Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are considered too embarrassing to talk about, but these conditions are actually more common than you might realise. If you’re looking for a treatment, but you don’t know which tablets are suitable, then we can help. In this blog, we ask, how do Priligy and Viagra tablets differ?  

What is Viagra and how does it work? 

Viagra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). It contains the active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, which can help you achieve and maintain an erection. 

Though Viagra is the most well-known of all the erectile dysfunction treatments, there are other brands and types of tablets available, including: 

  • Cialis (tadalafil) 
  • Levitra (vardenafil) 
  • Spedra (avanafil) 

These tablets are part of a group of drugs, known as PDE5 inhibitors, that work by dilating the blood vessels at the base of the penis. This increases blood flow to the penis for a firm, long-lasting erection.  

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Viagra takes between 30 and 60 minutes to work, so you should take it one hour before you plan to have sexual intercourse. It lasts for around four to six hours, but you won’t see the effects until you are sexually aroused. 

What is Priligy and how does it work? 

Priligy is the only licensed drug for treating premature ejaculation (PE). It contains, dapoxetine and is effective in men who have: 

  • Poor control over ejaculation 
  • An ejaculation time of less than two minutes
  • A history of PE over six months 

Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – a type of drug typically used to treat depression. It works by increasing the neurotransmitter serotonin, which increases the time it takes to ejaculate. 

Unlike other SSRI tablets you might have heard of, dapoxetine gets to work within a few hours and only remains active in the system for a short time. So, while it can’t be used to treat depression, it is effective for premature ejaculation. 

For the best results, you should take the tablet 1-3 hours before sexual activity  swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water (you can take it with or without food). The starting dose is 30mg, with the option to increase to 60mg if required. 

Can you take Viagra and Priligy together? 

Viagra and Priligy tablets are safe, effective treatments, but they shouldn’t be taken together. 

Both of these drugs can cause low blood pressure, and combined they could lower it so much that it causes side effects, such as light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. 

Likewise, alcohol can contribute to low blood pressure, so we recommend limiting how much you drink or abstaining all together, if you can. Alcohol is also a well-known cause of sexual dysfunction, so drinking could make your problem worse.  

You should also avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you’re using Priligy tablets. It can prevent the medication from breaking down and increase your chances of suffering from unwanted side effects. 

Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine before you start taking the treatment, and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist. 

These short-acting tablets are only suitable for men aged 18 to 64 years. 

Treating ED and PE at the same time

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction often occur together, so how do you treat them both if you can’t take Viagra and Priligy at the same time?   

ED is commonly caused by a physical problem, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, so we recommend treating this first. Some men find that using a medication like Viagra to treat their erectile dysfunction also improves their PE symptoms. 

The increased confidence that comes from a firmer, long-lasting erection is often enough to ease any worries that might have been causing the premature ejaculation.

It’s common for PE to be caused by an underlying psychological problem, such as: 

  • Depression or anxiety 
  • Stress 
  • Relationship problems 
  • Unrealistic pressure to perform well  
  • A lack of confidence

If your erectile dysfunction improves with treatment but your ejaculation time is still less than two minutes, then you might benefit from a form of psychotherapy, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). 

Other treatments for premature ejaculation

The efficacy and safety of dapoxetine is well-proven, but if you’re also using Viagra then you could consider a natural treatment for your premature ejaculation. 

Behavioural exercises can help men with premature ejaculation to develop a tolerance to sexual stimulation and therefore last longer before climaxing. 

Squeeze technique: have your partner squeeze the end of your penis just before you are about to ejaculate until the urge passes. Keep practicing this (three times a week) until you get into the habit of being able to hold back at the point of ejaculation. 

Stop-start technique: this is similar to the squeeze technique, but it involves stopping just before you ejaculate, waiting until the urge diminishes then re-starting. 

You may also benefit from using extra thick condoms or numbing creams or gels to make the penis less sensitive. Some men find success with:

  • Masturbation an hour or two before sex 
  • Taking a deep breath just before ejaculation to shut down the reflex 
  • Having sex with your partner on top 

If these treatments don’t work and you think you can manage without Viagra, then try switching to Priligy. You should leave a gap of between 24 to 48 hours if you plan to stop one medication and start another. Your doctor or pharmacist will review your treatment after four weeks (or six doses) to check it is still working. 

Taking the next steps 

Buying Viagra or Priligy online is straightforward and hassle-free with a private pharmacy, like Post My Meds. The process starts with a quick online assessment so we can check your medical history to make sure it’s safe for you to take these tablets, then simply pay for your order and we’ll dispatch it by first class post. 

We understand your privacy is important, so your order will be delivered in unbranded, generic packaging – the only thing on there will be your name and address. 

Though it might feel like the end of the world right now, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are both treatable conditions. With the right support, you could be enjoying a healthy sex life again sooner than you think.

Although all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it should not be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Authored Dec 06, 2021 by Joseph Issac, MPharm
Reviewed Nov 29, 2022 by Prabjeet Saundh, MPharm