Dapoxetine Side Effects
Understanding the side effects of dapoxetine, which is sold under the brand name Everlong tablets in Pakistan, helps you use the medication safely and effectively. Not everyone experiences side effects, but knowing what to expect is important.
Common Side Effects
These side effects happen in more than 1 in 10 people taking dapoxetine:
Nausea is the most common side effect. Many people feel sick to their stomach, especially when first starting the medication. Taking dapoxetine with food may help reduce nausea.
Dizziness affects many users. You may feel a bit dizzy or off-balance, particularly when you stand up suddenly. This feeling typically gets better as your body becomes used to the medication.
Headache is another frequent complaint. The headaches are usually mild to moderate and typically subside after a few days of treatment.
Diarrhea can occur, ranging from mild to moderate. Stay hydrated and eat bland foods if this happens.
Trouble sleeping affects some people. You might have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, especially if you take the medication later in the day.
Tiredness is common, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment. Your energy levels should improve as your body adjusts.
Dry mouth happens when your mouth produces less saliva. Staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on ice cubes may provide relief.
Serious Side Effects
Although rare, these side effects need urgent medical care:
Fainting or near-fainting can be dangerous. If you feel like you might pass out, sit or lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Severe mood changes, including depression, anxiety, or unusual thoughts, need prompt medical attention. While rare, some people may experience worsening mental health.
Allergic reactions are uncommon but serious. Signs include rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing. Call emergency services if this happens.
Serotonin syndrome is uncommon but can be a serious and life-threatening medical condition. Symptoms include confusion, rapid heart rate, high fever, sweating, and muscle stiffness. This requires immediate emergency treatment.
Severe diarrhea that doesn’t stop can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Contact a doctor if you have severe diarrhea or if it continues for more than two days.
Neurological Side Effects
Some people experience effects on their nervous system:
Balance problems can cause a feeling of instability while standing or walking. Use handrails and move slowly if this occurs.
Tremors or shaking in your hands or other body parts should be reported to your doctor.
Concentration difficulties might affect your ability to focus at work or while driving. Avoid complex tasks until you know how the medication affects you.
Memory problems are usually mild but should be monitored. If you experience major memory problems, speak with your doctor right away.
Drug Interactions with Dapoxetine
Dapoxetine can interact dangerously with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about every medicine you use, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and any supplements.
Dangerous Drug Combinations
According to the research published on Research Gate, MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should never be taken with dapoxetine. This combination can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping MAO inhibitors before taking dapoxetine.
Examples of MAO inhibitors include:
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Selegiline (Eldepryl)
Taking other antidepressants along with dapoxetine may raise the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
- SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft)
- SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline
Lithium used for bipolar disorder can increase serotonin levels dangerously when combined with dapoxetine.
Medications Requiring Caution
- Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) may have increased effects when taken with dapoxetine. This can increase bleeding risk.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can increase bleeding risk, especially in the stomach.
- Aspirin, even in low doses for heart protection, can increase bleeding risk when combined with dapoxetine.
- Migraine medications called triptans (like sumatriptan) can increase serotonin syndrome.
- Certain heart medications may interact with dapoxetine, affecting heart rhythm or blood pressure.
Herbal and Supplement Interactions
- St. John’s Wort is an herbal supplement that can cause dangerous interactions with dapoxetine. Never take these together.
- Using 5-HTP supplements with dapoxetine may cause serotonin levels to become dangerously high.
- Tryptophan supplements can also increase serotonin syndrome.
- Taking Ginkgo biloba along with dapoxetine may raise the risk of bleeding.
Contraindications – When Not to Use Dapoxetine
Contraindications are conditions or situations where dapoxetine should not be used because it could be harmful.
Absolute Contraindications
- Allergy to dapoxetine or any ingredient in Everlong tablets means you should never take this medication.
- Current use of MAO inhibitors is an absolute contraindication due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Severe heart problems, including heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or a recent heart attack, make dapoxetine unsafe.
- Severe kidney disease prevents your body from clearing the medication properly, leading to a dangerous buildup.
- Severe liver disease affects how your body processes dapoxetine, potentially causing toxic levels.
Heart-Related Contraindications
- Heart failure means your heart can’t pump blood effectively. Dapoxetine can worsen this condition.
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can be made worse by dapoxetine, potentially causing dangerous heart rhythms.
- A recent heart attack within the past 6 months is a contraindication due to heart stress.
- Severely high blood pressure that’s not well-controlled can be worsened by dapoxetine.
- A history of fainting, especially if related to heart problems, increases the risk of dangerous fainting episodes.
Mental Health Contraindications
- Bipolar disorder can be triggered into mania by dapoxetine, even though it’s not used daily like other SSRIs.
- Active suicidal thoughts or recent suicide attempts mean dapoxetine should be avoided.
- Severe depression that’s not being treated should be addressed before considering dapoxetine.
- Mania or hypomania history makes dapoxetine risky due to potential mood episode triggers.
Age-Related Contraindications
- Under 18 years old – Dapoxetine is not approved for use in children or teenagers.
- Over 65 years old – While not an absolute contraindication, older adults need careful monitoring due to increased sensitivity to side effects.
Special Populations and Precautions
People with kidney, liver, bleeding, seizure, or eye conditions like glaucoma should use dapoxetine cautiously. It’s only for men, but medical advice is still important if a partner is pregnant or breastfeeding. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Kidney Disease
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dapoxetine dose or monitor you more closely. Mild kidney disease may not prevent you from taking dapoxetine, but moderate to severe kidney disease is a contraindication.
Liver Disease
Liver problems affect how your body processes dapoxetine. Mild liver disease may require dose adjustments, while severe liver disease prevents safe use of the medication.
Bleeding Disorders
If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medications, dapoxetine may increase your bleeding risk. Your doctor will consider both the potential benefits and risks before deciding on treatment.
Seizure Disorders
While rare, dapoxetine might lower the seizure threshold in people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Close monitoring is needed.
Glaucoma
Dapoxetine can raise pressure inside the eye. This could be harmful for people who have glaucoma. Regular eye pressure monitoring may be needed.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy – Dapoxetine is not intended for use by women, as it’s specifically for male premature ejaculation. However, if a female partner is pregnant, there’s no direct risk from the male partner taking dapoxetine.
Breastfeeding – Since dapoxetine is for men only, this typically doesn’t apply. However, if there are concerns about the medication affecting breast milk through intimate contact, discuss with your doctor.
Drug Testing and Interactions
Dapoxetine may show up on certain drug tests as it’s related to antidepressants. If you undergo drug testing for work or legal reasons, inform the testing facility that you’re taking prescribed dapoxetine.
Alcohol and Dapoxetine
Alcohol should be avoided while taking dapoxetine. The combination can:
- Increased dizziness and fainting risk
- Worsen side effects like nausea
- Reduce the medication’s effectiveness
- This medication may cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood pressure.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe diarrhea that doesn’t stop
- Signs of serotonin syndrome (confusion, fever, muscle stiffness)
Contact your doctor within 24 hours if you have:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Unusual tiredness that doesn’t improve
- New or worsening depression
- Problems with balance or coordination
Tips for Safe Use
- Start with the lowest dose that works for you, as prescribed. Don’t change your dose without asking your doctor first.
- Drink a full glass of water when taking this medicine. It helps avoid nausea and makes the medicine work better.
- Take one dose 1-3 hours before sexual activity. This medication is not meant for daily use.
- Don’t exceed one dose per day, even if the first dose doesn’t seem effective.
- Keep a simple diary to record any side effects and track whether the medicine is working properly for you.
- Don’t share your medication with others, even if they have similar problems.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Conclusion
Dapoxetine (Everlong tablets) effectively manages premature ejaculation when taken as directed. For safe use, be aware of potential side effects, drug interactions, and health conditions that may prevent use.
Always work closely with your healthcare provider to determine if dapoxetine is right for you. They can assess your risk factors, current medications, and health conditions to make the best treatment recommendation.
Remember that medication is just one part of treating premature ejaculation. Combining it with counseling, lifestyle changes, and open communication with your partner often provides the best results.
If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking dapoxetine, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Your health and safety come first. We’ll only recommend treatments where the benefits outweigh any risks for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Dapoxetine (Everlong tablets), including safety, usage, and side effects
Q: What are the most common side effects of dapoxetine?
Common temporary effects include nausea (1 in 5 people), dizziness, headaches, or diarrhea. These usually start within a few hours and go away by the next day. Eating with your dose can help reduce stomach upset.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking dapoxetine?
No, you should completely avoid alcohol when taking dapoxetine. Alcohol increases the risk of dangerous side effects, including severe dizziness, fainting, and dangerously low blood pressure.
Q: How long do dapoxetine side effects last?
Most dapoxetine side effects last 4-6 hours after taking the medication. Since it’s taken only when needed (not daily), side effects typically resolve within 12-24 hours. If you experience persistent or worsening side effects, seek immediate medical attention. Do not delay consultation with your healthcare provider.
Q: Can I take dapoxetine with other medications?
Dapoxetine has potentially dangerous interactions with numerous medications, including antidepressants (especially SSRIs and MAO inhibitors), anticoagulants, and cardiac drugs. Concurrent use with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. Always disclose your complete medication and supplement regimen to your healthcare provider.
Q: When should I not take dapoxetine?
Don’t take dapoxetine if you have severe heart problems, liver disease, kidney disease, are taking antidepressants, or are under 18 years old. Also, avoid if you have a history of fainting, bipolar disorder, or are allergic to dapoxetine.
Q: How quickly does dapoxetine work?
Dapoxetine starts working within 1-3 hours after taking it. Take it 1-3 hours before planned sexual activity for best results. The effects last for several hours, so timing is important for effectiveness.
Q: What immediate actions are needed if I notice dangerous side effects from this treatment?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe mood changes, signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling), or symptoms of serotonin syndrome (confusion, fever, muscle stiffness, rapid heartbeat).
Q: Can I take dapoxetine every day?
No, dapoxetine should never be taken daily. It’s designed for as-needed use only, maximum once per day. Daily use increases side effects without improving effectiveness and can be dangerous.
Q: Is dapoxetine safe for men with high blood pressure?
Men with well-controlled high blood pressure may be able to take dapoxetine, but those with severe or uncontrolled hypertension should not use it. Your doctor needs to evaluate your blood pressure control before prescribing dapoxetine.
Q: What are the signs of dapoxetine overdose?
Dapoxetine overdose symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting, extreme dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately or contact poison control.