Objective: To investigate the efficacy of escitalopram in treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).
Patients and Methods: patients with PE (n = 30) were randomly divided into two treatment groups: a group receiving Escitalopram 10 mg daily for 1 month (n = 15); and a group receiving placebo for 1 month (n = 15). A modified version of Chinese index of sexual function for PE was used for patient evaluation at initial visit, at 10 days inter- vals after start of treatment for 1 month, at 2 months after stopping treatment.
Results: the mean score of intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (ILET) was significantly higher in escitalopram group as compared to placebo group after 30 days treatment (5.6 ± 0.7 vs 6.8 ± 0.4, P < 0.03). At 90 days (2 months after stopping treatment), ILET score in the escitalopram group was significantly higher than the placebo group (6.7 ± 0.8 vs 3.4 ± 0.5, P = 0.01).
Conclusion: Escitalopram is an effective therapeutic option for patient with PE that may help provide long term control over ejaculation.