What is Flibanserin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Flibanserin is a prescription medication specifically designed to help women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). It's the first FDA-approved treatment for women who experience persistent low sexual desire that causes distress in their lives.

This medication works differently than treatments for men's sexual health issues. Instead of affecting blood flow, flibanserin works in your brain to help restore sexual desire. Think of it as addressing the neurochemical imbalance that can contribute to decreased libido.

What is Flibanserin Used For?

Flibanserin treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. HSDD means you have persistently low sexual desire that bothers you and isn't caused by relationship problems, medical conditions, or other medications.

Your doctor will only prescribe flibanserin if your low desire causes significant distress in your life. The medication is specifically for women who previously had normal sexual desire but have experienced a decrease. It's not intended for women who have never experienced sexual desire or for enhancing sexual performance in women with normal desire levels.

How Does Flibanserin Work?

Flibanserin works by affecting certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that influence sexual desire. It helps balance serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in areas of your brain responsible for sexual motivation and desire.

This medication is considered a moderate-strength treatment that requires consistent daily use to be effective. Unlike some medications that work immediately, flibanserin needs time to build up in your system. Most women begin to notice improvements after about 4 weeks of daily use, with full benefits typically seen after 8 weeks.

How Should I Take Flibanserin?

Take flibanserin exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically one 100mg tablet once daily at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime helps reduce the risk of side effects like dizziness and fainting that can occur during the day.

You can take flibanserin with or without food, but avoid alcohol completely while using this medication. The combination of flibanserin and alcohol can cause dangerously low blood pressure and severe dizziness. If you're taking the medication, plan to stay alcohol-free for at least 2 hours before and after your dose.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed in your body.

How Long Should I Take Flibanserin For?

Your doctor will typically recommend trying flibanserin for at least 8 weeks to see if it helps improve your sexual desire. This gives the medication enough time to build up in your system and show its full effects.

After 8 weeks, you and your doctor will evaluate whether the medication is working for you. If you're not seeing meaningful improvement in your sexual desire or quality of life, your doctor may suggest discontinuing the medication. Some women may continue taking flibanserin long-term if it's helping and they're not experiencing problematic side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of Flibanserin?

Like all medications, flibanserin can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects are generally mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Here are the side effects you might experience, starting with the most common ones:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Dry mouth

These common side effects usually become less noticeable after the first few weeks of treatment. Taking the medication at bedtime helps minimize daytime drowsiness and dizziness.

More serious but less common side effects include severe dizziness, fainting, or extremely low blood pressure. These are more likely to occur if you drink alcohol while taking flibanserin or if you take certain other medications that interact with it.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fainting, severe dizziness that doesn't improve, or any side effects that interfere with your daily activities.

Who Should Not Take Flibanserin?

Flibanserin isn't safe for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. You should not take flibanserin if you have liver problems, as the medication is processed through your liver.

You should avoid this medication if you're taking certain other drugs that can interact dangerously with flibanserin. These include some antifungal medications, certain antibiotics, and medications for HIV. Your doctor will review all your current medications before prescribing flibanserin.

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant should not take flibanserin. The medication is also not recommended for postmenopausal women or men, as it hasn't been studied in these populations.

Flibanserin Brand Names

Flibanserin is sold under the brand name Addyi in the United States. This is currently the only brand name available for this medication.

Addyi is manufactured by Sprout Pharmaceuticals and is only available with a prescription from healthcare providers who have completed special training about the medication's risks and benefits.

Flibanserin Alternatives

While flibanserin is the first FDA-approved medication for HSDD, there are other treatment approaches your doctor might consider. These alternatives work differently and may be more suitable depending on your specific situation.

Hormone therapy, particularly testosterone therapy, is sometimes used off-label to help with low sexual desire, especially in postmenopausal women. However, this approach has its own risks and benefits that need careful consideration.

Non-medication approaches include counseling, particularly sex therapy or couples therapy, which can be very effective for addressing psychological factors affecting sexual desire. Lifestyle changes like stress management, regular exercise, and addressing relationship issues can also help improve sexual desire.

Your doctor might also look into treating any underlying medical conditions or adjusting other medications that might be affecting your sexual desire.

Is Flibanserin Better Than Testosterone Therapy?

Flibanserin and testosterone therapy work very differently, so comparing them directly isn't straightforward. Flibanserin specifically targets brain chemistry related to sexual desire, while testosterone addresses hormonal factors.

Flibanserin is FDA-approved specifically for HSDD in premenopausal women and has been studied extensively for this use. Testosterone therapy for women's sexual desire is used off-label, meaning it's not specifically approved for this purpose, though some studies show it can be effective.

The choice between these treatments depends on your individual situation, including your age, hormone levels, other health conditions, and personal preferences. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of each option based on your specific needs.