation with minimal stimulation, within approximately one minute of penetration
• Have had PE on most or all occasions of sexual activity for at least six months
• Experience significant distress or interpersonal difficulty as a result of PE
• Have been assessed by a prescriber and found to be clinically suitable

Priligy Is Not Suitable If You:

• Are under 18 or over 64 years of age
• Have a history of heart failure, significant ischaemic heart disease, or heart block
• Have moderate or severe liver impairment
• Have severe kidney impairment
• Are currently taking or have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - at least 14 days must have passed since stopping an MAOI before starting Priligy
• Are taking other medicines that inhibit the CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 enzymes (such as certain antifungals, antibiotics, or antidepressants) - your prescriber will advise you
• Have a personal or family history of certain heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation)
• Have a history of mania or significant depressive episodes
• Have previously experienced syncope (fainting)

Use With Caution If You:

• Take medicines that affect blood pressure or heart rate
• Use recreational drugs that affect serotonin levels, including MDMA
• Have a mild degree of kidney impairment
• Have a tendency towards dizziness or low blood pressure
• Are taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil or tadalafil) - concurrent use should be carefully evaluated

This list is not exhaustive. Your prescriber will conduct a full review of your medical history and current medicines before making any prescribing decision.

Pharmacy Planet operates an online prescribing service that follows GPhC and MHRA guidance. The consultation is the central part of this process, not a formality. Our goal is to ensure that any medicine supplied through our service is clinically appropriate for the individual patient.

If you are interested in finding out whether Priligy may be right for you, the process begins with a detailed clinical consultation. This is completed online through a structured questionnaire designed and reviewed by our prescribing team. You will be asked about your symptoms, their duration, and their impact on your daily life and relationships. You will also be asked about your full medical history, current medicines, and any relevant lifestyle factors. This information is reviewed by a registered prescriber.

A prescription will only be issued if the prescriber determines, based on your individual clinical information, that Priligy is appropriate for you. There is no guarantee that a prescription will result from the consultation. If the prescriber has any concerns, or if your information suggests a different approach may be more suitable, they will advise you accordingly. In some cases, the prescriber may ask for additional information before making a decision.

Our prescribing process is designed with your safety at the centre. All prescribers involved in our service are registered with the General Medical Council or the Nursing and Midwifery Council, as appropriate. If a prescription is issued, your medicine will be dispensed and labelled by our GPhC-registered pharmacy team, who are available to answer any questions you may have about your treatment.

Store Priligy tablets in the original packaging, in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine below 30°C and away from direct sunlight. Do not store Priligy in a bathroom or near a sink, where heat and moisture can damage the tablets.

Keep all medicines, including Priligy, out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not use Priligy after the expiry date printed on the carton or blister pack. If your medicine has expired, or if you have tablets remaining that you no longer need, do not dispose of them in household waste or by flushing them down the toilet. Return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

The table below compares commonly prescribed premature ejaculation treatments available through Pharmacy Planet. These treatments differ in formulation, method of use, and how they help improve ejaculatory control.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy committed to providing safe, evidence-based care. Our prescribing and dispensing team includes qualified pharmacists and registered prescribers who follow current UK clinical guidance.

When you complete a consultation with us, your information is handled securely and in full compliance with UK data protection law. If a prescription is issued, your medicine is dispensed in discreet, secure packaging and delivered to an address of your choice.

We are committed to ongoing clinical governance. Our prescribing decisions are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with current MHRA, BNF, and NHS guidance. We take patient safety seriously at every stage, from the consultation through to the dispensing and aftercare of every prescription we issue.

If you have questions about your treatment at any point, our pharmacy team is available to help.

References

• Priligy 30mg and 60mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3895. Accessed May 2026.
• British National Formulary (BNF) - Dapoxetine. NICE/BMJ Group. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/dapoxetine. Accessed May 2026.
• Premature ejaculation - NHS Overview. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems. Accessed May 2026.
• MHRA - Yellow Card Reporting. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed May 2026.
• Serefoglu EC, et al. An evidence-based unified definition of lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation: report of the second International Society for Sexual Medicine Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation. Sexual Medicine. 2014;2(2):41-59.