Sertraline®

What is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a type of drug called an SSRI, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is often used for mood and anxiety problems, like depression and panic disorder.
It also helps delay orgasm in men, so it’s an effective treatment for premature ejaculation. You take it every day and it helps you last longer when you have sex.

Sertraline is an ‘off-label’ treatment for premature ejaculation, meaning it’s not licensed for this use.^[1] A clinician can still prescribe it if it’s suitable for you. Sertraline might be a good choice if other premature ejaculation treatments, like Emla cream and Priligy tablets, aren’t right for you.

How does Sertraline work?

SSRIs like Sertraline increase the activity of serotonin in your brain and across your body. They do this by binding to the channels which release the serotonin, called 5-HT receptors. This makes it easier to transmit serotonin throughout your system.^[2]

Serotonin is often called the happiness hormone, which is why SSRIs like Sertraline are used against depression. But serotonin also plays a role in your sex life. It’s thought that stimulating some of your 5-HT receptors like Sertraline does can give you better and longer-lasting erections.^[3] This isn’t the case for every one though, for a few men, taking Sertraline can cause erectile dysfunction as an unwanted side effect. It also seems to interrupt the complex sequence of events that lead to ejaculation which is why it can work well for men who climax too quickly.

What doses of Sertraline are there?

Sertraline is usually used for premature ejaculation in 25mg or 50mg doses, but some men find they need a higher dose. You take it once a day, at around the same time. You’ll usually start on the lowest dose to help you get used to the treatment and raise it if needed. Your clinician will help you find the dose that fits you best.

How to take Sertraline

Follow your clinician’s advice on how to take Sertraline. If you have any questions, talk to your clinician or message us if you’re using our service.

• Take Sertraline at around the same time everyday. Try using a medication reminder app or setting alarms so you don’t forget.
• You can take Sertraline with or without food. 
• Swallow the tablets whole, without crushing or chewing them. Sertraline can taste bitter, so try to drink a whole glass of water with your pill.
• Don’t drink grapefruit juice while taking Sertraline. They interact with each other. Grapefruit juice makes it harder for you to process Sertraline and raises the levels in your blood to worryingly high levels. This can cause extra side effects.^[1]
  

How long does it take Sertraline to work?

Sertraline starts working quickly, but its effects only get better over the weeks. The medication needs time to reach its maximum effects on your body. Most men see significant improvement in their intravaginal ejaculation latency time^[2] (IELT) after just three weeks, which continues to get better over time. IELT is the time it takes to orgasm while having vaginal sex. 

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Sertraline?

If you take too much Sertraline, you might feel drowsy or dizzy. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, it’s important you get medical help right away. Get urgent medical attention and bring the packaging with you.

If you forget to take Sertraline, just skip it and take your next dose when it’s time. Don’t take two tablets of Sertraline to try and offset the missing dose. Taking your meds at the same time every day and using alarms or reminders can help you remember.

Want to stop taking Sertraline? Chat with your clinician first. Stopping SSRIs suddenly can cause uncomfortable symptoms for some people. Your clinician can help you slowly reduce the medication so you don’t notice any issues.