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.


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.
Ludovico
G M
GM
Divisione e Cattedra di Urologia, Università degli Studi di Bari, Italy.
Corvasce
A
A
Pagliarulo
G
G
Cirillo-Marucco
E
E
Marano
A
A
Pagliarulo
A
A
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017374:Paroxetine