Sertraline
Can I Use Sertraline for Premature Ejaculation?
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that raises serotonin levels in the brain.
Sertraline is FDA approved to treat different mental health conditions, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Small studies have suggested sertraline may also be helpful for treating premature ejaculation.
In some cases, sertraline may negatively impact sex drive or cause erectile dysfunction (ED) in people assigned male at birth.
Imagine watching a thrilling and exhilarating movie. As the plot thickens towards the climax, you inch forward in anticipation of what’s to come. Suddenly, the lights turn on and the film stops — and you’re left disappointed.
For some people, this may occur in the bedroom during their most intimate experiences. People assigned male at birth may sometimes experience premature ejaculation. This is a condition where the time it takes to ejaculate is cut short.
Treating premature ejaculation often depends on the cause. No medications are FDA approved for the condition. But some research suggests that there are a few medications that could be helpful. Sertraline (Zoloft) is one of these medications.
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In this article we’ll discuss how sertraline works to treat different conditions, including premature ejaculation.
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It treats several mental health conditions chemical imbalances cause in the brain.
Sertraline works by raising levels of serotonin in the brain. This hormone helps regulate mood and emotions.
Sertraline can treat a variety of different mental health conditions. The FDA first approved it in 1991 to treat depression. Since then, experts discovered the medication works for other conditions, too.
Currently, sertraline is FDA approved for the following conditions:
Major depressive disorder (also called depression)
Sertraline treats these conditions by balancing serotonin levels.The body needs serotonin for other functions, including sexual activity. So some healthcare providers may prescribe sertraline off-label for other reasons.
Studies suggest different chemical messengers play a role in ejaculation. Experts believe serotonin helps control ejaculation timing. Low serotonin levels may mean ejaculation happens faster.
Since sertraline raises serotonin levels, it might help lengthen the time before ejaculation happens. Researchers have studied its role in treating premature ejaculation.
Several small studies have evaluated sertraline in people with premature ejaculation. Participants typically took 50 mg of sertraline per day. These studies showed significant improvements for people who took sertraline.
A 2019 meta-analysis combined the results of 14 studies and 645 study participant records. Sertraline doses ranged from 50 mg to 200 mg per day. It showed that sertraline lengthened ejaculation time and improved sexual satisfaction.
A different 2019 study evaluated whether other SSRIs could be helpful for premature ejaculation. Researchers compared sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa). These are also SSRI medications. This study suggested that all four SSRIs were similarly effective.
Sertraline appears to show a noticeable improvement for premature ejaculation after 4 weeks. This is similar to the amount of time it takes for sertraline to kick in for other conditions.
Studies have also looked at whether people can take on-demand (as needed) sertraline instead of taking it every day. A small study compared the effectiveness of these two regimens.
Both groups experienced significant improvement. But the group taking sertraline daily had better results. On the flip side, the on-demand group had fewer side effects. This study suggested that as-needed sertraline could be an option for premature ejaculation.
Sertraline may improve premature ejaculation symptoms. But the medication can lower sex drive for some. Sertraline can also cause erectile dysfunction.
When serotonin attaches to certain areas of the brain, it may lower sex drive or worsen the quality of erections. Sertraline makes more serotonin available in the brain. This extra serotonin can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) or delayed ejaculation.
The number of people experiencing sexual side effects is unclear. But it’s believed to affect up to 80% of people taking SSRIs.
If you’re taking sertraline and experience sexual problems, let your healthcare provider know. Don’t stop your medication unless your provider tells you this is OK. Your healthcare provider may recommend slowly lowering the dose.
Slowly lowering your dose instead of stopping the medication right away helps prevent antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. These temporary withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms include flu-like symptoms, dizziness, tremors, and mood changes.
Other common side effects of sertraline include:
Nausea
Dry mouth
Diarrhea or constipation
Trouble sleeping
Tiredness
Upset stomach
Sweating
Rarely, sertraline can lead to serious side effects, including:
Excessive bleeding
Seizures
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Certain heart rhythm problems
Serotonin syndrome — a life-threatening condition involving fever, sweating, fast heartbeat, and stiff muscles
People experiencing any of these serious side effects should seek immediate medical attention.
Sertraline is a SSRI that raises serotonin levels in the brain. This medication is FDA approved for several mental health conditions. It’s also sometimes used off-label for premature ejaculation.
Small studies suggest that sertraline can improve premature ejaculation symptoms. But sexual side effects — such as erectile dysfunction — are also possible with this medication. It’s best to talk with your healthcare provider to see if sertraline is the right choice for you.
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