Addyi is a medication that has been developed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. HSDD is a condition where a woman experiences a persistent lack of sexual desire, which can cause significant distress in her personal and interpersonal relationships. Addyi works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, thereby increasing sexual desire in women.
In this article, we will explore how Addyi works to boost desire in women, the benefits and drawbacks of using Addyi, and what women should know before taking this medication.
How Addyi Works
Addyi, also known as Flibanserin, is a medication that works by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Specifically, it targets the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are all chemicals that are involved in sexual desire and arousal.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are responsible for activating the brain’s reward center, which leads to feelings of pleasure and motivation. Serotonin, on the other hand, is responsible for regulating mood and anxiety. In women with HSDD, there is a decrease in the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Addyi works by targeting these neurotransmitters and increasing their levels, thereby boosting sexual desire in women. By increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, Addyi can enhance feelings of pleasure and motivation, while the increase in serotonin can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Benefits of Addyi
One of the primary benefits of Addyi is that it is a non-hormonal treatment option for HSDD. This is important because many women with HSDD cannot take hormonal treatments due to underlying medical conditions or concerns about side effects.
Another benefit of Addyi is that it can be taken as needed, rather than on a daily basis. This makes it a more convenient option for women who may not want to take medication every day.
Drawbacks of Addyi
One of the side effects of Addyi is that it can cause dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. These side effects can be especially problematic when combined with alcohol, as Addyi can increase the sedative effects of alcohol.
Another drawback of Addyi is that it may not be effective for all women with HSDD. In clinical trials, only about 10% of women who took Addyi reported an improvement in their sexual desire, compared to about 3% of women who took a placebo. This means that many women may not experience any significant improvement in their sexual desire after taking Addyi.
What Women Should Know Before Taking Addyi
Before taking Addyi, it is important for women to discuss their medical history and any medications they are taking with their healthcare provider. Addyi can interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants and antifungal medications, which can increase the risk of side effects.
Women should also be aware that Addyi can lower blood pressure and increase the risk of fainting, especially when combined with alcohol. It is recommended that women avoid drinking alcohol while taking Addyi.
Finally, women should be aware that Addyi may take several weeks to start working, and that they may not experience any improvement in their sexual desire. If there is no improvement after 8 weeks of treatment, women should discuss alternative treatment options with their healthcare provider or with the sexual health expert like Dr. Jennifer Berman.
In conclusion, Addyi is a medication that can help boost sexual desire in women with HSDD by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. While it offers a non-hormonal treatment option and can be taken as needed, it does come with the risk of side effects and may not be effective for all women. Women should discuss their medical history and any concerns they have with their healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Addyi:
Q: What is HSDD?
A: HSDD stands for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which is a condition where a woman experiences a persistent lack of sexual desire, causing distress in her personal and interpersonal relationships.
Q: Who can take Addyi?
A: Addyi is only approved for use in premenopausal women with HSDD.
Q: How is Addyi taken?
A: Addyi is taken orally, once per day, at bedtime.
Q: Can Addyi be taken with other medications?
A: Addyi can interact with certain medications, so it is important to discuss any other medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting Addyi.
Q: How long does it take for Addyi to work?
A: Addyi may take several weeks to start working, and it may not be effective for all women.
Q: What are the side effects of Addyi?
A: Side effects of Addyi can include dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. It can also lower blood pressure and increase the risk of fainting, especially when combined with alcohol.
Q: Is Addyi a hormonal treatment?
A: No, Addyi is not a hormonal treatment. It works by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, rather than affecting hormones in the body.
Q: Is Addyi safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: No, Addyi is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss alternative treatment options with their Doctor first.
