Jeffrey Panko NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Flibanserin
Addyi / Oral tablets
A guide for adults taking flibanserin.
Follow the directions on your prescription and your provider's recommendations.
Formulations: Oral tablets are taken at bedtime every day. Daytime dosing increases the risk of low blood pressure, fainting, and injury.
What it is used for
Flibanserin treats acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women younger than 65 when low desire causes distress and is not explained by another condition, medication, or relationship problem. Current U.S. labeling includes eligible premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
How it works
It acts at serotonin receptors, including activating 5-HT1A and blocking 5-HT2A receptors. It is taken regularly; it is not an immediate sexual-performance medicine.
What to expect over time
Benefit is assessed over weeks through desire and related distress. It does not reliably produce a response immediately before sexual activity.
Taking your medication
- Take only at bedtime. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the following bedtime.
- After one or two standard alcoholic drinks, wait at least two hours before the bedtime dose. After three or more drinks that evening, skip the dose.
- After taking the dose, do not drink alcohol until the next day.
- Review treatment after eight weeks; stop if there has been no improvement.
When to get help
Emergency symptoms. Call 911 for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or a severe allergic reaction. If lightheaded, lie down and seek help rather than attempting to walk.
Prompt medical advice. Report fainting, marked daytime sedation, or persistent severe dizziness. Contact your provider before starting a new interacting medicine.
If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Possible side effects
- Dizziness, sleepiness, or fatigue
- Nausea, dry mouth, or insomnia
- Low blood pressure or fainting
Keeping track of treatment
Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.
Review dizziness, falls, sedation, alcohol timing, and any new medications. Avoid driving or hazardous activity for at least six hours after a dose and until you know its effects.
If you take too much
For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.
Before you start
Do not use with liver impairment or moderate or strong CYP3A inhibitors. Discuss low blood pressure, fainting, and all medicines. Review pregnancy and breastfeeding; breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Medicines and interactions
Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.
Alcohol close to a dose can cause severe hypotension and fainting. The timing rules are essential.
Certain antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and grapefruit can greatly increase levels. Starting or stopping an interacting medicine may require a waiting period. Sedatives add impairment.
Everyday tips
Keep the alcohol and medication timing instructions easy to find.
Review other possible causes of low desire as part of care.
Your questions answered
Is this only for premenopausal women?
The U.S. indication was expanded in December 2025 to eligible women younger than 65, including postmenopausal women.
Can I take it just before sex?
No. It is a daily bedtime treatment; extra doses increase risk.
Storage and safety
Keep medication in its labeled container, away from excess heat and moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Do not share it. Ask a pharmacy about disposal of unused medication.
Sources
About this information
Educational handout; does not replace your prescription or provider's recommendations.
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.