The Female Viagra Drug

It may be of interest to certain individuals that there is a medication out, a so-called “female Viagra drug”. It sounds pretty good, right? But not so fast! This medication ‘fliberanserin’ ADDYI (brand name)is a recently approved drug for a very specific female disorder, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and is only to be used by women less than 35 years of age. One must first meet the criteria for the disorder and they’re very specific about that (THE FDA) because there can be significant risks with its use. If it is used correctly, and the patient is carefully educated in its use, it may not be so risky. But the risks are significant enough that the physician who prescribes it must first be educated in the intricacies of its use, its potential side effects, and become certified via written examination, before he/she can prescribe it. Some of the side effects include drowsiness and lightheadedness and even fainting. The medication MUST be taken at bedtime in order to avoid potential daytime side effects. More importantly, the patient CANNOT use alcohol when taking it. The combination of alcohol and fliberanserin can produce serious problems with fainting, low blood pressure, and dizziness as a result of the combination. Also, certain commonly used medications can interact with this medication, resulting in similar and severe effects. Additionally, certain medical conditions require a modification of the ADDYI dose and close monitoring thereafter. So a careful history must be obtained prior to its use. For those who are willing to comply with the restrictions, it can be useful. If it helps and there are no side effects, it a drug to celebrate but the concerns must be understood and respected. Any physician who is certified in its use may prescribe it, so, if interested, check it out with your regular physician, gynecologist or psychiatrist.