For many men struggling with premature ejaculation, it might seem impossible to find a solution that works, especially if you’ve tried a dozen other options. Fortunately, there are many products and medications that might be able to help you last longer in bed, including a medication known as fluoxetine. Some medications that contain fluoxetine may help with limiting premature ejaculation. Dr. Jed Kaminestky offers some medical advice on how effective fluoxetine can be for PE. Overall, Fluoxetine can be a good treatment option for PE, but it does come with various side effects and might not be the best choice for everyone with PE. Below are some ways you can tell if Fluoxetine is the right choice for you. You can also get medical insight from your provider.
What is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine, also known by its brand name Prozac, is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood and is thought to play a major role in some of the most debilitating mental illnesses. For instance, the lack of serotonin has been linked to an increase in depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and a wide range of other mental illnesses.
The way Fluoxetine works is by helping serotonin levels stay regulated within the brain, leading to a long-term solution for these mental illnesses. That being said, it’s important to note that Fluoxetine will not work overnight to treat symptoms. Instead, it’s recommended that people try their Fluoxetine and stick to their doctor’s recommended dosage for around 2 months or longer. You’ll begin to see an improvement in symptoms, including in PE, around this time. PE is also thought to come as a result of a lack of serotonin, which is why Fluoxetine is used to treat PE at times.
Do You Have the Commitment to Take Medication?
Unlike other types of solutions for PE, such as delay sprays or trying different products, taking Fluoxetine requires a steady commitment that is quite different. You’ll need to make sure you’re taking your medication as prescribed and not veering away from any dosage instructions. In addition, your doctor will tell you of any follow-up visits or appointments you’ll need to schedule when taking Fluoxetine and getting treatment for PE. It’s vital that you have the energy and commitment to take your medication as prescribed daily.
A good way to be prepared for this change in lifestyle is to set an alarm and ensure your insurance is ready to cover the costs of continuous medication. If you have any concerns about sticking to your Fluoxetine regimen, speak to your doctor about alternative treatment options.
Will You Continue Your Medication?
It’s important to note that once you start Fluoxetine, you’ll need to stay on your medication regimen until it’s okay to stop, as directed by your doctor. Many people mistakenly believe that it’s safe to stop taking Fluoxetine suddenly. On the contrary, doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be debilitating, such as irritability, headaches, mood swings, down mood, and other similar symptoms. While withdrawal will be different for everyone, one thing is certain – it’s dangerous to suddenly stop your medication without a follow-up plan of care.
If you’re going to opt for Fluoxetine, consider speaking to your doctor about ways to wean off when you decide to stop your regimen. Your doctor will reduce your dosage and help you wean off your medication within a matter of weeks. If you’re planning on traveling or have other plans, you’ll need to make sure you still have time to take your medication while you’re weaning off it.
Have you Tried Other Methods?
Before you start taking your medication, it’s also important to consider whether or not you’ve tried other methods of treatment for your PE. For instance, if you know your PE is due to an increase in sensation, you might be better off using delay sprays, creams, or numbing agents. In addition, if you know your PE is due to an increase in anxiety, you might be able to try other holistic options such as breathing techniques and anxiety.
Unfortunately, many men might think that trying one product or technique once is the end all be all. However, taking the time to try different products, techniques, and even strategizing with your partner is best when it comes to finding a solution for your PE. Instead of giving up and deciding to opt for medications right away, consider if you’ve truly tried all of the products on the market and if any have made a difference in your life. The longer you spend trying to find the right product for you, the easier it’ll be to find a lasting solution to your PE.
The Bottom Line
Medications like Fluoxetine can be a great way for men to find relief from their PE symptoms. However, it’s important to speak to your doctor about other options and consider other ways you can get help. Without commitment and knowledge, you might do yourself more harm than good by starting Fluoxetine. Take the time to find a solution that works for you, and reach out to your medical provider so you can get long-lasting help for your PE.
