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Viagra for women… does it really work?

by Dr. Pranjal on October 17, 2022 , 5 min read

An outline 


 

We all know about Viagra, the deviant sex drug that has worked wonders for low-sex-driven people around the world. Although Viagra was discovered accidentally, it rose to become so popular that much research goes around figuring out how exactly Viagra works on the male body. But what about the female body? Can Viagra be just as effective? Or do we need to look for alternatives with Viagra-like effects? Read on to find out more…


 


 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Viagra-like medication flibanserin (Addyi) in 2015 for the treatment of female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) in premenopausal women. This prescription drug is sometimes referred to as "Viagra for women." Male impotence or erectile dysfunction is a medical condition treated with sildenafil (Viagra).


 

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), also known as Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSAID), is a sexual dysfunction that causes a lowered sex drive (low libido) in women. 


 

Only those who have not yet reached menopause (premenopausal women) are permitted to use either drug.


 

Addyi (flibanserin)

Being the first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat low sex drive, Addyi, is intended for premenopausal women only. It comes in the form of pills which can be taken every night before bed.


 

The boost in sexual desire may take up to 8 weeks to manifest, while some people feel the effects much sooner.

Vyleesi (bremelanotide)

In June 2019, bremelanotide (Vyleesi) became the second. According to the FDA, this medicine can be used to treat FSIAD in premenopausal women.


 

It is injected into the stomach or thigh at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. The effects last for up to 24 hours. The medicine shouldn't be consumed more frequently than eight times each month.


 

Can women consume Viagra?

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction in males, Viagra is approved. Viagra is not FDA-approved for use by females however, it can be prescribed by your doctor off-label if you really require it.


 

According to studies, Viagra may boost both the sensitivity and blood flow to the female genitals. Little evidence, however, suggests that it is safe or useful for females, and the FDA has not given its approval for this application. Instead, opt for alternatives like Addyi and Vyleesi are better options for fixing low libido.


 


 

If FSIAD results from consuming antidepressant drugs, a doctor may prescribe Viagra off-label to counteract it.

Side effects

As with any drug, the prescription drugs for FSIAD can have the following side effects:

Addyi

The side effects of this drug include

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia


 

When taken with alcohol or in the presence of liver disorders, the medication might result in extremely low blood pressure and fainting in users.


 

Vyleesi

Vyleesi’s side effects include

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flushing and hot flashes
  • Irritation or a rash at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Darkening of the skin, resulting in dark spots called hyperpigmentation on the gums, face, and breasts
  • High blood pressure
  • A decreased heart rate
  • Tingling


 

Vyleesi and Addyi can also trigger allergic reactions, just like other medications. If you suspect this, ask your doctor to perform allergy tests on you to check if these drugs cause any reaction or not. At the moment, Addyi can only be obtained from authorized doctors, pharmacies, and healthcare providers.

Off-label Drug Use


 

Off-label drug use refers to the use of a medication for the use of which it has not yet received FDA approval. The medicine can still be utilized for that purpose by a physician, nevertheless. The FDA only controls the testing and approval of pharmaceuticals; it has no control over how doctors utilize such treatments to treat their patients. So, if your doctor feels that prescribing medicine is best for your treatment, they can do so.


 

According to a review of female Viagra clinical trials, there have been encouraging findings regarding physical arousal. Researchers noticed more orgasms, excitement sensations, and vaginal lubrication.


 

Look out for these symptoms

  • Restricted or nonexistent sexual fantasies or thoughts,
  • Reduction or absence of sexual desire in response to stimuli or stimulation, loss of interest in or inability to maintain sexual interest,
  • Feelings of incompetence, annoyance, or fear over the absence of sexual interest or arousal.

How can one access them? 

For any medication to be prescribed, your doctor must first determine that you have HSDD. They can achieve this by posing screening questions like • Have you previously been pleased with the intensity of your sexual desire?


 

Q. Has your desire for sex decreased?

Q. Does it concern you that you lack libido?

Q. Would you prefer it to grow?

Q. Could anything else (medicine, pregnancy, surgery, stress, etc.) impact your sex drive?


 

If you find yourself answering "yes" to the first four questions is your response and there is no other possible explanation for your low sex drive, you most likely have HSDD. No matter what you may think you have, it's best to consult with your doctor first and get their opinions on treatment options that are best suited for you.


 

Benefits you may see

There are a number of reasons why women may look for a tablet that acts like Viagra. Women frequently notice a decline in their general sex drive as they reach middle age or if they are limited to one partner. Let’s face it, sex isn’t that easy to bring out all the time, sometimes a jumpstart is needed.


 

Daily causes of stress, major life events or changes to your normal life, or chronic illnesses like cancer or diabetes can mostly cause a drop in sex drive with a shift in your psychological state of mind. Consuming Addyi or Vyleesi may be the answer you are looking for. 


 


 

“However, some women report that FSIAD causes a decrease in or absence of sex drive. A research and expert panel determined that 10% of adult women are thought to be affected by FSIAD.”

How flibanserin works

Flibanserin was initially created as an antidepressant, but in 2015, the FDA approved it for the management of FSIAD.


 

There is a lack of knowledge on its mode of action in relation to FSIAD. It is well known that taking flibanserin frequently increases the body's levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It also reduces serotonin levels.


 

For sexual excitation, norepinephrine and dopamine are both necessary. Dopamine helps increase sexual desire. The hormone norepinephrine aids in enhancing sexual arousal.


 

Although it's being hyped as the female Viagra, there are a few significant differences between it and Viagra. 


 

Effectiveness on men and women 

For males, Viagra is typically always effective. Flibanserin, however, only works on one in ten women, making it far less effective than Viagra. 

The drug's metabolism

Flibanserin operates on brain neurotransmitters, much like antidepressants, whereas Viagra increases blood flow to the penis.

Difference in dosage

Men simply take Viagra when they want to have sex. Flibanserin must be taken daily by women, and results don't appear for nearly four weeks. Eight weeks pass before the effects reach their end.


 

Dosage guide 

Addyi can be taken once daily at bedtime as 100 mg pills.

Risks for depression, accidental injury, and hypotension rise when used during awake hours. If there is no improvement after 8 weeks, it should be stopped.


 

If a dose is missed, the patient should take the subsequent dose before going to bed the following day. As tempting as it sounds, do not ever double the doses. Overdosing on these drugs can have a detrimental effect on your hormones and endocrine system.


 

At the moment, neither men nor postmenopausal women should use it. Additionally, it is not intended to improve sexual performance and health.

Addyi and drinking alcohol


 


 

The FDA initially advised patients using Addyi to avoid drinking due to the possibility of fainting and severe hypotension. But in April 2019, the FDA revised its alcohol warning.


 

If Addyi is recommended by your doctor, you do not exactly need to abstain from all alcohol. You should wait until the morning to drink alcohol after taking your overnight dose, though.


 

Additionally, you should wait at least two hours after drinking alcohol before taking your nighttime dose. Don't take an extra Addyi dose the next morning if you missed one for any reason. Restart your usual dosing schedule the next evening.

The takeaway

In general, women's experiences with Viagra have been mixed, and FSIAD patients have not found it to be helpful. After using Addyi, premenopausal women with FSIAD may have a slight improvement in arousal and desire.


 

If you're interested in taking Addyi, speak with your doctor. Discuss with them the causes, risks, and alternative options for treatment like supplements or herbal products. For instance, hormonal changes, interpersonal changes, physical difficulties, and negative experiences could be to blame.


 

Sexual dysfunction can strike anyone at any age. Some causes of decreased sex drive may not be fully resolved by medication. A medical expert can offer advice on how to handle problems and suggest treatment measures.


 

by Dr. Pranjal on October 17, 2022 , 5 min read

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