Flibanserin

Common use

Flibanserin used to treat decreased sexual desire in women who have not gone through menopause and who have never had low sexual desire in the past. Flibanserin is for use only when low sexual desire is not caused by a medical condition, a mental disorder, relationship problems, or by using drugs or other medicines.
Flibanserin preferentially activates 5-HT1A receptors in the prefrontal cortex demonstrating regional selectivity, and has been found to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels and decrease serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, actions that were determined to be mediated by activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.

Dosage and direction

Flibanserin is taken 100 mg orally once per day at bedtime in cases of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) treatment. The onset of the flibanserin effect was seen from the first time point measured after 4 weeks of treatment and maintained throughout the treatment period. You should stop taking Flibanserin after 4 weeks if there is no improvement in symptoms.
This drug is not indicated to enhance sexual performance, and is not indicated for treatment in postmenopausal women or in men.

Precautions

It is strongly recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking Flibanserin and especially emphasize if you are allergic to this drug or if you have any other allergies.
You must not drink alcohol while taking Flibanserin. It may cause you to have dangerously low blood pressure.
Also you should not use Flibanserin if you have: low blood pressure, a history of alcoholism or drug addiction, liver disease, a history of depression or mental illness, or if you currently drink alcohol.
Flibanserin may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 6 hours after you take this medicine, and until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or low blood pressure can cause falls or other accidents.
It is not known whether flibanserin will harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
It is not known whether flibanserin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Contraindications

Do not drink alcohol while taking Flibanserin. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause dangerous or unwanted side effects.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with flibanserin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Flibanserin.
Avoid taking herbal supplement containing: ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, St. John's wort.
Flibanserin is contra-indicated if patients taking another medicine to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder or using drugs against high blood pressure.
Flibanserin is not approved for use by men and children younger than 18 years old.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Flibanserin: hives, difficult breathing, your face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling.
Call your doctor at once if you feeling very drowsy or light-headed like you might pass out.
Common Flibanserin side effects may include: dizziness, nausea, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness or trouble sleeping.
In case you notice any of these side effects or other not listed above - contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interaction

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or lower your blood pressure can worsen Flibanserin effect. Consult your doctor before taking Flibanserin with sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: cimetidine, ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, St. John's wort.
Your doctor also may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, heart or blood pressure, HIV or AIDS drugs: nefazodone, ciprofloxacin, larithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, boceprevir, telaprevir, conivaptan, diltiazem, verapamil, atazanavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with flibanserin including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Missed dose

If so happened that you missed a dose - skip it and take the medicine the following day at bedtime. Do not take Flibanserin in the morning and do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much of Flibanserin - seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Storage

Store Flibanserin within the room temperature not higher than 77° F (20-25° C). Store away from moisture and heat. Do not store drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs out of the reach children and animals.