AVAILABLE MEDICINE FOR Flibanserin

Overview of Flibanserin 

Flibanserin is a revolutionary drug that falls into the Serotonin Receptor 1A Agonist/ Serotonin Receptor 2A Antagonist drug class. It is primarily used to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women. This condition affects approximately 1 in 10 women, according to clinical studies.

Designed for premenopausal women experiencing low sexual desire, Flibanserin can help improve sexual interest and satisfaction. It can even help in the presence of varying sexual activity or different partners. It is the first drug that improves women's sexual desire and helps them achieve a satisfying sexual life. 

Basic Information About Flibanserin

Boehringer Ingelheim first discovered the drug as an antidepressant medicine in 1995. However, FDA clinical trials disproved its efficacy. Following this, Sprout Pharmaceuticals bought the rights and rebranded it for a new use. Here are the key information:

• Discovered In: 1995

• Chemical Formula: C20H21F3N4O

• FDA-Approval: Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015 

• Regulatory Status: The American Psychiatric Association and American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists approve the use of Flibanserin.

• Treats: Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

• Drug Class: Serotonin Receptor 1A Agonist/ Serotonin Receptor 2A Antagonist

• Manufacturer: Sprout Pharmaceuticals

• Original Intent: Antidepressant 

Uses of Flibanserin 

Flibanserin is primarily used to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women. HSDD is characterised by a persistent and recurring lack of sexual desire. This may include a diminished interest in sexual thoughts or fantasies, vaginal dryness, reduced pleasure during orgasms, and an overall avoidance of sexual activity. HSDD is not due to:

• Drug side effects

• Co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions

• Problems within the relationship 

Flibanserin treats HSDD by targeting the chemicals in the brain that affect the sex drive in women such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. 

Off-Label Uses of Flibanserin

Flibanserin has shown potential beyond its primary indication for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women. According to a study published in an Oxford University Press journal, Flibanserin was tested on four patients with different sexual disorders, and the results were promising.

• Patient 1: A 40-year-old male with a 10-year history of Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS). This condition causes symptoms lasting for weeks after orgasm.

• Patient 2: A 77-year-old woman who had completed menopause and was suffering from hypersexuality and worsening HSDD, coupled with a traumatic history.

• Patient 3: A 51-year-old man, with a year of history of low libido and mild Erectile Dysfunction.

• Patient 4: 26-year-old man with Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) with ED, decreased libido, brain fog, anxiety and shrinkage of genitals. 

The result of testing Flibanserin on these patients was positive. They experienced significant improvements and indicated the drug has many more use cases other than treating HSDD. 

How Does Flibanserin Work?

Flibanserin pills work in three stages. They are listed below: 

Stage 1: Flibanserin targets the Kinsey Dual Control Model that affects transmitters and hormones. According to this model, dopamine and norepinephrine have excitatory activity and serotonin has inhibitory activity. 

Stage 2: Flibanserin affects the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. Since it is a Serotonin Receptor 1A Agonist/ Serotonin Receptor 2A Antagonist, it acts on various serotonin receptors. It also acts as an agonist to 5-HT1A receptors and as an antagonist to 5-HT2A receptors. 

Stage 3: By balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin, Flibanserin helps enhance sexual desire in women. It boosts dopamine levels, which promotes sexual motivation, while simultaneously lowering serotonin levels, which typically inhibit desire. 

Common Side Effects of Flibanserin

The molecule causes common and serious side effects in women using them. Common Flibanserin side effects are:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Sleepiness

• Insomnia

• Dry mouth

• Tiredness 

• Blurred vision

• Sweating 

Rare side effects of Flibanserin:

• Wheezing 

• Racing heart

• Stomach cramps

• Joint pain 

• Central Nervous System (CNS) depression 

• Memory problems 

• Slurred speech

• Decreased alertness or coordination

• Low blood pressure

• Fainting 

• Bloating 

• Fever 

Precautions for Flibanserin

Read the leaflet inside the medicine pack carefully. Patients who are allergic to Flibanserin and other components should not take the drug. Here are additional precautions one must take before consuming a Flibanserin tablet:

• Drug Interactions: Do not take Flibanserin with birth control pills, medicines for fungal control, antibiotics for bacterial growth, seizure medicines, SSRIs, medicines for HIV and Ginkgo. 

• Alcohol Interactions: Avoid drinking alcohol in close tandem with Flibanserin. This could result in severely low pressure.

• Grapefruit Interactions: Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking this medicine. It can increase the amount of flibanserin in your body and increase the chance of fainting. 

• Consumption During Bedtime: Take the medicine at bedtime. This causes less chance of adverse effects since you will have already laid down. 

Flibanserin: Available Medicines 

Since Flibanserin is a recent drug, very few generic versions are available. Here is a list of available medicines containing Flibanserin:

Shop Flibanserin from Indogenmed and rediscover pleasure. Order today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long till Flibanserin works?

Flibanserin does not work instantly. You need to wait 4-6 weeks for the results to show up. 

2. Is Flibanserin the same as Viagra?

Although the molecule is often referred to as 'female Viagra', it is not the same as it. The drug is a Serotonin Receptor 1A Agonist/ Serotonin Receptor 2A Antagonist whereas Viagra is a PDE-5 inhibitor. 

The two medications have different mechanisms of action. While Viagra is specifically designed for men with erectile dysfunction, Flibanserin is designed to address sexual desire issues in women.

3. Is Flibanserin over the counter?

No, Flibanserin is not over the counter and should only be consumed under the supervision of a medical practitioner. 

4. Is Flibanserin a controlled drug?

No, Flibanserin is not a controlled substance and does not fall under the Controlled Substances Act.

5. What does Flibanserin do to the body?

Flibanserin works by balancing chemicals that are related to the female sex drive such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

6. Who can prescribe Flibanserin?

A doctor, after evaluating your medical condition and history, can prescribe Flibanserin. 

7. What does Flibanserin look like?

Branded Flibanserin, also called Addyi, is a pink oval tablet designed to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). It is often hailed as the ‘pink pill’. 

8. How long does Flibanserin last?

Flibanserin lasts in the human body for 11 hours, after which its concentration is reduced. 

9. Is Flibanserin covered by insurance?

Flibanserin (Addyi) may be covered by insurance plans for women suffering from HSDD. The coverage depends upon your insurance plans, patient circumstances, and insurance provider. 

10. Does Flibanserin cause depression?

Yes, Flibanserin may cause Central Nervous System depression (CNS) along with somnolence and sedation. 

11. Can men take Flibanserin?

No, Flibanserin is not intended for use in men. 

12. How much does Flibanserin cost? 

With insurance, the cost of Flibanserin ranges from $20 to $200 approximately. On the other hand, without insurance, the cost rises to $90 to $1000 approximately. 

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only and does not mean to replace a doctor’s prescription. Seek medical advice for proper usage and dose recommendations. 

Reference:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-169869/addyi-oral/details

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/addyi-side-effects.html

https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/Supplement_1/qdad060.397/7165094

https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/desire-disorder