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SSRIs and ejaculation: a double-blind, randomized, fixed-dose study with paroxetine and citalopram
M D Waldinger1, A H Zwinderman, B Olivier
1Department of Psychiatry and Neurosexology, Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands. post@m-waldinger.demon.nl
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can delay ejaculation. This study found paroxetine significantly delayed ejaculation in men with rapid ejaculation, while citalopram had a milder effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently associated with delayed orgasm and ejaculation.
- Individual SSRIs may exhibit varying degrees of impact on ejaculation latency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of paroxetine and citalopram on ejaculation latency in men with lifelong rapid ejaculation.
- To evaluate potential differences in ejaculation delay induced by clinically relevant doses of these two SSRIs.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, fixed-dose study involving 30 healthy men with intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) under 1 minute.
- Participants received either paroxetine (20 mg/day) or citalopram (20 mg/day) for 5 weeks, with a dose titration in the first week.
- IELTs were self-measured using a stopwatch during a 1-month baseline and 6-week treatment period.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in the evolution of IELT delay was observed between the groups (p = 0.0004).
- Paroxetine (20 mg/day) increased IELT by approximately 8.9-fold (from 18 to 170 seconds).
- Citalopram (20 mg/day) resulted in a milder increase in IELT, approximately 1.8-fold (from 21 to 44 seconds).
Conclusions:
- Paroxetine at 20 mg/day significantly delays ejaculation in men with rapid ejaculation.
- Citalopram at 20 mg/day demonstrates a less pronounced effect on delaying ejaculation compared to paroxetine.