Compare Duralast (Dapoxetine) with Alternatives for Premature Ejaculation

If you’re looking for a reliable way to manage premature ejaculation, you’ve probably come across Duralast - the brand name for dapoxetine. It’s one of the few pills approved specifically for this issue in the UK and across Europe. But it’s not the only option. Many men wonder: is Duralast the best choice, or are there safer, cheaper, or more effective alternatives? The truth is, what works for one person might not work for another. Let’s break down how Duralast stacks up against other treatments - from prescription pills to natural options - so you can make a real, informed decision.

What is Duralast (Dapoxetine)?

Duralast contains dapoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) designed to delay ejaculation. Unlike other SSRIs used for depression - which take weeks to build up in your system - dapoxetine is taken just 1 to 3 hours before sex. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps control the ejaculatory reflex. Clinical trials show it can extend intercourse time by 2 to 3 times on average. For many men, that’s life-changing.

It’s approved in the UK and EU for men aged 18 to 64 with lifelong or acquired premature ejaculation. You need a prescription. Duralast comes in 30mg and 60mg tablets. Most start with 30mg to test tolerance. Side effects are usually mild: nausea, dizziness, headache, or mild fatigue. But if you have heart issues, liver disease, or take certain antidepressants or blood pressure meds, it could be risky.

Alternative 1: Other SSRIs - Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine

While dapoxetine is the only SSRI approved specifically for premature ejaculation, doctors often prescribe other SSRIs off-label. Sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac) are common choices. These are cheaper, widely available, and covered by the NHS in many cases.

The catch? They’re not meant for on-demand use. You have to take them daily for 2 to 6 weeks before seeing results. That’s a big difference from Duralast’s 1-hour window. Some men prefer daily pills because they don’t have to plan sex around medication. Others find the delay frustrating or the side effects - like lowered libido or emotional blunting - too much.

Paroxetine tends to be the most effective for PE, but also the most likely to cause sexual side effects. Sertraline is often better tolerated. Fluoxetine lasts the longest in the body, which means side effects stick around even after you stop. Duralast clears your system in 24 hours. That’s a major advantage if you want control without long-term changes.

Alternative 2: Topical Anesthetics - Lidocaine Sprays and Creams

If you’d rather avoid pills entirely, topical numbing agents are a popular option. Products like Promescent, Stud 100, or generic lidocaine sprays reduce penile sensitivity, helping you last longer. They work fast - apply 10 to 15 minutes before sex, then wipe off excess to avoid numbing your partner.

These are non-prescription, available over the counter in pharmacies and online. Many men like them because they’re discreet and don’t affect mood or hormones. But they’re not for everyone. Some partners report reduced sensation. Others find the taste or texture off-putting. And if you apply too much, you risk losing erection or feeling numb all over.

Compared to Duralast, topicals don’t change how your brain controls ejaculation. They just dull the signal. That means they work well for mild cases but often fall short for severe premature ejaculation. Duralast targets the root cause. Topicals mask the symptom.

Alternative 3: Behavioral Techniques - Start-Stop and Squeeze Method

No pills. No creams. Just training your body. Behavioral methods like the start-stop technique and squeeze method have been used since the 1970s. They involve learning to recognize the point of no return and pausing or squeezing the penis to delay ejaculation.

Studies show these techniques can improve control in 50-75% of men after 6 to 12 weeks of consistent practice. They’re free, have zero side effects, and improve overall sexual awareness. But they require discipline. You can’t just do them once and expect results. You need to practice regularly, often with a partner, and track progress.

Many men use these alongside medication. Duralast gives you immediate relief while you build long-term control. Think of it like painkillers for a bad back - they help you function now, while physiotherapy fixes the problem over time. If you’re motivated and patient, behavioral therapy is the most sustainable option.

Alternative 4: Natural Supplements - L-Arginine, Ashwagandha, Zinc

The supplement market is full of products claiming to cure premature ejaculation. You’ll see labels like “Male Stamina Booster,” “Natural Delay Pill,” or “Herbal PE Solution.” Common ingredients include L-arginine, ashwagandha, ginseng, zinc, and maca root.

Some of these have weak evidence behind them. L-arginine may help blood flow, which could improve erection quality. Ashwagandha reduces stress - and since anxiety is a major trigger for PE, lowering it might help. Zinc supports testosterone, but only if you’re deficient.

Here’s the problem: none of these are proven to directly delay ejaculation like dapoxetine. No large-scale trials show they work better than placebo. They’re not regulated like pharmaceuticals. One batch might have the right dose. Another might be contaminated or contain hidden drugs.

If you’re considering supplements, stick to reputable brands with third-party testing. Don’t expect miracles. And never mix them with Duralast or other SSRIs without checking with a doctor - some herbs can interact dangerously with prescription meds.

Alternative 5: Psychological Therapy - CBT and Sex Therapy

For many men, premature ejaculation isn’t just physical. It’s tied to anxiety, past experiences, relationship stress, or performance pressure. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and sex therapy help you reframe thoughts, reduce fear, and rebuild confidence.

A 2023 review in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that CBT combined with behavioral techniques improved PE symptoms in 70% of men after 12 sessions. Unlike pills, the gains stick around after therapy ends. You learn skills, not just temporary fixes.

It’s not quick. You need to commit to weekly sessions over several months. But it’s one of the few treatments that addresses the emotional side of PE. Many men who’ve tried Duralast and still feel anxious find lasting relief through therapy. It’s often the missing piece.

How to Choose the Right Option

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your best choice depends on your priorities:

• Want fast, reliable results? Duralast is your best bet. It’s proven, predictable, and works within hours.
• Prefer daily routine over planning? Try sertraline or paroxetine. But watch for sexual side effects.
• Afraid of pills? Try lidocaine spray. It’s simple, safe, and non-systemic.
• Want long-term change? Combine behavioral techniques with therapy. This is the only path to permanent improvement.
• Prefer natural options? Supplements might help with anxiety or blood flow, but don’t rely on them alone.

Also consider cost. Duralast costs around £25-£35 per tablet in the UK without insurance. Generic dapoxetine is cheaper. SSRIs like sertraline can cost under £5 a month. Topicals are £10-£20 per bottle. Therapy sessions range from £50-£100 each.

And safety: Duralast is safe for healthy men. But if you have heart rhythm problems, take nitrates, or have liver issues, avoid it. Always talk to your GP or a sexual health specialist before starting anything.

What Most Men Don’t Tell You

Many men try Duralast first because it’s advertised heavily online. But they stop after a few uses - not because it doesn’t work, but because they feel like they’re “faking” it. They worry it’s not natural. Others feel embarrassed to buy it or fear stigma.

The truth? Premature ejaculation is incredibly common. Up to 1 in 3 men experience it at some point. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a medical condition - just like high blood pressure or insomnia. There’s no shame in treating it.

And the best outcomes? They come from combining treatments. Use Duralast for immediate confidence. Practice the start-stop method while you’re on it. Talk to a therapist about your fears. Over time, you might need less medication - or none at all.

Don’t feel pressured to pick one option forever. Your needs change. Your body changes. What works at 25 might not work at 35. The goal isn’t to find the perfect pill. It’s to find a plan that lets you enjoy sex without fear or frustration.

Next Steps: What to Do Today

If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a simple plan:

1. Book a quick appointment with your GP or a sexual health clinic. Bring up premature ejaculation - it’s a common concern, and they’ve seen it before.
2. Ask about Duralast or generic dapoxetine. Get a prescription if appropriate.
3. Download a free app like “PE Coach” or “MyPE” to practice behavioral techniques daily.
4. Try a lidocaine spray once - see if it helps without side effects.
5. Stop searching random supplements. Focus on proven methods first.

There’s no rush. You don’t need to fix everything at once. Small, consistent steps lead to real change. And you’re not alone - millions of men have been where you are. The right solution is out there. You just need to find the one that fits your life.