Libido is the sexual desire or drive of a person to perform sex. A healthy sex drive is essential for healthy sexual satisfaction and relationships. There are certain factors that may cause low libido (including stress, anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and others). Both Females and Males can experience reduced sex drive. In any case, this condition is treatable with effective and safe methods (including supplements, a healthy lifestyle, medications, and others). In this article, we will talk about low libido in females.
Medicines to Increase Libido in Women
There are two drugs that are approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in the treatment of low-sex desire in females. Physicians may prescribe Bremelanotide and Flibanserin to improve your libido. Sildenafil Citrate may also be used to increase your sex drive. This medicine is usually used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. However, many studies prove that Sildenafil may also help to improve libido in a woman.
Flibanserin
This is the first FDA-approved drug used to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. You can find this medication under the brand name Addyi. The recommended daily dose is usually one tablet before bedtime. The length of treatment is up to 2 months. Usually, the effects of this medication last up to 11 hours. However, it is a prescription medicine and you should not use it without a physician’s approval. Otherwise, you may experience certain negative effects.
Bremelanotide
This drug also may be used to treat HSDD in premenopausal women. It is present as an active ingredient in Vyleesi. Besides Flibanserin, this medication is also available in injection form, which should be administered 45 minutes before sexual intercourse. The effect may last up to 3 hours, which is less than Flibanserinās longevity. Vyleesi (Bremelanotide) also is a prescription medication. Consult a doctor before using this product because it also may provoke adverse reactions.
Additionally, to get a better effect from any of these medicines, physicians check your medical history, age, the severity of the medical condition, and other drugs you may be using.
How These Drugs Work?
The action mechanism is different from each other. Flibanserin works by affecting the serotonin system in the brain. This effect indirectly affects Dopamine. Therefore, it improves low serotonin levels in the brain, which helps to increase low sexual desire. But, Bremelanotide is a melanocortin agonist medicine. It works by activating the melanocortin receptors, which are responsible for regulating sexual arousal.
Flibanserin and Bremelanotide Effectiveness
While using one of these medicines to treat your low libido, you may experience certain side effects. In some cases, side effects may affect the effectiveness of these medications. Talk to a doctor about how to avoid or prevent adverse effects. Check below some examples:
Flibanserin Side Effects
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Falling asleep problems
- Dizziness
Bremelanotide Side Effects
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nasal stuffiness
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Flushing
If you experience any of the adverse reactions listed above or both of them at the same time, tell your healthcare professional promptly.
