Flibanserin is sold under the trade name Addyi and used to treat decreased sexual desire in women who have not gone through menopause and who have never had low sexual desire in the past. Flibanserin is for use only when low sexual desire is not caused by a medical condition, a mental disorder, relationship problems, or by using drugs or other medicines.
Common Use
The main component of Addyi is flibanserin, at a strength of 100 mg. In simple terms, this medication works on certain chemical messengers in the brain to help restore a healthy balance. It preferentially activates specific receptors in the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain involved in decision-making and emotional response—and has been shown in studies to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels while decreasing serotonin levels in certain brain regions. These actions are thought to help regulate sexual desire.
Addyi is used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. This is a condition where a woman experiences persistently low sexual desire that causes personal distress or difficulty in her relationship, and it is not caused by another medical condition, mental health issue, relationship problems, or the effects of other medications.
Dosage and Direction
Addyi is taken as a 100 mg tablet once daily, at bedtime. The effect of flibanserin has been observed as early as four weeks after starting treatment and can continue with ongoing use. If there is no improvement in symptoms after four weeks, you should stop taking Addyi, as it is unlikely to be effective for you.
This medication is not intended to enhance sexual performance, and it is not approved for use in postmenopausal women or in men.
Precautions
It is strongly recommended that you speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting flibanserin. Be especially sure to mention if you are allergic to this medication or have any other allergies.
You must not drink alcohol while taking Addyi. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, which can be very serious.
You should not use Addyi if you have:
Low blood pressure
A history of alcoholism or drug addiction
Liver disease
A history of depression or mental illness
Or if you currently drink alcohol
Some medications can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when taken with Addyi. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan if you use certain antibiotics, antifungals, heart or blood pressure medications, or HIV drugs. Flibanserin can impair your thinking or reactions. To stay safe, avoid driving or operating machinery for at least six hours after taking this medicine, and until you know how it affects you. Dizziness or low blood pressure can increase the risk of falls or other accidents.
It is not known whether flibanserin will harm an unborn baby, so consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is also not known whether it passes into breast milk, so you should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Contraindications
Do not drink alcohol while taking Addyi—this is very important, as combining them can cause dangerous side effects.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with flibanserin and lead to unwanted side effects, so avoid grapefruit products while taking Addyi. Also avoid taking herbal supplements containing ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, or St. John’s wort.
Addyi is contraindicated if you are already taking another medication to treat HSDD or if you are using drugs for high blood pressure. It is not approved for use in men or in children under 18 years of age.
Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you feel very drowsy or light-headed, as if you might pass out.
Common side effects of Addyi may include:
Dizziness
Nausea
Fatigue (tiredness)
Dry mouth
Sleepiness or trouble sleeping
If you notice any of these side effects or anything else not listed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or lower your blood pressure can worsen the effects of Addyi. Consult your doctor before using Addyi with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
Cimetidine
Ginkgo biloba
Resveratrol
St. John’s wort
Your doctor may also need to change your treatment plan if you use certain antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, heart or blood pressure, or HIV medications. This list is not complete—other drugs may interact with flibanserin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Missed Dose
If you happen to miss a dose, simply skip it and take the medicine the following day at bedtime. Do not take Addyi in the morning, and do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have used too much Addyi, seek emergency medical attention immediately or contact your local poison control centre.
Storage
Store Addyi at room temperature, not higher than 77°F (20–25°C). Keep it away from moisture and heat. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and animals.
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.
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