Are you experiencing low sexual desire that's causing you distress? You're not alone. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), characterized by low libido that isn't due to a medical condition, relationship problems, or other mental health issues, affects millions of women. While it's a complex issue, addyi (flibanserin) offers a potential treatment option for premenopausal women struggling with acquired, generalized HSDD.
Low sexual desire can significantly impact a woman's self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding the process of obtaining addyi is crucial for women seeking to explore all available treatment options and reclaim their sexual well-being. This guide provides information on the requirements, process, and potential considerations associated with getting addyi.
What do I need to know before pursuing an addyi prescription?
How do I know if Addyi is right for me?
Addyi (flibanserin) is a medication specifically for premenopausal women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), characterized by low sexual desire that causes distress or interpersonal difficulty and is *not* due to a co-existing medical or psychiatric condition, relationship problems, or the effects of other medications or substances. It's crucial to determine if your low sexual desire fits this definition and if other potential causes have been ruled out by a healthcare professional before considering Addyi.
To determine if Addyi is right for you, start by having an open and honest conversation with your doctor. They will assess your medical history, current medications, and conduct a physical exam to exclude any underlying medical conditions contributing to your low libido. It’s also essential to evaluate your relationship and mental health, as relationship issues, stress, anxiety, or depression can all significantly impact sexual desire. Addyi is *not* an appropriate treatment if low desire is a result of these factors or if other medications (like certain antidepressants or hormonal birth control) are the cause. Addyi is not for everyone and carries specific risks, notably the potential for serious side effects like low blood pressure and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol or certain medications. Therefore, your doctor will need to discuss these risks thoroughly and assess your willingness to abstain from alcohol while taking Addyi. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to try other non-pharmacological interventions (such as couples therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on sexual desire) before considering Addyi. If, after a comprehensive evaluation, your low sexual desire continues to cause significant distress and no other underlying causes are identified, Addyi might be an option to discuss further with your doctor, but the decision should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can weigh the benefits and risks in your specific case.What kind of doctor can prescribe Addyi?
Addyi (flibanserin) can be prescribed by a variety of medical doctors who are knowledgeable about female sexual dysfunction and who have been certified in Addyi's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This typically includes gynecologists, psychiatrists, and some primary care physicians who have completed the necessary training.
The REMS program is in place because Addyi carries a risk of serious side effects, including severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and syncope (fainting), especially when taken with alcohol or certain medications. Therefore, prescribers need to be educated on these risks, proper patient selection, and how to counsel patients about avoiding these potentially dangerous interactions. This certification ensures that physicians are equipped to safely and effectively manage patients using Addyi.
If you're interested in exploring Addyi as a treatment option, your best course of action is to consult with your gynecologist or primary care physician. If they are not certified or comfortable prescribing Addyi, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or another gynecologist, who has experience in treating female sexual dysfunction and is certified in the Addyi REMS program. The Addyi website can also help you locate certified healthcare providers in your area.
What are the potential side effects of Addyi I should be aware of?
Addyi (flibanserin) carries several potential side effects, the most significant being low blood pressure (hypotension), fainting (syncope), and central nervous system (CNS) depression, particularly when combined with alcohol. Other common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and dry mouth.
Beyond the more serious risks, the everyday side effects can significantly impact a woman's ability to perform daily tasks. Dizziness and drowsiness can make driving or operating machinery dangerous. Nausea can be persistent and interfere with appetite. Fatigue can undermine overall energy levels and quality of life. The risk of these side effects is significantly increased when Addyi is taken with alcohol, certain medications (including antifungals like ketoconazole, or antidepressants), or in individuals with liver impairment. Because of the risk of hypotension and syncope, it's crucial to monitor blood pressure, especially when starting Addyi or adjusting the dose. It's strongly advised to avoid alcohol while taking Addyi, even a small amount, to minimize the risk of severe side effects. If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as persistent dizziness, fainting spells, or unusual drowsiness, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Remember, Addyi should be discontinued if there's no improvement in sexual desire after eight weeks of treatment.How much does Addyi typically cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Addyi is typically expensive, often costing between $400 and $800 per month without insurance. Insurance coverage for Addyi is variable and depends on the specific plan. Many insurance companies initially deny coverage due to its limited proven effectiveness and potential side effects, requiring patients and doctors to navigate prior authorization processes and appeals.
The high cost of Addyi is a significant barrier for many women seeking treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Even with insurance coverage, copays or deductibles can still make it financially burdensome. Prior authorization requires your healthcare provider to submit documentation to your insurance company justifying the medical necessity of the drug. This process often involves providing detailed information about your medical history, previous treatments, and the reasons why Addyi is considered the most appropriate option. Insurance companies often have specific criteria for Addyi coverage, such as requiring a diagnosis of HSDD confirmed by specific diagnostic tools, documentation of failed attempts with other therapies (like addressing relationship issues or underlying medical conditions), and confirmation that the patient is not experiencing HSDD due to a medical condition or medication side effect. Because of these hurdles, it's crucial to proactively check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies regarding Addyi coverage, including any prior authorization requirements, preferred pharmacies, and potential out-of-pocket costs. Some pharmaceutical assistance programs may also offer discounts or financial assistance to eligible patients.What questions will my doctor ask to determine if I'm a candidate for Addyi?
Your doctor will ask a series of questions to assess if Addyi (flibanserin) is an appropriate treatment option for your Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). These questions will focus on ruling out other potential causes of low sexual desire, evaluating your overall health, and determining if the potential benefits of Addyi outweigh the risks, especially considering its side effects and interactions with alcohol and certain medications.
Your doctor will likely delve into your medical history, including any existing medical conditions, medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements), and any history of mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, as these can contribute to low sexual desire. They'll also ask about your relationship history and any potential stressors in your life that might be impacting your libido. It's important to be completely honest and forthcoming with your doctor to ensure an accurate assessment. Specifically, your doctor needs to confirm that your low sexual desire is *not* due to a medical condition, relationship problems, or side effects from other medications. They need to determine if your low desire is causing personal distress. They will also ask if you are currently drinking alcohol, as Addyi carries a significant risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting if taken with alcohol. Finally, because Addyi is only approved for premenopausal women, your doctor will need to confirm your menopausal status.Are there any lifestyle changes recommended while taking Addyi?
Yes, significant lifestyle changes are recommended while taking Addyi (flibanserin) to minimize the risk of serious side effects. The most critical recommendation is to abstain from alcohol entirely while taking Addyi. Additionally, certain other medications, including certain antifungals and some medications used to treat depression, can interact negatively with Addyi. Furthermore, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial, as Addyi is taken daily at bedtime.
Addyi interacts significantly with alcohol, and consuming alcohol while taking Addyi can lead to severely low blood pressure (hypotension), fainting (syncope), and even loss of consciousness. This interaction is serious and potentially dangerous. Therefore, complete alcohol abstinence is the most vital lifestyle change. You must inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking before starting Addyi, as drug interactions can be harmful. In addition to avoiding alcohol and potential drug interactions, a consistent sleep schedule is important. Addyi is taken at bedtime because it can cause drowsiness. Taking it at other times or varying your sleep schedule can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue. If you miss a dose, do not take it in the morning, just skip it and take the next dose at your scheduled bedtime. How to get Addyi: Addyi is available by prescription only. To obtain Addyi, you'll need to discuss your low sexual desire with your doctor. They will evaluate your medical history and determine if Addyi is appropriate for you. If so, they will provide you with a prescription, which you can then fill at a pharmacy.How long does it typically take to see results with Addyi?
It typically takes about 4 to 8 weeks of daily Addyi use to determine if the medication is effective for a particular individual. Because Addyi needs to build up in your system, consistent daily use is crucial for assessing its impact on your hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Addyi (flibanserin) is not an "on-demand" medication like some other sexual dysfunction treatments. It's designed to gradually increase sexual desire over time by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain associated with mood and sexual function. Therefore, patience is essential. Keep a record of your experiences and discuss any changes or lack thereof with your doctor during follow-up appointments. If you haven't noticed a meaningful improvement in your sexual desire after 8 weeks, Addyi is unlikely to be beneficial for you, and you should discuss alternative treatment options with your healthcare provider. Continued use beyond this point without any positive changes is generally not recommended. It is also very important to understand the alcohol contraindication with Addyi. Because of the risk of severely low blood pressure and fainting, you should not drink alcohol while taking Addyi.So, there you have it! Getting Addyi might take a little effort, but hopefully, this guide has made the process feel less daunting. Remember to chat openly with your doctor to see if it's the right choice for you. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more helpful info!