If you’ve ever felt the embarrassment of finishing too fast, you know how quickly it can mess with confidence and even relationships. The market now offers a handful of on‑demand pills, daily antidepressants, sprays, and exercise plans-all promising to stretch the finish line. This guide breaks down the most popular choice, Duratia, and lines it up against the other options so you can see which one actually fits your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Duratia (dapoxetine) is the only on‑demand oral drug approved in the UK for premature ejaculation (PE).
- Daily SSRIs such as paroxetine and sertraline work, but they require consistent use and have different side‑effect profiles.
- Topical lidocaine spray offers a non‑systemic route, ideal for men wary of pills.
- PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil are off‑label for PE and mainly help when erectile dysfunction co‑exists.
- Behavioral therapy remains the cheapest, side‑effect‑free option, though it demands time and discipline.
What is Duratia?
Duratia is a brand‑name tablet that contains dapoxetine, a short‑acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) formulated specifically for on‑demand use before sexual activity. It received UK approval in 2015 and is the only medication licensed expressly for PE, meaning you can get it on a private prescription without the long‑term commitment of daily SSRIs.
Understanding dapoxetine
Dapoxetine works by briefly increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which slows down the ejaculatory reflex. Its half‑life is roughly 1.5hours, so the drug clears quickly, reducing the risk of lingering side effects that you’d see with traditional antidepressants.
The Condition: premature ejaculation
PE is defined as ejaculation that occurs within about one minute of penetration, or inability to delay ejaculation on most occasions. It affects an estimated 30% of men worldwide, with a sizable proportion seeking medical help in the UK.
Alternatives on the Market
Besides Duratia, the most commonly discussed treatments fall into four buckets:
- Daily SSRIs - e.g., paroxetine and sertraline.
- PDE5 inhibitors - chiefly sildenafil, used off‑label when erectile dysfunction co‑exists.
- Topical anesthetics - most popular is lidocaine spray (lidocaine spray).
- Non‑pharmacological approaches - behavioral therapy techniques such as the “stop‑start” or “squeeze” method.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Alternative | Type | On‑demand? | Daily? | Typical Side Effects | Approx. Price per Unit (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duratia | Short‑acting SSRI | Yes (30‑60min before sex) | No | Nausea, dizziness, mild headache | £45 for 10 tablets |
| Paroxetine | Long‑acting SSRI | No | Yes (daily) | Sexual dysfunction, insomnia, weight gain | £8 for 28 tablets (NHS generic) |
| Sertraline | Long‑acting SSRI | No | Yes (daily) | Diarrhoea, sweating, anxiety | £9 for 28 tablets (NHS generic) |
| Sildenafil | PDE5 inhibitor (off‑label) | Yes (1h before sex) | No | Flushing, visual changes, headache | £30 for 4 tablets |
| Lidocaine spray | Topical anesthetic | Yes (15‑30min before sex) | No | Temporary numbness, altered sensation | £25 for 2ml bottle |
| Behavioral therapy | Non‑pharmacological | Yes (technique applied during sex) | Variable | Time commitment, possible frustration | Free‑to‑low cost (books, apps, therapist £50‑£80 per hour) |
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Below each option’s high‑points and drawbacks, helping you match a treatment to your daily rhythm.
- Duratia: Fast‑acting, low‑dose, no need for daily pill. Downside - prescription only, cost higher than generic SSRIs.
- Paroxetine: Inexpensive via NHS, works for many men once steady‑state reached. Downside - takes 2‑3 weeks to kick in and can blunt overall libido.
- Sertraline: Similar to paroxetine but slightly better tolerability for some. Downside - same daily commitment and delayed onset.
- Sildenafil: Great if you also have erectile dysfunction; can be bought OTC in some pharmacies. Downside - not specifically licensed for PE, may cause visual disturbances.
- Lidocaine spray: No systemic side effects; easy to use. Downside - can dull pleasure for both partners if over‑applied.
- Behavioral therapy: No medication, no side effects, builds long‑term control. Downside - requires practice, patience, and possibly a professional’s guidance.
How to Choose the Right Option for You
Think about three practical questions before you pick a path:
- Do you need a solution that works only on the night you plan intimacy, or are you comfortable taking a daily pill?
- Are you looking to avoid systemic side effects entirely?
- Do you have co‑existing erectile dysfunction, anxiety, or other health concerns that might sway the decision?
If the answer to #1 is “yes” and you want a prescription‑only pill, Duratia is the most straightforward. If you’re okay with a daily routine and want the cheapest route, paroxetine or sertraline (via NHS) fit the bill. For men who also struggle with getting an erection, adding sildenafil to a low‑dose SSRI can be a win‑win. Those who fear any medication at all should start with lidocaine spray or a structured behavioural program.
Getting Duratia in the UK (2025)
Duratia isn’t stocked on the NHS, so you’ll need a private prescription. Here’s a quick pathway:
- Book an appointment with your GP or a private sexual health clinic. Mention that you’ve read about dapoxetine for PE.
- If the doctor agrees, they’ll issue a private prescription that you can fill at any pharmacy.
- Many chain pharmacies (Boots, Lloyds) have a dedicated sexual health desk.
- Online pharmacy services (e.g., Chemist Direct) also accept private scripts and ship discreetly.
- Check the MHRA website for any safety alerts before buying.
Typical out‑of‑pocket cost is £45 for a pack of ten tablets, which covers about 5‑6 sexual events if you use the 30mg dose.
Checklist: Before You Start Any PE Treatment
- Confirm the diagnosis with a healthcare professional (rule out underlying medical causes).
- List any current medications to check for interactions (e.g., nitrates with sildenafil).
- Decide on frequency - on‑demand vs daily.
- Consider partner involvement; communication improves success rates.
- Set a realistic trial period (2‑4 weeks for daily SSRIs, 2‑3 uses for on‑demand).
- Document side effects and effectiveness in a simple log.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
Even the best‑studied treatments fail for a minority. If you’ve tried a regimen for the recommended period and see no change, consider these steps:
- Re‑evaluate dosage - some men need the 60mg Duratia tablet instead of 30mg.
- Switch class - move from an on‑demand SSRI to a daily one, or vice‑versa.
- Combine approaches - a low‑dose SSRI plus lidocaine spray can cover both systemic and local control.
- Seek specialist input - urology or sexual health clinics often run multidisciplinary programs.
Remember, PE is multifactorial; addressing anxiety, relationship dynamics, and physical health together boosts success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duratia safe for men over 65?
Clinical data show dapoxetine is well‑tolerated up to age 80, but older men should be screened for cardiovascular issues and possible interactions with heart medications. A GP can assess whether the 30mg dose is appropriate.
Can I combine Duratia with a daily SSRI?
Combining two SSRIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, so it’s not recommended. If a daily SSRI isn’t controlling PE, switch to dapoxetine rather than add it.
How quickly does lidocaine spray work?
Apply 5-10 sprays to the penis 15‑30 minutes before intercourse. Most men report a noticeable reduction in sensitivity within 5 minutes of application.
Do I need a prescription for sildenafil for PE?
Sildenafil is available on the NHS for erectile dysfunction, but using it solely for PE is off‑label. A private prescription is still required for a reliable dosage and to ensure safety with any other meds.
Is behavioral therapy covered by the NHS?
Referral to a sexual health therapist can be NHS‑funded if a GP deems it medically necessary. Otherwise, many couples opt for self‑help books or online programs that cost less than £30.
Kai Röder
October 12 2025Duratia definitely fills a niche for men who want an on‑demand solution without the baggage of daily SSRIs. The short half‑life means you won’t be dealing with lingering side effects the next day. It does come with a price tag that can be a barrier for some, especially compared to generic paroxetine. If you’re comfortable getting a private prescription, it’s a solid option to try before committing to a daily regimen. Otherwise, you might want to explore the cheaper behavioral methods first.