Addyi (flibanserin) is prescribed to treat low sex drive, also called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), in women younger than 65 years. Women with HSDD struggle with an ongoing lack of interest in sex, which causes distress and problems with relationships. While Addyi can be an effective treatment, it is important to know that it can interact with other medicines and substances.
An interaction occurs when a substance changes how a medicine works or affects the body. Understanding these interactions can help lower the risk of side effects, make sure your medicines work as intended, and avoid unsafe combinations.
This article does not include all possible Addyi interactions. Always tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and any vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you use.
Understanding Addyi Interactions
After you take Addyi, your body breaks it down using certain enzymes mainly found in the liver or gut. Some medicines affect how these enzymes work.
Medicines that block or slow (inhibit) these enzymes can raise Addyi levels in your body, increasing the risk of side effects. Medicines that speed (induce) them up can lower Addyi levels in your body, which decreases how well Addyi works for you.
Addyi can affect the level of certain medicines in your blood, which may change how those medicines work for you or increase the risk of side effects.
Below are more details about some Addyi interactions.
1. Certain antibiotics or antifungals
Some medicines used for bacterial or fungal infections may interact with Addyi. These medicines slow down the way Addyi is broken down in the body. As a result, Addyi may build up in the body.
Examples include:
- Ciprofloxacin
- Clarithromycin
- Fluconazole
- Posaconazole
- Rifampin
- Voriconazole
These medicines are usually not taken together with Addyi because the combination may increase the risk of serious low blood pressure, fainting, and sleepiness. Your health care provider may recommend a safer alternative.
2. Certain antiviral or HIV medicines
Some medicines used for viral infections or HIV may interact with Addyi. These medicines slow down the way Addyi is broken down in the body. As a result, Addyi may build up in the body.
Examples include:
- Amprenavir
- Atazanavir
- Boceprevir
- Cobicistat
- Fosamprenavir
- Ritonavir
These medicines are usually not taken together with Addyi because the combination may increase the risk of serious low blood pressure, fainting, and sleepiness. Your health care provider may recommend a safer alternative.
3. Some blood pressure or heart rate medicines
Some medicines used for high blood pressure or to control your heart rate may slow the breakdown of Addyi in your body. This may cause Addyi to build up in the body.
Examples include:
These medicines are usually not taken together with Addyi because the combination may increase the risk of serious low blood pressure, fainting, and sleepiness. Your health care provider may recommend a safer alternative.
4. Some antidepressants
Some medicines used for depression may cause Addyi to stay in your body longer by slowing how it is broken down. As a result, Addyi may build up in the body.
Examples include:
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
- Fluvoxamine
- Nefazodone
- Sertraline
These medicines are usually not taken together with Addyi because the combination may increase the risk of serious low blood pressure, fainting, and sleepiness. Your health care provider may recommend an alternative to Addyi.
5. Certain seizure medicines
Some seizure medicines can increase the levels of Addyi in your body by lowering the speed at which it is broken down. This may increase your risk of side effects.
Examples include:
- Carbamazepine
- Fosphenytoin
- Phenytoin
Talk to your health care provider about the risk; they may recommend a safer alternative.
6. Sedating medicines
When taken with Addyi, some medicines that are used for sedation (that help you sleep) or medicines that can cause sleepiness, like pain medicines, can increase sleepiness.
Examples include:
- Diphenhydramine
- Opioid pain medicines (such as hydrocodone and oxycodone)
- Lorazepam
Take Addyi at bedtime, as directed by your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about the risk; they may recommend a safer alternative.
7. Birth control medicines
Some birth control medicines can increase the levels of Addyi. These medicines can lower the speed at which your body breaks down Addyi, which may increase your risk of side effects.
Talk to your health care provider about the risk. Your health care provider may recommend a safer alternative.
8. Medicines for heartburn
Some medicines used for heartburn can raise the levels of Addyi. These medicines can slow how your body breaks down Addyi, increasing your risk of side effects.
Examples include:
- Esomeprazole
- Omeprazole
- Ranitidine
Talk to your health care provider about the risk. Your health care provider may recommend a safer alternative.
8. Certain heart and transplant medicines
Addyi may slow the way certain medicines are broken down in the body. This may cause the levels of these medicines to rise too high and increase the risk of side effects.
Examples include:
- Digoxin
- Sirolimus
If you must take these medicines while taking Addyi, your health care provider may monitor the levels of these medicines and adjust the dose.
Other Addyi Interactions
Addyi and alcohol
Combining alcohol and Addyi may increase the risk of serious side effects, including low blood pressure, fainting, sleepiness, and dizziness. Do not drink alcohol close to the time you take Addyi. Wait at least two hours before taking Addyi if you have had two standard alcoholic drinks. Skip your Addyi dose if you have more than three standard alcoholic drinks. Do not drink alcohol after taking Addyi until the following day.
A standard alcoholic drink includes:
- One 12-ounce regular beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of liquor or a shot
Supplement interactions
Some herbal supplements can slow the breakdown of Addyi in the body. This may lead to increased risk of serious side effects, including low blood pressure, fainting, or increased sleepiness.
Examples include:
Talk to your health care provider about alternatives or the right time to start Addyi after you stop taking supplements, or when to start taking supplements after you stop taking Addyi.
Other herbal and dietary supplements may cause interactions. Tell your health care team about all supplements you take.
Food interactions
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can slow down the rate at which Addyi is broken down. As a result, Addyi may build up in the body. You should not eat or drink grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Addyi because the combination may increase the risk of serious side effects such as low blood pressure, fainting, and increased sleepiness.
How to Avoid Addyi Interactions
Addyi may interact with medicines, supplements, or herbal products not listed in this article. Many substances can change how medicines are processed in the body, which may affect how well Addyi works or increase the risk of side effects.
The following steps can help lower your risk of drug interactions while taking Addyi:
- Take it exactly as prescribed.
- Keep an updated list of all medicines and supplements you use, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
- Share your medication list with your health care team and pharmacist.
- Ask your health care provider before you start or stop any medicine, vitamin, or supplement.
- Properly dispose of unused or expired medicines to help prevent accidental use.
Your health care provider or pharmacist can check your medicines for interactions and help make sure your treatment plan is safe for you.
