Poxet (Dapoxetine) vs Alternatives: Complete 2025 Comparison Guide

Premature ejaculation (PE) can feel like a relentless tug‑of‑war between desire and control. If you’ve tried a few tricks and still feel stuck, you’re probably wondering whether a prescription like Poxet is worth it or if there’s a cheaper, safer option.

Below you’ll find a straight‑talk comparison that walks you through how Poxet (dapoxetine) measures up against the most common alternatives. We’ll cover how each option works, how quickly it kicks in, side‑effects you might see, and what the cost looks like in the UK today.

What is Poxet (dapoxetine)?

Dapoxetine is a short‑acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that was specifically designed for on‑demand use in men with premature ejaculation. The brand name Poxet is the UK‑market version, approved by the MHRA in 2009. Because it clears the system quickly, you can take a single tablet 1‑3 hours before sexual activity, and the effect typically lasts up to 4 hours.

Key points about Poxet:

  • Dosage: 30 mg or 60 mg tablet taken as needed.
  • Onset: 1-2 hours after ingestion.
  • Success rate: Clinical trials show a 60‑70 % increase in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT).
  • Common side‑effects: Nausea, headache, dizziness, and occasional insomnia.
  • Prescription status: NHS does not fund it; you’ll need a private GP or sexual‑health clinic prescription.

How dapoxetine works

Unlike daily SSRIs that circulate in the bloodstream all day, dapoxetine’s short half‑life (about 1.5 hours) lets you avoid the buildup that causes typical SSRI fatigue. It boosts serotonin levels in the brain just enough to delay the ejaculatory reflex without dulling overall arousal.

Because the drug is taken only when you plan to have sex, you avoid the need for long‑term medication adherence, which is a big plus for many men who fear being “on a pill forever.”

What to weigh when comparing PE treatments

Choosing the right option isn’t just about the headline success rate. Here are the five criteria we use for a fair side‑by‑side look:

  1. Efficacy - How much does the treatment extend IELT on average?
  2. Onset and duration - How long before it works and how long does the effect last?
  3. Safety profile - Frequency and severity of side‑effects.
  4. Convenience - Do you need a doctor’s script, daily dosing, or a topical application?
  5. Cost and availability - Price per treatment cycle in the UK market.

Alternatives to Poxet

While dapoxetine is the only drug officially approved for PE in the UK, a handful of off‑label or non‑pharmaceutical options are widely used. Below is a quick snapshot of each.

Sertraline is a classic SSRI prescribed for depression and anxiety. Some urologists prescribe it off‑label for PE, typically 50 mg taken daily.

  • Onset: 2-3 weeks (daily dosing).
  • Success: About 30‑40 % increase in IELT.
  • Side‑effects: Sexual dysfunction (paradoxically), weight gain, GI upset.

Paroxetine is another SSRI with a stronger ejaculation‑delaying effect, often used at 20 mg nightly.

  • Onset: 2-4 weeks.
  • Success: Up to 50 % longer IELT in some studies.
  • Side‑effects: Fatigue, constipation, potential withdrawal symptoms.

Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that also blocks serotonin reuptake. Doses of 25‑50 mg daily have been studied for PE.

  • Onset: 1-2 weeks.
  • Success: Similar to SSRIs, roughly 35‑45 % IELT gain.
  • Side‑effects: Dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain.

Lidocaine‑prilocaine spray (often sold as a desensitizing spray) works by numbing the penile skin, reducing sensation temporarily.

  • Onset: Immediate, within minutes.
  • Duration: 30‑60 minutes.
  • Success: Around 30‑50 % IELT increase, highly user‑dependent.
  • Side‑effects: Temporary loss of pleasure, rare allergic reactions.

Korean red ginseng is a herbal supplement thought to improve sexual stamina by supporting nitric‑oxide pathways.

  • Dosage: 900 mg to 1 g daily.
  • Onset: Several weeks of consistent use.
  • Success: Modest, about 10‑20 % increase in IELT.
  • Side‑effects: Mild insomnia, possible interaction with blood thinners.

Non‑pharmacological routes, such as cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT) and the “stop-start” technique, also play a big role but fall outside the medication‑focused scope of this guide.

Hand holding a blue Poxet tablet surrounded by a spray bottle, sertraline capsule, paroxetine pill, and ginseng roots.

Side‑by‑side comparison table

dapoxetine alternatives - key attributes
Medication / Option Mechanism Typical Dose Onset Duration of Effect Average IELT Gain Common Side‑effects Prescription? UK Cost (per treatment cycle)
Dapoxetine (Poxet) Short‑acting SSRI 30 mg or 60 mg, on‑demand 1-2 h Up to 4 h 60‑70 % Nausea, headache, dizziness Yes £25‑£30 per tablet
Sertraline Daily SSRI 50 mg once daily 2-3 weeks 24 h (continuous) 30‑40 % Insomnia, sexual dysfunction Yes £4‑£6 per month
Paroxetine Daily SSRI 20 mg nightly 2-4 weeks 24 h (continuous) 40‑50 % Fatigue, constipation Yes £5‑£8 per month
Clomipramine Tricyclic antidepressant 25‑50 mg daily 1-2 weeks 24 h (continuous) 35‑45 % Dry mouth, drowsiness Yes £3‑£5 per month
Lidocaine‑prilocaine spray Topical anesthetic 2‑3 sprays 10‑15 min before sex Minutes 30‑60 min 30‑50 % Temporary numbness, rare allergy No (over‑the‑counter) £12‑£20 per 10‑ml bottle
Korean red ginseng Herbal adaptogen 900 mg‑1 g daily Weeks of use Continuous while taken 10‑20 % Insomnia, possible drug interactions No £15‑£25 per month

Who should pick Poxet?

If you value a fast‑acting pill that you only need right before intimacy, dapoxetine often wins on convenience. It also tends to deliver a bigger jump in IELT compared with most off‑label daily SSRIs.

Ideal candidates:

  • Men who have occasional PE episodes rather than chronic daily problems.
  • Those who can afford a private prescription and prefer not to take a daily medication.
  • People without cardiovascular issues that might contraindicate SSRIs.

When an alternative makes more sense

Some men find daily SSRIs better because they want a steady mood‑boosting effect alongside PE control, or they dislike planning a dose a few hours before sex.

Consider these scenarios:

  • Budget‑conscious: A generic sertraline or paroxetine costs a fraction of dapoxetine and works if you’re okay with daily dosing.
  • Allergic or intolerant to SSRIs: Topical lidocaine‑prilocaine spray avoids systemic side‑effects entirely.
  • Preference for ‘natural’ solutions: Korean red ginseng can be added to a supplement regimen, though results are modest.

Pros and cons at a glance

Poxet (dapoxetine)

  • + On‑demand use, rapid onset.
  • + Highest IELT increase among listed options.
  • - Requires private prescription, higher per‑tablet price.
  • - Not covered by NHS, potential nausea.

Off‑label SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine, clomipramine)

  • + Low cost, widely available.
  • + Daily use may help with anxiety or mood.
  • - Delayed onset (weeks), need to take every day.
  • - Sexual side‑effects, possible withdrawal.

Topical anesthetics

  • + No systemic side‑effects, over‑the‑counter.
  • + Immediate effect.
  • - Can dull pleasure for both partners.
  • - Effect wears off quickly, need precise timing.

Herbal supplements

  • + Natural, generally safe.
  • + Can be combined with other treatments.
  • - Modest efficacy, requires weeks of use.
  • - Quality control varies between brands.
Doctor handing a prescription to a relaxed patient, with treatment options displayed on a nearby table.

Talking to your doctor

Bring a short list of questions:

  • Do I have any health conditions that rule out dapoxetine?
  • What monitoring is needed for daily SSRIs?
  • Can I combine a topical spray with an oral medication?
  • Are there any drug-herb interactions I should know about?

Being clear about your lifestyle (how often you’re intimate, budget, comfort with daily pills) helps the clinician suggest the best fit.

Quick decision guide

Use this three‑step checklist to narrow down your choice:

  1. Frequency: If PE only happens occasionally, try dapoxetine first.
  2. Cost tolerance: If you need a low‑cost solution, start with a daily SSRI.
  3. Side‑effect sensitivity: If you’ve had trouble with nausea or sexual dulling, test a topical spray.

Whichever path you pick, give the treatment at least four weeks (except for topical spray) before deciding if it works for you.

Next steps

Now that you’ve seen the numbers and pros/cons, schedule a quick chat with your GP or a sexual‑health specialist. Bring the comparison table (print or screenshot) so you can point to exact figures. Remember, the right choice balances effectiveness, safety, convenience, and your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take dapoxetine with alcohol?

A small amount of alcohol usually isn’t a problem, but heavy drinking can increase dizziness and nausea. It’s safest to keep alcohol moderate on the night you plan to use Poxet.

Do I need a new prescription each time I want dapoxetine?

Most UK pharmacies will ask for a fresh prescription after a few months, but you can usually get a repeat from your GP without a full consultation.

Is the lidocaine‑prilocaine spray safe for long‑term use?

Because it’s applied locally, the spray is low‑risk for systemic side‑effects. However, using it every single time can reduce overall sexual pleasure, so many men reserve it for special occasions.

Will daily sertraline help with anxiety as well as premature ejaculation?

Yes, sertraline treats both conditions, but you may need to wait a few weeks to notice improvement in either symptom.

Are herbal supplements like ginseng regulated?

In the UK, supplements are classified as food, not medicine, so they don’t undergo the same strict testing. Choose reputable brands that provide third‑party lab results.