Feelex

Indications

Flibanserin is used in premenopausal women (women who still have periods) with acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This means a low sexual desire that causes distress, that developed after a time of normal desire, and that is not caused by another medical or mental health condition, relationship problems, or other medicines. It is not for use in men or in women after menopause, and it is not meant to improve sexual performance.

How It Works

Flibanserin acts on serotonin receptors in the brain (it stimulates 5-HT1A and blocks 5-HT2A receptors). This is thought to rebalance brain chemicals involved in sexual desire, lowering serotonin activity and raising dopamine and noradrenaline in certain brain areas. It works gradually over several weeks, not on demand.

Dosage and Administration

The usual dose is 100 mg once a day at bedtime, as prescribed. Taking it at bedtime lowers the risk of harm from dizziness, sleepiness and low blood pressure. Do not take more than one dose a day. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one at the following bedtime. If there is no improvement after 8 weeks, your doctor will usually stop treatment.

Interactions

• Alcohol: greatly raises the risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting. Wait at least 2 hours after 1 or 2 standard drinks before taking the bedtime dose, or skip the dose that night; do not drink after taking it.
• Moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Fluconazole, Ritonavir, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Erythromycin) and grapefruit juice: must not be used together.
• CYP3A4 inducers such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin: make Flibanserin less effective.
• Other sedatives, opioids, sleeping pills and some antihistamines: more drowsiness.
• Digoxin: levels may rise.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Flibanserin.
• Liver impairment of any degree.
• Use with alcohol close to the dose, or with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Men, children and postmenopausal women (not approved for these groups).

Side Effects

Common effects include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping and dry mouth.

Get urgent medical help if you faint or feel very lightheaded, have very low blood pressure, are hard to wake, or have signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat. If someone faints after taking it, lay them down with legs raised and call for help.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended during pregnancy, as there is limited information; stop it if you become pregnant and tell your doctor. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Flibanserin, because it may cause sleepiness in the baby.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not drive, operate machinery or do activities needing alertness until at least 6 hours after a dose and until you know how it affects you. Use with care if you have a history of low blood pressure, fainting or depression. Tell your doctor about all medicines, herbal products and supplements you take. It is not a contraceptive and does not protect against infections.

Overdose

An overdose may cause severe sleepiness, dizziness, low blood pressure and fainting. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Medicine for hypoactive sexual desire disorder; serotonin 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.