If you have opened a magazine or watched any television within the past decade, you may likely have heard of Viagra, often dubbed the “little blue pill". You may have seen it advertised in magazines or promoted in various television commercials. It has dominated the market of sexual dysfunction medications for nearly 20+ years. Over the past few years, a new name has entered the arena with growing interest. Addyi, informally known as the Female Viagra and or ‘the little pink pill’ is a medication indicated for the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (also called HSDD).
Occurring in nearly 1 out of every 10 women, HSDD is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women. HSDD is defined as a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity that causes significant distress or relational difficulty for an extended period of time of approximately six months or more.
Some other symptoms of HSDD may include:
- Decreased responsiveness to stimulation
- Inability to maintain interest throughout sexual intercourse
- Loss of desire to initiate sex
There are many potential causes of HSDD which will need to be considered by your physician. Some contributing factors include recent childbirth, history of breast cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, depression, relationship issues, or even side effects of certain medications. Treatment may address the potential underlying causes just mentioned or even include psychotherapy and counseling. Your doctor may consider the use of a current FDA-approved treatment for HSDD mentioned above called Addyi. This drug works on the neurotransmitters in the brain that are related to sexual excitement. It is an oral medication that is taken once nightly at bedtime.
Some important considerations to using Addyi include:
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 2 hours before taking Addyi due to the increased risk of severe low blood pressure or syncope (fainting)
- Avoid the use of Addyi in individuals who have liver disease
- Patients should avoid driving/operating heavy machinery for at least 6 hours after taking Addyi
- Avoid the use of Addyi in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
- Be sure to ask your doctor and pharmacist about potential drug interactions since Addyi is contraindicated with certain medications (Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors)
Reach out to a provider at Physician’s Promise today to see if treatment with Addyi may be appropriate for you.
