The efficacy of fluoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a double-blind placebo controlled study

Abstract

Purpose: The efficacy of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor fluoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation was examined.

Materials and methods: The study comprised 17 patients with premature ejaculation who presented to the urology clinic of our medical school. In this double-blind study the patients were randomized into treatment groups receiving 20 mg. fluoxetine daily for 1 week and 40 mg. daily afterward (group 1) or 1 capsule placebo daily for 1 week and 2 capsules daily afterward (group 2). The groups were evaluated according to the latent period of intravaginal ejaculation.

Results: The latent period of intravaginal ejaculation in group 1 was significantly longer than that in group 2. Nausea, headache and insomnia were reported side effects.

Conclusions: Fluoxetine may be regarded as a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of premature ejaculation.