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Avana is a brand name that combines two active ingredients: avanafil for erectile dysfunction and dapoxetine for premature ejaculation. Many men use it to tackle both issues at once, but it’s not the only option. If you’re considering Avana, you should know how it stacks up against other pills, how they work, and what might suit your body better.
What Is Avana, Really?
Avana isn’t one drug-it’s a combo. Avanafil (100mg or 200mg) is a PDE5 inhibitor that boosts blood flow to the penis. Dapoxetine (30mg or 60mg) is an SSRI that delays ejaculation by affecting serotonin in the brain. Taken together, they target both ED and PE in a single tablet. It’s convenient, but not everyone responds well. Side effects like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and flushing are common. Some men report feeling too numb or overly sedated.
Avanafil works faster than sildenafil or tadalafil-sometimes in as little as 15 minutes. Dapoxetine starts working within an hour and lasts about 4 hours. That’s why Avana is often taken 30-60 minutes before sex. But if you’re on other meds-like nitrates for heart issues or antidepressants-you could have dangerous interactions.
Alternatives to Avana: Separate Treatments
Many doctors now recommend treating ED and PE separately. It gives you more control over dosage and reduces side effects. Here’s how the top alternatives compare.
For Erectile Dysfunction: Avanafil vs. Sildenafil vs. Tadalafil
Avanafil is the fastest-acting PDE5 inhibitor on the market. Sildenafil (Viagra) takes 30-60 minutes to kick in. Tadalafil (Cialis) lasts up to 36 hours but takes longer to start working. If you want spontaneity, avanafil wins. If you want flexibility, tadalafil does.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Medication | Onset Time | Duration | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanafil (Avana ED component) | 15-30 minutes | 4-6 hours | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion |
| Sildenafil (Viagra) | 30-60 minutes | 4-5 hours | Headache, indigestion, blurred vision |
| Tadalafil (Cialis) | 30-45 minutes | 36 hours | Back pain, muscle aches, indigestion |
Avanafil has the lowest rate of visual side effects compared to sildenafil. If you’ve had blurry vision with Viagra, avanafil might be a better fit. Tadalafil is ideal if you don’t want to time sex around a pill-take it daily at 2.5mg or 5mg for ongoing readiness.
For Premature Ejaculation: Dapoxetine vs. SSRIs
Dapoxetine is the only SSRI approved specifically for PE in Australia and Europe. But it’s not the only option. Men often use off-label SSRIs like sertraline, paroxetine, or fluoxetine. These take weeks to build up in your system, unlike dapoxetine, which works in hours.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Medication | Onset Time | Duration | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dapoxetine (Avana PE component) | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours | Nausea, dizziness, low libido |
| Sertraline | 2-6 weeks | 24/7 | Weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction |
| Paroxetine | 2-4 weeks | 24/7 | Sleepiness, dry mouth, reduced arousal |
Dapoxetine is great for on-demand use. You don’t need to take it daily. But if you’re already on an antidepressant, your doctor might just adjust your current SSRI dose instead of adding another pill.
Why Some Men Skip Avana Altogether
Combination pills like Avana sound efficient, but they’re not always practical. If you only have ED and not PE, you’re forced to take dapoxetine unnecessarily. That increases side effects without benefit. The same goes if you only have PE-you’re overdosing on avanafil.
Also, Avana is not approved in the U.S. and is often sold online without a prescription. That’s risky. You don’t know the source, dosage accuracy, or purity. Counterfeit versions of Avana have been found with no active ingredients-or worse, hidden drugs like sildenafil or tadalafil in unknown doses.
In Australia, Avana is not listed on the PBS. You’ll pay full price-often $4-$8 per tablet-through private importers. That adds up fast. Sildenafil and dapoxetine are cheaper and available with a prescription from your GP.
Real-Life Scenarios: Who Should Choose What?
Let’s say you’re 42, married, and have trouble getting or keeping an erection. You also last under 2 minutes during sex. You want something that works fast and doesn’t interfere with your daily life.
Here’s what works best:
- For spontaneity and speed: Take avanafil 15-30 minutes before sex. Add dapoxetine 1-2 hours before if needed. You control the dose of each.
- For daily readiness: Take 5mg tadalafil daily. Use dapoxetine as needed. This combo gives you freedom without timing pills.
- If you’re on antidepressants: Ask your doctor about increasing your SSRI dose instead of adding dapoxetine.
- If you have heart issues: Avoid all PDE5 inhibitors unless cleared by a cardiologist. Dapoxetine alone is safer in this case.
One patient I spoke with in Melbourne tried Avana for three months. He got headaches every time and felt dizzy. He switched to 20mg sildenafil and 30mg dapoxetine taken separately. His erections improved, his control got better, and the side effects dropped by 70%.
Non-Medical Options You Shouldn’t Ignore
Medication isn’t the only path. Many men improve with behavioral techniques. The squeeze technique and start-stop method can extend ejaculation time without pills. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) improve blood flow and control.
Studies show that men who combine therapy with medication have better long-term results than those who rely on pills alone. If anxiety or stress is part of the issue, talking to a sex therapist can be more effective than any tablet.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Don’t self-prescribe. Avana, dapoxetine, and avanafil all need medical oversight. You need to rule out heart disease, low testosterone, or thyroid issues that could be causing your symptoms.
Also, if you’re over 50, have high blood pressure, or take nitrates, PDE5 inhibitors can be dangerous. Dapoxetine can raise your risk of serotonin syndrome if mixed with other SSRIs or MAOIs.
Your GP can order blood tests, check your medication list, and help you pick the safest, most effective combo. They can also prescribe generic versions that cost a fraction of branded Avana.
Final Take: Avana Is an Option, Not the Best One
Avana offers convenience, but at a cost: higher side effects, higher price, and less control. Most men are better off treating ED and PE separately with generic medications. Avanafil for ED and dapoxetine for PE, taken on their own schedules, gives you precision, safety, and savings.
If you’re looking for the most reliable, affordable, and safe approach, start with a consultation. Don’t buy online. Don’t guess doses. Work with a doctor who knows your full health picture. That’s how real results happen.
Is Avana safe to use with alcohol?
No. Mixing Avana with alcohol increases the risk of dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting. Even a couple of drinks can make side effects worse. If you’re taking dapoxetine, alcohol can also worsen nausea and drowsiness. It’s best to avoid alcohol completely when using Avana.
Can I take Avana every day?
Avana is not designed for daily use. Avanafil should be taken no more than once every 24 hours, and dapoxetine is only approved for use up to three times a week. Daily use increases side effect risks and may lead to tolerance or reduced effectiveness. If you need daily treatment, ask your doctor about low-dose tadalafil instead.
Are there natural alternatives to Avana?
Yes. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can improve both ED and PE. Some supplements like L-arginine, ginseng, and maca root show mild benefits in small studies, but none are as effective as prescription meds. Don’t replace Avana with unregulated supplements-they’re not tested for safety or dosage.
Why is Avana not available on the PBS in Australia?
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme only lists medications that have proven cost-effectiveness and broad clinical benefit. Avana is a combination product with limited long-term data compared to separate generics. Because you can get avanafil and dapoxetine individually at lower cost, the PBS doesn’t cover the combo. You’ll pay full price unless your private insurance covers it.
Can women take Avana?
No. Avana is only approved for men. Dapoxetine has been studied in women for sexual dysfunction, but it’s not approved for use in Australia or most countries. Avanafil has no proven benefit for female sexual health. Women with sexual concerns should consult a gynaecologist or sexual health specialist for appropriate options.
Next Steps: What to Do Today
Don’t order Avana online. Don’t guess your dosage. If you’re struggling with ED or PE, book a 15-minute appointment with your GP. Bring a list of your symptoms, how often they happen, and what you’ve tried. Ask about generic avanafil and dapoxetine. Get blood tests if recommended. Most men find relief within one or two visits when they take the right approach.
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