Addyi increases levels of chemicals in the brain to boost sex drive but comes with side effects
The American Food and Drug Administration has approved the sale of a libido-enhancing drug for women, dubbed the ‘female Viagra’.
Flibanserin, which will be marketed under the name Addyi, works by boosting levels of certain chemicals in the brain to help women suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Addyi gradually increases the levels of noradrenalin and dopamine into the cerebral cortex, which in turn increase motivation and make the whole idea of having sex much more exciting. What is HSDD?
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is defined as a chronic or ongoing lack of interest in sex and affects around 1 in 10 women and has been described by sufferers as “humiliating, depressing and causes great anxiety and stress”.
Levels of sexual desire vary greatly from woman to woman but the key characteristic of HSDD is that this lack of a sex drive causes the individual personal distress. In other words, if your non-existent sexual desire bothers you chances are it’s HSDD.
It is the most common female sexual malfunction and yet is under diagnosed and under treated. While Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men is a well-known disorder, many women have never even heard of HSDD.
HSDD can be acquired or lifelong and there are a number of causes, both physical and psychological. Diabetes and high blood pressure can be a trigger of HSDD as well as stress, anxiety and depression. Addyi and side effects
The newly approved drug was previously rejected twice by the FDA but is set to go on sale in the US in mid-October.
Studies showed modest results but the new drug is set to come with a strict warning not to combine with alcohol or other certain medications.
Side effects include nausea, dizziness and fainting – a risk that is increased when combined with alcohol.
No word yet on when the drug will be released in the UK.