By Frank J Granett R.ph.
The FDA recently approved the new female Viagra drug, Addyi (Flibanserin). This drug, however, is not pharmacologically similar to Viagra and women should proceed with caution. Addyi is a prescription medicine used to treat hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women who have not gone through menopause, who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, and who have low sexual desire no matter the type of sexual activity, the situation, or the sexual…FDA approved Addyi on August 18, 2015
Recently, on the Price of Business radio program, the Price of ADHD Business health segment hosted by Kevin Price, and yours truly, discussed with special guest Kelly O’Meara the warnings of Addyi and the importance of comprehensive female endocrine assessments prior to drug therapy. Kelly is an award winning investigative journalist, author and contributing writer for Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) www.cchrint.org Listen to the full radio interview HERE.
Kelly is a passionate advocate for women’s mental health and relates the following advice.
“The use of dangerous mind-altering drugs to allegedly increase a woman’s sexual desire is simply a continuation of the FDA and American Psychiatric Association’s history of pathologizing normal female behavior and it is a disservice to women everywhere. In what can only be described as an extraordinarily sexist action, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the drug “Addyi,” which is misleadingly being touted as the “Female Viagra.” But unlike Viagra, which affects blood flow to the male genitals, Addyi, the “pink Viagra” for women, is all about messing with their minds—it’s an antidepressant drug. Addyi was designed to “treat” the so-called mental disorder, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), or female sexual interest/arousal disorder. In short, this drug approval not only suggests, but supports, the absurd notion that women, for any number of reasons, who do not seek sexual arousal, are somehow suffering from a mental illness.
Addyi reportedly increases the brain chemicals dopamine and noradrenalin, while at the same time reducing Serotonin and, voila, increased sexual desire is achieved. It all sounds scientific. A little chemical increase here, a reduction there, and the female libido is revved up and ready to go. But it’s not that simple and, in the case of the antidepressant, Addyi, there are some very serious, even life-threatening adverse reactions.
First though, as is the case with all antidepressants, no one has a clue how Addyi actually works in the brain to “treat” the alleged mental disorder HSDD and, according to the FDA advisory committee on the drug, “the precise mechanism of action by which flibanserin enhances sexual desire in patients with HSDD is not known.” What is known though is that while the FDA has approved “Addyi,” the federal agency is covering its actions by attaching serious drug oversight and warnings.
The top 10 Antidepressant side effects reported to the US FDA
The clinical trial results were marginal at best—women taking Addyi experienced an increase of about 0.5 to 1 sexually satisfying events per month compared to women taking the placebo—and based on the results, the risks associated with Addyi could be far less pleasurable. For example, the FDA is requiring that Addyi carry its most serious “black box” warning, advising the drug should not be used by those who drink alcohol, as it increases the risk of severely low blood pressure (hypotension) and fainting (syncope). Other common side effects include dizziness, somnolence, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dry mouth.
The FDA is so concerned about the possible adverse effects of Addyi on women that it is requiring doctors and pharmacists to watch an online presentation and pass a test of their understanding, literally becoming certified to prescribe and dispense the drug.”
Women should understand the underlying causes of low sexual desire prior to premature drug therapy. Many hormonal risk factors contribute to the onset of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, pregnenolone, and cortisol are critical hormones which need to be in balance for optimal female sexual desire to occur. Women should consult with an endocrinologist specializing in female sexual desire health. Additionally, contact www.CAOOY.org click the “ASK THE PHARMACIST” tab, or email FrankGranett@CAOOY.org and receive medication as well as nutritional supplementation consultation which may help chronic fatigue and stress associated with HSDD. American Epidemic
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