What are Paroxetine and Sertraline?
Paroxetine (Paxil) and Sertraline (Zoloft) are medications belonging to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class. While originally designed to treat depression and anxiety, they have become a “gold standard” off-label treatment for Premature Ejaculation (PE). These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the synaptic clefts of the brain and spinal cord.3 In the context of male performance, serotonin acts as a natural “brake” on the ejaculatory reflex, helping to delay the signal that triggers climax.
Common Uses for Balanced Medical Solutions’ San Francisco and East Bay Area Patients:
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Significant Extension of Intercourse (IELT): Both medications are highly effective at increasing Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time (IELT).4 Paroxetine is often cited as the most potent SSRI for this purpose, with studies showing it can increase duration by up to 6 to 10 times the baseline.5
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Improved Ejaculatory Control: By modulating the central nervous system’s response to sexual stimulation, these medications help men feel more in control of “the point of no return,” reducing the distress and anxiety often associated with PE.
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Reduction in Performance Anxiety: Because these medications also treat underlying anxiety, they can help break the psychological cycle where the fear of “finishing too early” actually causes the body to climax faster.
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Treatment for Lifelong and Acquired PE: Whether a patient has struggled with stamina since their first sexual encounter or developed it later in life due to stress or health changes, SSRIs provide a reliable pharmacological intervention.
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Synergy with ED Medications: It is very common for Bay Area patients to use Paroxetine or Sertraline in combination with Sildenafil (Viagra) or Tadalafil (Cialis). This combination ensures a firm, reliable erection that also has the stamina to last significantly longer.