What is Addyi used for?
Addyi (generic name: flibanserin) is used for the treatment of decreased sexual desire, typically for women who have not gon through menopause and haven’t experienced low sexual desire previously. It’s only for use when low sexual desire is NOT caused by a mental disorder, drug or medication use, medical conditions, or relationship problems. Addyi is not for those who have gone through menopause and should not be used for people without vaginas.
Addyi is only made available with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program because of the increased risk of experiencing severe low blood pressure or fainting with alcohol use. You can only get Addyi through pharmacies enrolled in the Addyi REMS Program.
Addyi Information
How to Use Addyi?
Take Addyi exactly as your doctor has instructed you. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read the medication guide prior to use.
Only take Addyi at bedtime.
Avoid alcohol for at minimum 2 hours before taking Addyi and until the next day. Drinking alcohol on Addyi can cause you to have dangerously low blood pressure.
If you’ve consumed alcohol less than 2 hours ago, skip the bedtime dose.
Addyi may lower your blood pressure which could make you dizzy. If you feel light-headed after taking it, lie down if you aren’t already.
It can take up to 8 weeks to see improvement in your symptoms. Continue using this medication and tell your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
What are the drug interactions with Addyi?
Drug interactions with Addyi can cause either medication to be less effective or increase your chances of experiencing negative side effects. Some drug interactions have to be avoided, while others can be mitigated through changing the doses of one or both medications.
Addyi interacts with the following medications:
This is not a full list of all medications that interact with Addyi. This is why you should provide your doctor with a list of all the prescription and non-prescription drugs as well as any herbal products or supplements you’re taking. That will help them to properly monitor for drug interactions with Addyi. If you have further questions about interactions, reach out to us at 1-844-416-4282 and ask to be transferred to a pharmacist for counselling.
What are side effects of Addyi?
As well as Addyi’s needed effects, it can also cause unwanted side effects. You will not experience all of these side effects. Some, however, require medical attention if they do occur.
If you notice the following side effects of Addyi, check with your doctor asap:
More common
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Less common
- Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- Sensation of spinning
Rare
- Bloating
- Fever
- Nausea
- Severe cramping
- Stomach or lower abdominal pain
- Vomiting
There are Addyi side effects that are less serious and don’t usually need medical attention. Most often, these side effects will subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
Talk to your doctor about the following side effects if they persist or worsen:
Less common
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Normal menstrual bleeding earlier than expected or lasting longer than normal
- Rash
- Trouble sleeping