PE Treatment Comparison Tool
Use this tool to compare different premature ejaculation treatments based on key criteria. Select two treatments to see a detailed side-by-side comparison.
Treatment Criteria Overview
How quickly the treatment begins to work
How long the effect lasts
Percentage of men showing improvement
Frequency and severity of common adverse events
Whether it's on-demand or daily use
Price per dose in New Zealand dollars (NZD)
When it comes to tackling premature ejaculation (PE), Duratia is often the first name that pops up. It's a brand‑name version of dapoxetine, the only short‑acting SSRI approved specifically for on‑demand use in men with PE. But is it the best fit for you? This guide breaks down Duratia’s strengths, its drawbacks, and the most common alternatives - from other prescription pills to behavioral tricks and topical gels - so you can decide what matches your lifestyle and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Duratia (dapoxetine) works fast, usually within an hour, and lasts about 3‑4hours.
- Its efficacy is comparable to other SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline) but side‑effects like nausea are more frequent.
- Non‑drug options such as behavioral therapy or lidocaine spray can be as effective for mild cases and have fewer systemic risks.
- Cost varies widely - Duratia is premium‑priced in NZ, while generic dapoxetine or off‑label options can be cheaper.
- Choosing the right treatment hinges on onset time, duration, side‑effect tolerance, and whether you need on‑demand or daily dosing.
How Duratia Works
Duratia contains dapoxetine, a fast‑acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). By boosting serotonin levels in the spinal cord, it raises the ejaculatory threshold, giving you more control. Unlike traditional SSRIs used for depression (which take weeks to build up), dapoxetine peaks in 1‑2hours and clears from the system within 24hours, making it suitable for on‑demand use before sexual activity.
What to Compare: Decision Criteria
When weighing Duratia against alternatives, consider these six criteria:
- Onset - How quickly the drug starts working.
- Duration - How long the effect lasts.
- Efficacy - Percentage of men reporting improved control in clinical trials.
- Side‑effect profile - Frequency and severity of common adverse events.
- Dosing regimen - On‑demand vs. daily.
- Cost - Price per dose in NewZealand dollars (NZD).
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand / Generic | Active Ingredient | Onset | Duration | Efficacy (clinical) | Common Side‑effects | Typical Cost per Dose (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duratia | dapoxetine | 30‑60min | 3‑4hrs | ~71% | Nausea, dizziness, headache | 30‑40 |
| Priligy (generic) | dapoxetine | 30‑60min | 3‑4hrs | ~71% | Same as Duratia, often milder | 15‑20 |
| Paroxetine (daily) | paroxetine | 1‑2hrs (after steady‑state) | 12‑24hrs | ~63% | Somnolence, sexual dysfunction, weight gain | 5‑8 |
| Lidocaine Spray | lidocaine (topical) | 15‑30min | 1‑2hrs | ~55% | Local numbness, irritation | 10‑12 |
| Behavioural Therapy | n/a (technique) | Varies (weeks) | Long‑term | ~50‑60% | Requires time, partner involvement | 0‑200 (depending on therapist) |
| Yohimbine (herbal) | yohimbine HCl | 45‑60min | 2‑3hrs | ~45% | Anxiety, increased BP | 12‑15 |
Deep‑Dive into the Alternatives
Priligy is simply the generic form of dapoxetine sold in many pharmacies. Because it lacks the brand premium, many men get the same pharmacologic effect for half the price. The only real trade‑off is that some users feel the branded pill has a more consistent tablet weight, but studies show bio‑equivalence.
For those who prefer a daily approach, Paroxetine (a standard antidepressant) has been repurposed for PE. It needs a few days to reach steady state, so it’s not ideal for spontaneous encounters, yet it offers a longer window of control if you’re planning multiple sessions within a day.
Topical options such as lidocaine spray work by numbing the penile skin, delaying the ejaculatory reflex. The benefit is minimal systemic exposure, but the downside is reduced sensation for both partners. Proper timing (apply 10‑15 minutes before intercourse) is key.
Behavioural therapy, including the “stop‑start” and “squeeze” techniques, tackles the problem at the neural level without drugs. Success rates hover around 55% in randomized trials, and the skill set lasts a lifetime. However, it demands patience, practice, and often a supportive partner.
Herbal supplements like yohimbine claim to improve blood flow and nerve sensitivity. Evidence is mixed, and the supplement carries a risk of raising blood pressure and causing anxiety, so it’s best reserved for men without cardiovascular issues.
Safety, Interactions, and Who Should Avoid What
All SSRIs, including dapoxetine, can interact with medicines that affect the cytochromeP4503A4 pathway (e.g., certain antibiotics, antifungals, grapefruit juice). If you’re on heart medications or nitrates, avoid dapoxetine outright - the combo can cause dangerous blood‑pressure drops.
Topical lidocaine is safe for most men, but avoid it if you have a known allergy to local anesthetics. Over‑application can lead to penile numbness lingering for hours, making post‑coital intimacy awkward.
Behavioural therapy has virtually no medical contraindications, making it the safest first‑line choice for men with chronic health conditions.
Yohimbine should be skipped by anyone with hypertension, heart disease, or a history of panic attacks. Always check with a clinician before adding any supplement to your regimen.
Putting It All Together: How to Choose Your Path
Use the following decision flow to land on the option that fits you best:
- If you need an on‑demand solution for occasional encounters and can afford a premium, start with Duratia or its generic counterpart.
- If cost is a concern but you still want rapid onset, opt for the generic dapoxetine (Priligy) - same effect, lower price.
- If you prefer daily coverage for frequent activity, discuss a low‑dose paroxetine regimen with your GP.
- If you’re wary of systemic side‑effects, try lidocaine spray or a desensitising condom first.
- If you have the time and a supportive partner, enroll in a behavioral therapy program - the investment pays off long‑term.
- Only consider yohimbine after medical clearance and if other options have failed.
Remember, the best treatment is the one you’ll actually use consistently. A short trial of each (under medical guidance) can reveal personal tolerability before you settle on a long‑term plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Duratia start working?
Duratia usually begins to take effect within 30‑60minutes after ingestion, with peak benefit at about 2hours.
Can I take dapoxetine every day?
Dapoxetine is intended for on‑demand use only. Daily dosing can increase side‑effects and isn’t recommended by guidelines.
Is a partner needed for behavioural therapy?
While a partner can make practice easier, many men successfully use solo techniques (e.g., pause‑contract exercises) guided by a therapist’s instructions.
Are there any foods or drinks that boost dapoxetine effectiveness?
Avoid grapefruit juice and heavy alcohol before taking dapoxetine, as they can raise blood levels and increase nausea.
What should I do if I miss a dose of a daily SSRI for PE?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s within 12hours of the next scheduled dose - then skip the missed one to avoid double‑dosing.
When you stare at the comparison table you can almost feel the pulse of a battlefield of choices, each treatment vying for the crown of the “best” PE solution. The first thing to grasp is that Duratia’s rapid onset isn’t just a convenience-it’s a tactical advantage for spontaneous encounters. Yet the price tag of $30‑40 per dose can feel like a heavy toll on the wallet, especially when generic dapoxetine offers a similar pharmacologic profile for half the cost. Efficacy numbers hovering around 71 % suggest that the drug works for the majority, but the side‑effect roster-nausea, dizziness, headache-can turn triumph into torment if you’re not prepared. In contrast, daily paroxetine provides a longer window of control, stretching over 12‑24 hours, but at the expense of sexual dysfunction and weight gain that can linger. Lidocaine spray, with its 15‑30 minute onset, offers a non‑systemic alternative, though the trade‑off is reduced sensation for both partners-something you need to discuss openly. Behavioral therapy, while demanding weeks of practice, builds a lifelong skill set that’s immune to pharmaceutical fluctuations and financial strain. Yohimbine’s herbal allure masks a modest 45 % efficacy and a risk of anxiety, making it a last‑resort option for the adventurous. The choice, therefore, isn’t merely about numbers; it’s about lifestyle, budget, and personal tolerance for risk. If you value on‑demand control and can afford the premium, Duratia stands out like a high‑performance sports car-fast, sleek, but pricey. If you’re budget‑conscious and don’t mind a generic pill, Priligy delivers the same engine without the luxury tax. For those who prefer a daily shield, low‑dose paroxetine can act as a steady guardian, provided you monitor the mood‑related side effects. Topical lidocaine can be your secret weapon for occasional nights, as long as you’re okay with a temporary numbness. And never underestimate the power of a structured behavioral program; it may feel slow at first, but the payoff is lasting confidence. Ultimately, the “best” treatment is the one you can adhere to consistently, because consistency is the silent hero behind every success story. So weigh the onset, duration, efficacy, side‑effects, dosing regimen, and cost like a seasoned strategist, and you’ll emerge with a plan that fits your unique battlefield.