Safety and efficacy of citalopram in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a double-blind placebo-controlled, fixed dose, randomized study

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of citalopram, a potent and highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, in patients with premature ejaculation (PE). In total, 58 potent men with PE were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg oral daily citalopram (group 1, n =29) or placebo (group 2, n =29), during a 12-week period for each agent. Pretreatment evaluation included history and physical examination, intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IVELT) evaluation, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Meares–Stamey test. The efficacy of two treatments was assessed every 2 weeks during treatment, at the end of study and in 3- and 6-month follow-up after cessation of treatment, using responses to IIEF, IVELT evaluation, mean intercourse satisfaction domain, mean weekly coitus episodes and adverse drug effects. The trial was completed by 51 (88%) men. Analysis revealed a difference in the evolution of IVELT delay over time ( P