Flibanserin is a prescription medication that was originally developed for depression but has since been repurposed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It's known by its brand name Addyi and has become a controversial issue due to its effectiveness and side effects. This article will explore what Flibanserin is, how it works, its side effects, potential dangers, and whether it really helps women who have HSDD.
What is Flibanserin?
Flibanserin is a tablet containing 100 milligrams of sildenafil citrate and 50 milligrams of tadalafil. The drug was originally developed to treat both male and female sexual arousal disorders but was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2015 as a treatment for HSDD.
How does Flibanserin work?
The exact mechanism by which Flibanserin increases desire is still unclear, but studies suggest it may work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in sexual arousal. These drugs can also increase blood flow to genital areas, making them more sensitive to stimulation.
Side Effects of Flibanserin
Like all medications, Flibanserin has potential side effects. The most common ones include low blood pressure, headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, and sleepiness. Less commonly reported side effects include fainting, chest pain, palpitations, and abnormal heart rhythms. Women with liver or kidney problems should not take Flibanserin because it can cause severe adverse reactions. Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking Flibanserin can worsen these side effects.
Potential Dangers of Flibanserin
The long-term safety and effectiveness of Flibanserin are not well understood yet. It's possible that women who take this drug could become dependent on it over time if they use it too often. Some doctors believe Flibanserin carries a risk of addiction and should be used only when other treatments have failed. There have been reports of serious interactions between Flibanserin and antidepressants like SSRIs, so women who take both should discuss them with their doctor first.
Does Flibanserin Really Help?
There is evidence that Flibanserin may help some women with HSDD, but the results have been mixed. In clinical trials, it improved desire in about 10% of participants and increased the frequency of sex by an average of one more time per month. However, many patients discontinued treatment due to side effects or lack of efficacy. Some experts argue that Flibanserin isn't as effective as other drugs for treating low libido, such as testosterone replacement therapy.
In conclusion, Flibanserin is a controversial medication used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Its mechanism of action remains unclear, but studies suggest it may increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. While it can have side effects, including fainting and heart problems, some women find it helpful for increasing their desire. More research is needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness. If you think you might benefit from Flibanserin, talk to your doctor before taking it.