You already know about Viagra for men. But did you know that there’s now a solution for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or low libido?
If you are a woman who is struggling with a lack of desire for sex, you can talk to your doctor about Addyi, also known as flibanserin.
Before you make the appointment, you might have some questions about whether you should even ask your doctor for a prescription.
So here’s the basic information you need to know about “the pink pill”…
Does Addyi contain hormones?
No, Addyi (flibanserin) is a non-hormonal medication. Rather than affecting the sex hormones that regulate sex drive, flibanserin works by balancing the neurochemicals in the brain that affect desire, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
It’s a psychotropic medication, like antidepressants, that directly affects serotonin. Dopamine and norepinephrine levels are affected indirectly because these three neurochemicals all affect each other.
Are there side effects?
All medications have side effects, but you’ll be happy to know that the known side effects of Addyi are mild.
The most commonly reported effect during clinical studies was feeling mildly sedated. This sedation did not impair the participants’ ability to drive after taking the medication.
The effect of taking the drug with alcohol or with other medications was also tested. And dizziness or fainting were found when Addyi is combined with certain substances.
It’s advised that you don’t drink alcohol while using this medication, and that you avoid taking Addyi if you take moderate to strong doses of Diflucan or other similar medications, or if you’re on a hormonal contraceptive.
How do I know if I need Addyi?
This medication treats loss of sexual desire in women. If your sex drive has plummeted and you can’t find a reason, you may want to try Addyi. Or, if you have a persistent low sex drive, it could also potentially help.
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is considered a mental disorder. Diagnosis involves ruling out other medications or causes of loss of desire, and determining whether the woman concerned previously had sexual desire and whether she is distressed at having lost it.
Addyi is for women who would like to get their sex drive back.
Does it work for everyone?
Loss of sexual desire can have multiple causes, and different causes may require different treatments. In clinical studies, Addyi increased sexual desire for more than half of the women who were not in the placebo group.
Your level of sexual desire can be affected by other medical issues or medications. But there is a chance that Addyi can help.
How do I get Addyi?
Your doctor can write a prescription for Addyi. Then you pick it up at your pharmacy like usual. Talk to your therapist about whether it’s a good option for you.
As a leader and pioneer in the field of women’s sexual health, I can help evaluate your case and determine recommendations for Addyi. Please connect today via the contact form below.
