Questions, answered plainly
How many tablets do I get?
Your first supply is 3 tablets of dapoxetine 30 mg — that is what our Patient Group Direction sets as the initial supply, so new patients can only order the initial supply. Once you've used it, choose a quantity marked repeat supply — the consultation asks about your previous supply and how it suited you, and our pharmacist reviews every order. The 60 mg strength is only for men who have taken 30 mg on at least 6 occasions (or over at least 4 weeks), found it wasn't enough, and had no moderate or severe side effects or faintness; the consultation asks about this.
Do I need to come in?
No. The consultation asks you to take your own blood pressure and pulse lying down and then after standing for at least a minute, using a home blood-pressure monitor, and whether anything happened when you stood up. If you don't have a monitor, you can call in and we'll take the readings with you. Our pharmacist reviews them before anything is supplied.
Is there anything I can buy without a consultation?
Yes — Stud 100 spray and EMLA cream are available over the counter for premature ejaculation. See our premature ejaculation page.
Can I drink alcohol while taking dapoxetine?
No. Alcohol must be strictly avoided while taking dapoxetine, because the combination significantly increases the risk of dizziness, fainting (syncope) and injury. If you drink regularly, mention this to our pharmacist during your consultation. You should also avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or doing anything hazardous while the medicine is working or if you feel at all dizzy or faint.
What should I do if I feel dizzy or faint after taking dapoxetine?
Lie down straight away with your legs raised and do not try to stand until the symptoms have fully passed. Warning signs include nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations, sweating and confusion, and they usually appear within the first three hours after a dose. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy, and tell our pharmacist about any episode at your next review.
Do I need a blood pressure check before starting dapoxetine?
Yes — before dapoxetine is first supplied, blood pressure and pulse need checking lying down and standing, because dapoxetine can cause a sudden pressure drop that leads to fainting. The consultation shows you how to take these readings yourself with a home blood-pressure monitor — or you can call in and we'll measure them free. If your blood pressure drops or you feel faint when you stand, dapoxetine isn't started and we'll discuss alternatives.
