Medications
Has the new sexual desire drug panned out?
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About the drug
Flibanserin has been shown to modestly improve sexual function—10% compared with placebo—among premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a severe lack of interest in sex. Flibanserin is different from sildenafil (Viagra) for men, which is taken on demand (just before sex) and acts by improving blood flow to the penis. Flibanserin must be taken daily, and it targets the brain area that regulates sexuality. Flibanserin has the potential for serious side effects, including very low blood pressure, fainting, and nausea. These risks increase and become even more severe if a woman drinks alcohol or is taking birth control pills.
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