Flibanserin
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
NA
Controlled Drug Substance
No
flibanserin
Summary
Flibanserin is used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which is a condition characterized by a lack of sexual interest that causes distress or relationship problems, in premenopausal women.
Flibanserin works by affecting chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood and sexual desire, helping to increase sexual interest and reduce distress.
The usual dose of Flibanserin for adults is 100 mg taken once daily at bedtime, which helps minimize side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. It should be swallowed whole, with or without food.
Common side effects of Flibanserin include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, which occur in more than 10% of users. These effects are usually mild to moderate.
Flibanserin can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting, especially with alcohol. It's not recommended for people with liver problems, postmenopausal women, or men. Always follow your doctor's advice and avoid alcohol while taking it.
Indications and Purpose
How does Flibanserin work?
Flibanserin works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain, specifically serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals are involved in mood and sexual desire. Flibanserin helps balance these chemicals, which can increase sexual interest and reduce distress related to low sexual desire. Think of it like adjusting the volume on a radio to get the right balance of sound. This medication is used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Is Flibanserin effective?
Yes, Flibanserin is effective for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Clinical studies show that it can improve sexual desire and reduce distress related to low sexual interest. The effectiveness of Flibanserin varies among individuals, and it may take several weeks to notice improvements. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of Flibanserin, discuss them with your doctor. They can help determine if this medication is right for you and suggest alternative treatments if needed.
What is Flibanserin?
Flibanserin is a medication used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin receptor agonists, which work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain to improve sexual desire. Flibanserin is taken daily at bedtime to help increase sexual interest and reduce distress related to low sexual desire. It is not used for postmenopausal women or men.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Flibanserin?
Flibanserin is usually taken long-term for managing hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. The duration of use depends on your body's response and any side effects you experience. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your Flibanserin treatment. They can help determine the appropriate duration for your specific health needs and discuss alternative treatments if necessary.
How do I dispose of Flibanserin?
To dispose of Flibanserin, take it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of it properly to prevent harm to people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw it in the trash at home. First, mix it with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal it in a plastic bag, and then throw it away. Always keep medications out of reach of children.
How do I take Flibanserin?
Take Flibanserin once daily at bedtime. This helps reduce the risk of side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow it whole. You can take it with or without food. Avoid alcohol while on this medication, as it can increase the risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up on doses.
How long does it take for Flibanserin to start working?
Flibanserin may take several weeks to start working. Some women notice improvements in sexual desire and reduced distress within four to eight weeks. The time it takes to achieve full therapeutic effect can vary based on individual factors like overall health and other medications. Take Flibanserin exactly as prescribed for the best results. If you have concerns about how long it takes to work, discuss them with your doctor.
How should I store Flibanserin?
Store Flibanserin at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F, in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture and light. Do not keep it in humid places like bathrooms, as moisture can affect the medication's effectiveness. Always store Flibanserin out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Flibanserin?
The usual dose of Flibanserin for adults is 100 mg taken once daily at bedtime. This helps minimize the risk of side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. There are no specific dose adjustments for children or the elderly, as Flibanserin is not recommended for these populations. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs. If you have any concerns about your dose, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Flibanserin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Flibanserin is not recommended while breastfeeding. There is limited information on whether it passes into human breast milk or its effects on a breastfed infant. The potential risks to a baby's development are not well-understood. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can Flibanserin be taken safely while pregnant?
Flibanserin is not recommended during pregnancy. There is limited evidence on its safety for pregnant women, and the effects on an unborn baby are not well-studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest options for managing your condition. Your doctor can help create a treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Can I take Flibanserin with other prescription drugs?
Flibanserin has concerning drug interactions, especially with alcohol and certain medications. Alcohol can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting when combined with Flibanserin. Medications like certain antifungals, antibiotics, and HIV protease inhibitors can increase Flibanserin levels in the body, raising the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. They can help adjust your treatment plan to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Does Flibanserin have adverse effects?
Yes, Flibanserin can have adverse effects, which are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. These occur in more than 10% of users. Serious side effects include severe low blood pressure and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol. If you experience any adverse effects, contact your doctor. They can help determine if the symptoms are related to Flibanserin and suggest appropriate management or adjustments to your treatment.
Does Flibanserin have any safety warnings?
Yes, Flibanserin has important safety warnings. It can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol. This medication is not recommended for people with liver problems, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or extreme tiredness, seek medical help immediately. Always follow your doctor's advice and avoid alcohol while taking Flibanserin to reduce the risk of serious side effects.
Is Flibanserin addictive?
No, Flibanserin is not addictive or habit-forming. It does not cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Flibanserin works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain to improve sexual desire, but it does not affect brain chemistry in ways that lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. If you have concerns about medication dependence, Flibanserin does not carry this risk.
Is Flibanserin safe for the elderly?
Flibanserin is not recommended for use in the elderly. Older adults may be more vulnerable to the side effects of medications, such as dizziness and low blood pressure. These side effects can increase the risk of falls and other complications. If you are an older adult considering Flibanserin, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. They can help determine if this medication is appropriate for you and suggest alternative treatments if needed.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Flibanserin?
No, you should avoid alcohol while taking Flibanserin. Drinking alcohol with this medication can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting. This serious interaction requires emergency medical treatment. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit your alcohol intake and watch for warning signs like dizziness or fainting. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Flibanserin to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Flibanserin?
Yes, you can exercise while taking Flibanserin, but be cautious. This medication can cause dizziness or sleepiness, which might affect your ability to exercise safely. To exercise safely, avoid strenuous activities or high-impact sports if you feel dizzy or tired. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you notice any unusual symptoms during exercise, slow down or stop and rest. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about exercising while taking Flibanserin.
Is it safe to stop Flibanserin?
Yes, it is generally safe to stop Flibanserin, as it is used for short-term treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. There are no known withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping Flibanserin. However, stopping the medication may result in a return of symptoms. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Flibanserin. They can help you decide the best course of action and discuss alternative treatments if needed.
What are the most common side effects of Flibanserin?
Common side effects of Flibanserin include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. These side effects occur in more than 10% of users. Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. If you notice new symptoms after starting Flibanserin, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can help determine if the symptoms are related to Flibanserin and suggest appropriate management.
Who should avoid taking Flibanserin?
Flibanserin has important contraindications. Do not take it if you have liver problems, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects. Avoid using Flibanserin with alcohol, as this combination can cause severe low blood pressure and fainting. Flibanserin is not recommended for postmenopausal women or men. Always consult your doctor about these concerns and discuss any other medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
