Flibanserin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Flibanserin Tablet (generic name: flibanserin) is a prescription medicine from the miscellaneous central nervous system agents drug class. It is used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women who have not gone through menopause. It is taken by mouth once daily at bedtime, and it carries specific precautions around alcohol use, grapefruit juice, and liver health.

What is Flibanserin Tablet

Flibanserin is a prescription tablet that treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition causing low sex drive that causes distress in women who have not gone through menopause.

Flibanserin Tablet uses

• Treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), which causes low libido or lack of sexual desire
• Used for women who have not gone through menopause who have low sexual desire that troubles them and is not caused by a medical or mental problem, relationship problems, or medicine or other drug use

Benefits of Flibanserin Tablet

• Helps treat acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women under 65 years of age
• Can help increase sexual desire and interest
• May reduce distress caused by persistently low sexual desire
• Can increase the number of satisfying sexual experiences in some women
• Provides a non-hormonal oral treatment option for appropriately diagnosed HSDD

How Flibanserin Tablet works

Flibanserin works by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood and sex drive, helping to increase dopamine and norepinephrine while reducing serotonin activity in certain brain circuits.

Flibanserin Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth with water, only at bedtime, as directed on the prescription label. Do not take it at any other time of day, since this can increase the risk of low blood pressure, fainting, or sleepiness. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medicine. Take it regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit.

If you have one or two alcoholic drinks, wait at least 2 hours before taking this medicine at bedtime. Skip your dose if you have had three or more alcoholic drinks that evening. Do not drink alcohol after taking this medicine until the next day.

A special Medication Guide will be provided with each prescription and refill; read it carefully each time. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after about 8 weeks of treatment. This medicine is not approved or recommended for use in children, and it is not recommended for use in elderly patients or in women who have gone through menopause.

If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at bedtime the next day; do not take it in the morning or double the next dose.

Available forms and strengths

Flibanserin is available as a tablet.

Side effects of Flibanserin Tablet

Common

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Falling asleep during daily activities
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Stuffy or runny nose

Serious

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Fainting
• Fast heartbeat
• Chest tightness, cough, or difficulty swallowing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice, since it can change how much of the medicine is absorbed and increase side effects
• This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can be life-threatening and need immediate medical care
• This medicine should not be used by women who have gone through menopause or by men, and it is not meant to boost sexual performance
• This medicine is not recommended for older adults since its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group, and they may be more likely to fall due to low blood pressure or fainting
• It is not known whether flibanserin will harm an unborn baby. Animal studies suggest possible developmental risks at high doses. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, since there isn't enough information about its safety for a nursing baby.
• This medicine should not be used by people with liver disease.
• Do not drink alcohol within 2 hours before taking this medicine at bedtime, and avoid alcohol until the next day after taking it. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, and increased drowsiness.
• This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything that requires alertness for at least 6 hours after taking it and until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) at controlled room temperature
• Keep tablets in their original, tightly closed container until use
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
• Avoid storing in bathrooms or other hot and humid areas
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Call your doctor right away if you feel severely drowsy or lightheaded like you might pass out
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or go to an emergency room right away

Alternatives

• Buspirone
• Bupropion
• Vyleesi (Bremelanotide)
• Addyi (Flibanserin)