The efficacy of duloxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation

Abstract

Though premature ejaculation (PE) has been overshadowed by current attention given to erectile dysfunction, it is the most widespread form of male sexual dysfunction. Delayed or inhibited ejaculation, a known side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), has made SSRIs potentially useful in the treatment of this disorder. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of duloxetine, an SSRI, in the treatment of PE. The study included 20 married patients diagnosed with PE. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups, duloxetine (group I) and placebo (group II), each consisting of 10 patients. The effects on the ejaculatory function were estimated by the intravaginal ejaculation latency time. All patients were evaluated by using clinical global impression-improvement Scale (CGI-I). The increase in the intravaginal ejaculation latency time in the duloxetine group was statistically significant than that of placebo group. Of group I patients, four (40%) were considered as "very much improved" and four (40%) "much improved" by CGI-I and only one of group II patients (10%) showed "much improved". Duloxetine appears to be superior to placebo in the pharmacological treatment of PE when administered on a chronic basis.