Objective: To investigate the efficacy of escitalopram in treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).
Design: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Methods: Patients with PE (n=30) were randomly divided into two treatment groups: a group receiving Escitalopram I 0 mg daily for I month (n=l 5); and a group receiving placebo for 1 month (n= 15). A modified version of the Chinese Index of Sexual Punction for PE was used for patient evaluation at initial visit, at 10 days intervals after start of treatment for I month, and at 2 months after stopping treatment.
Results: The mean score ofintra-vaginalejaculation latency time (IBLl) was significantly higher in escitalo pram group as compared to placebo group after 30 days of treatment (5.6±0.7 vs 6.8±0.4, P < 0.03). At 90 days (2 month after stopping treatment), IELT 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.