Addyi is a prescription medication designed to address specific aspects of female sexual health. It is used to help increase sexual desire in women who experience distress due to low sexual desire.
Healthcare providers may consider Addyi when other causes for low desire have been discussed and non‑hormonal options are being explored. The following sections outline how it works, who it may be appropriate for, and what to expect during treatment.
| Aspect | Details | Key Consideration | Clinical Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Flibanserin | Acts on brain neurotransmitters | Not a hormone |
| Primary Use | Increase sexual desire in premenopausal women | For diagnosed hypoactive sexual desire disorder | Requires persistent low desire causing distress |
| Treatment Setting | Daily oral tablet | Taken once per day, regardless of sexual activity | Dose is fixed at 100 mg |
| Eligibility Criteria | Women who have not responded to counseling | Screening for mental health and medication interactions | Prescribed only through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program |
How Addyi Works in the Brain
Addyi influences levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the central nervous system. Flibanserin modulates both inhibitory and excitatory signals, which can affect sexual desire pathways.
Unlike treatments for erectile dysfunction, Addyi does not directly stimulate genital response. Instead, it targets the brain networks that regulate sexual interest and arousal in women.
Eligibility and Medical Screening
Before starting Addyi, providers conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This includes discussing the duration and impact of low desire on daily life and relationships.
Women must not be pregnant and should use reliable contraception. Addyi is not approved for use by men or postmenopausal women, and specific medications and health conditions can make this treatment unsafe.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
The most common side effects include nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue. Because Addyi can cause dizziness and low blood pressure, it is important to use caution when standing up or operating machinery.
There is a boxed warning regarding interactions with alcohol and certain medications. Combining Addyi with alcohol or with drugs that affect serotonin, liver enzymes, or blood pressure can lead to serious health complications.
What to Expect During Treatment
Patients typically take one Addyi pill each day, with or without food. It may take several weeks to notice any change in sexual desire, and individual responses can vary significantly.
Regular follow‑up appointments allow providers to monitor effectiveness, discuss any side effects, and ensure that the medication remains appropriate over time. Open communication with the healthcare team is essential for safe use.
Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- Addyi is used to increase sexual desire in premenopausal women with diagnosed hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
- It works on brain neurotransmitters rather than targeting hormones or genital function directly.
- Strict screening is required to avoid dangerous interactions with alcohol, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
- Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, and low blood pressure, especially when standing.
- Daily adherence is necessary, and benefits may take several weeks to become noticeable.
- Ongoing medical supervision ensures the treatment remains safe and appropriate for each individual.
- Open dialogue with partners and healthcare providers supports realistic expectations and emotional well‑being.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can Addyi be used if I drink alcohol occasionally?
No, Addyi should not be used with alcohol because the combination can cause severe nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and fainting due to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Is Addyi a cure for low sexual desire?
Addyi is a treatment that may help increase sexual desire when taken consistently, but it does not cure low desire, and symptoms often return if the medication is stopped.
Will Addyi impact my ability to get pregnant?
Addyi is not known to affect fertility directly, but it is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus, so effective contraception is required during treatment.
What happens when I stop taking Addyi?
Sexual desire may return to previous levels after discontinuation, and some people experience no lasting change, so ongoing counseling and partner communication remain important.