How long does the effect of fluoxetine (Prozac) last for treating premature ejaculation after discontinuing the medication?

From the Guidelines

The effect of fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation typically lasts only while the medication is being taken, with benefits generally disappearing within days to weeks after discontinuation. According to the American Urological Association guideline on the pharmacologic management of premature ejaculation 1, the half-lives of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including fluoxetine, range from 1 to 3 days. This suggests that the medication's effects on delaying ejaculation are likely to diminish rapidly after discontinuation.

The optimal duration of therapy for premature ejaculation with fluoxetine is unclear, but the panel members' experience is that premature ejaculation usually returns upon discontinuing therapy 1. This implies that the benefits of fluoxetine in treating premature ejaculation are not long-lasting and that continuous therapy may be needed to maintain its effects.

Some key points to consider when using fluoxetine for premature ejaculation include:

• The standard dosage for premature ejaculation is typically 5-20 mg/day 1
• Fluoxetine can be taken daily for consistent blood levels or on an "on-demand" basis, 4-24 hours before sexual activity 1
• Common side effects of fluoxetine include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and reduced libido 1
• Patients should discuss with their healthcare provider before stopping any medication, as abrupt discontinuation can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms 1

Overall, the available evidence suggests that the effects of fluoxetine on premature ejaculation are temporary and that continuous therapy is likely needed to maintain its benefits. Patients should be aware that the effects of fluoxetine will likely disappear within days to weeks after discontinuation, and they should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider.

From the FDA Drug Label

The long elimination half–lives of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine assure that, even when dosing is stopped, active drug substance will persist in the body for weeks (primarily depending on individual patient characteristics, previous dosing regimen, and length of previous therapy at discontinuation)

The effect of fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation can last for weeks after discontinuing the medication, due to its long elimination half-life and that of its active metabolite, norfluoxetine. The exact duration of the effect after stopping the pill will depend on individual patient characteristics and the previous dosing regimen 2.

From the Research

Effect Duration of Fluoxetine for Premature Ejaculation

The duration of the effect of fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation after discontinuing the medication is not directly addressed in the provided studies. However, we can look at the information available on how fluoxetine works and its effects on premature ejaculation:

• Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has been shown to increase the intravaginal latency time in patients with premature ejaculation 3, 4, 5.
• The exact mechanism of how fluoxetine affects premature ejaculation is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to its effect on serotonin levels in the brain, which can influence ejaculation time 3, 4.
• Studies have demonstrated that fluoxetine can be effective in treating premature ejaculation, with significant improvements in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and patient-reported outcomes such as control over ejaculation and distress levels 3, 6, 4, 5.

Discontinuation and Effect Duration

Regarding the duration of the effect after discontinuing fluoxetine, there is limited information available. However:

• One study found that dropout rates at 6 and 12 months were 56% and 72%, respectively, suggesting that the effectiveness of fluoxetine may decrease over time or that patients may not continue to experience benefits after stopping the medication 6.
• Another study found that fluoxetine increased the penile sensory threshold, which may contribute to its effectiveness in treating premature ejaculation, but it is unclear how long this effect lasts after discontinuation 4.

Conclusion Not Available

No direct evidence is available to answer the question of how long the effect of fluoxetine lasts after discontinuing the medication for treating premature ejaculation. More research is needed to fully understand the duration of the effect of fluoxetine on premature ejaculation after discontinuation.

Key Findings

• Fluoxetine is effective in increasing intravaginal latency time and improving patient-reported outcomes for premature ejaculation 3, 6, 4, 5.
• The exact mechanism of fluoxetine's effect on premature ejaculation is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to its effect on serotonin levels in the brain 3, 4.
• More research is needed to determine the duration of the effect of fluoxetine on premature ejaculation after discontinuation.