Addyi: A Hope for Women’s Sexual Disorders
When it comes to the topic of sexual dysfunction, men have always been at the forefront. For decades, there have been countless male-oriented solutions like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra advertised on TV, while women with similar problems were left to deal with everything on their own.
But things are slowly changing for better. Enter Addyi, the first FDA approved drug for female sexual dysfunction.
In this article, we will delve into what Addyi is, why it’s so important, and what the differences are between it and male-oriented solutions like Viagra.to Addyi/Flibanserin
When discussing female sexual dysfunction, it’s important to first clarify what that means. For women, sexual dysfunction can include everything from a lack of desire to an inability to orgasm.
Addyi, also known as Flibanserin, is a once-daily pill designed to increase sexual desire in premenopausal women. Though the exact mechanism behind its effectiveness is still not completely understood, the medication appears to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels while reducing serotonin levels in the brain.
This combination leads to an increase in sexual desire and a decrease in inhibition.
Differences between Addyi and Viagra
One of the main differences between Addyi and Viagra has to do with the way they work. While Viagra is designed to increase blood flow to the genitals, Addyi works centrally in the brain to increase sexual desire.
Another critical difference is how the two medications are taken. Viagra is taken approximately 30 minutes to an hour before sex while Addyi is taken once daily.
Finally, Viagra has been around for over two decades, while Addyi took until 2015 to receive FDA approval.
Approval process and concerns
The process of getting Addyi approved by the FDA was a long one. In 2010, a pharmaceutical company called Boehringer Ingelheim presented the drug for FDA approval.
However, the FDA rejected the drug, citing safety concerns. In 2013, the FDA made one of the first efforts to approve a medication for female sexual dysfunction, including Addyi.
However, once again, the FDA rejected the medication on the basis that the risk to benefit ratio was unknown. The approval eventually came through in 2015, albeit with some significant restrictions and warnings about the potential for dangerous side effects like fainting, nausea and dizziness.
Origin of Female Viagra
So why has it taken so long to create medication for female sexual disorders while male-oriented solutions like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra have been available for years? The short answer is simple — because the pharmaceutical industry has focused primarily on men and their sexual issues.
It wasn’t until a 1999 survey of women’s sexual dysfunction was conducted, and it was revealed that 43% of women experience at least one type of female sexual dysfunction, that researchers began to take notice. Pharmaceutical companies’ response and abandonment of idea
With the results of the 1999 survey in-hand, pharmaceutical companies began the long and complicated journey towards creating medication for female sexual dysfunction.
However, the process was fraught with difficulties, from the difficulty of measuring female sexual desire to difficulties with female arousal. In addition, the abandonment of female Viagra in response to FDA concerns did not help the development of such medications.
FDA’s initial rejection
The FDA’s initial rejection of Addyi was due to concerns that the side effects associated with the drug (such as low blood pressure and fainting) might outweigh its benefits. However, the FDA’s stance has softened since then.
The FDA’s decision to approve Addyi was also seen as a victory for women’s health advocates and a sign that progress was being made in creating medications that address sexual dysfunction in women. In conclusion, while it has taken a long time for solutions like Addyi to come to market, it represents a significant step towards addressing the needs of women dealing with sexual dysfunction.
There is still work to be done in terms of developing medications that are both safe and effective, but the introduction of Addyi shows that significant progress is possible. Just like for men, women deserve medication that can improve their quality of life and sexual health, and Addyi represents a critical step towards that goal.
3) What we know about Addyi
Addyi is a medication that has gained a lot of attention since its FDA approval in 2015. It is used to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
But what exactly does this mean, and how does Addyi work?
Addyis function and diagnosis requirements
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a complex medical condition that is diagnosed when a woman experiences a persistent lack of sexual desire, which causes significant distress in her life. Its important to understand that it is not simply a loss of libido due to emotional stress, relationship problems or fatigue that come and go.
HSDD is a more significant and persistent issue, where the cause lies in the brain, not the vagina. Its also worth noting that the lack of desire cannot be solely attributed to a medical condition, medication use, or substance abuse.
Moreover, the FDA requires a healthcare provider to diagnose HSDD before prescribing Addyi. This diagnosis is made by a medical professional with experience in diagnosing and treating HSDD.
The process includes a thorough medical evaluation and review of the patients history and experience.
Dosage and treatment regimen
Unlike male-oriented sexual dysfunction medications such as Viagra, which are taken acutely, Addyi is intended for daily use. The recommended dose is one 100 mg tablet per day, taken at bedtime.
It is not a traditional aphrodisiac and requires consistent daily use to achieve optimal results. It may take up to four weeks of daily use to experience the full effects of Addyi, so regular use is essential.
Addyi is a non-hormonal medication, but it is an antidepressant and works by altering brain chemistry. It targets and alters three different neurotransmitters in the brain dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Experts believe this combination leads to increased sexual desire and reduced inhibition.
Alcohol usage and potential side effects
One of the most significant warnings associated with Addyi is its potential interaction with alcohol. The combination of Addyi and alcohol can cause the blood pressure to drop, resulting in dizziness, fainting, and accidents.
This can be particularly dangerous and even life-threatening. Healthcare providers generally warn patients, specifically women, that consuming alcohol while on Addyi is not recommended.
4) Patient experience with Addyi
Patient experience with medication is vital to understand its benefits and side effects. Heres what we know about Addyi.
Amanda Parrish’s experience in trials
Before Addyi received FDA approval, clinical trials were conducted to determine its safety and efficacy. One of the women who participated in those trials was Amanda Parrish.
She never thought she’d be a test subject, but after living with HSDD for years, she decided to participate. She shared her experience in a TEDx talk, claiming that she felt like she was living in a body that was broken and unable to function as it should.
Parrish recalls experiencing a low-grade mood boost when she started the trial, followed closely by a small increase in energy, both of which combined to give her daily life a big boost. However, she admits that it wasn’t until the third week of the trial that she began to experience a notable change regarding her libido.
By the end of the twelve-week trial, she could confidently say that “sexual desire is once again a relatively constant part of my life.”
Effects of Addyi on sexual desire
Several studies have been conducted to measure the effects of Addyi on sexual desire. Results from one such study showed that women taking Addyi had a one to two significant increase in “satisfying sexual events” per month, including sexual desire, reduced distress, and improvement in overall quality of life.
Moreover, a study conducted in 2019 provides evidence supporting Addyis use in treating HSDD. In this study, about 25% of women given Addyi reported an improvement in sexual desire, while only 17.8% of women given a placebo reported the same results.
Possibility for use by others
Although Addyi is specifically approved for the treatment of HSDD in premenopausal women, some research has been done on its use in other groups. One study published in 2019 suggests that post-menopausal women may also benefit from Addyi, though further investigation is needed.
It’s also worth noting that Addyi is not a quick fix for sexual dysfunction and is not meant to replace emotional, psychological, or relationship measures that target underlying issues causing HSDD. Instead, it is intended to be used in conjunction with these measures, as a part of a broader approach to treating HSDD.
In conclusion, while there is still much research to be done in the field of female sexual dysfunction, Addyi represents a significant step towards improving the quality of life for women living with HSDD. While the medication has some limitations and potential risks, it has also shown promise in improving sexual desire and overall quality of life.
Patients with pre-existing medical conditions should work together with their healthcare providers to determine whether Addyi is right for them.
5) Considerations for use
While Addyi represents a significant step towards addressing the needs of women with HSDD, it’s important to fully understand the medication before considering its use. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Medical advice and prescription requirements
Before deciding to take Addyi, it’s essential to talk to a doctor, particularly one who has experience in treating HSDD. They can assess whether the medication is appropriate for your needs and prescribe the correct dosage based on your individual medical history and circumstances.
Importantly, given the medication’s antidepressant properties, a doctor will need to know your full medical history. For instance, they will need to know if you’re already taking other medication that affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, like antidepressants or migraine medication, and whether you suffer from severe liver or renal disease.
Your doctor will also need to review any natural supplements or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking, since some of these may interact with Addyi.
Controllable and safe usage
Once your healthcare provider has given you the green light to take Addyi, it’s crucial to follow the medication’s directions carefully. It’s essential to only take the recommended dose of one 100 mg tablet per day, and only as prescribed at bedtime.
If you miss a dose, do not double up. Instead, take the dose you forgot as soon as you remember, unless it’s already close to your next scheduled dose.
Another critical factor to consider when using Addyi is the potential for dangerous side effects when consumed with alcohol. It’s important that users avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication to prevent any harmful effects.
Alternative solutions and exploration of sexual desire
It is essential to recognize that Addyi is not the only solution for those facing sexual dysfunction. Many other causes need to be addressed besides drug therapy, and people should feel confident to seek second opinions or try alternative methods if they are not happy with the prescribed treatment.
It’s also important not to rely solely on medication for improving sexual desire. Exploring other methods of enhancing sexual desire is important as well, including therapy or counseling to address underlying emotional issues, couples counseling to help improve intimacy and communication, and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Importantly, it’s also essential to recognize that low sex drive is not always a problem. Sexual desires can be different for each person, and people need to find what works for them.
Open communication with a partner in an ideal sexual environment is an important factor in sexual health. In conclusion, Addyi represents a significant advancement in the treatment of HSDD for premenopausal women, but it’s essential to use the medication safely and under a doctor’s supervision.
Discussing any potential medication alongside possible alternative treatments with a doctor is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. With the right approach, HSDD can be treated, and satisfactory sexual health can be achieved.
In conclusion, Addyi represents a significant step towards addressing the needs of women dealing with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Despite some initial challenges in getting FDA approval, the drug has shown promise in improving sexual desire and overall quality of life.
However, before considering Addyi, it’s important to fully understand the medication, its requirements, and its potential side effects. As such, consulting with a doctor who can provide guidance and assess individual medical history is essential.
With the right approach, including open communication with partners and exploration of alternative solutions, HSDD can be treated, and satisfactory sexual health can be achieved.
