Addyi (flibanserin) is commonly used to treat low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) in women younger than 65 years old. Women with HSDD struggle with an ongoing lack of interest in sex that causes distress and problems with relationships.
Like most medicines, Addyi may cause side effects. Some are more common than others, and some Addyi side effects may improve as your body adjusts to treatment.
Keep reading to learn about common side effects of Addyi, what you can do to prevent them, what to do if they happen, and when to tell your health care provider.
This article does not include all possible side effects of Addyi. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that are ongoing or bother you, even if they are not listed.
Common Addyi Side Effects
The most common side effects reported in clinical studies include:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness (somnolence)
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Dry mouth
In most cases, these side effects are temporary and often improve on their own. However, contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms that feel severe or last longer than a few days. Do not stop taking Addyi unless your provider recommends it.
Serious Side Effects of Addyi
Less common but potentially serious side effects of Addyi may include:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fainting (loss of consciousness)
- Decreased alertness
- Increased sleepiness (central nervous system depression)
- Allergic reactions
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider right away. In some cases, severe symptoms may require urgent medical care. Your provider can look at your symptoms and explain what steps to take next.
Tips for Managing Addyi Side Effects
Some side effects can be managed with simple strategies. The sections below explain common Addyi side effects and what you can do to help prevent or relieve them.
1. Dizziness
Dizziness or lightheadedness is one of the most common and serious side effects of Addyi. In the studies, a little more than 10% of people experienced dizziness.
Possible symptoms include:
- Feeling lightheaded
- Feeling unsteady when standing
- Feeling motion when your body is still
- Fainting or feeling like you might pass out
This can happen because Addyi may lower blood pressure, especially when standing up.
Here are some strategies that may help:
- Sit or lie down right away if you begin to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Stand up slowly when rising from sitting or lying down.
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration may add to dizziness.
- Do not drink alcohol at the same time you take Addyi or within two hours before taking it, as the alcohol could add to dizziness.
- Do not take Addyi if you have three or more alcoholic drinks.
Tell your health care provider if the dizziness worsens or doesn’t go away. If your symptoms feel severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
2. Decreased alertness and sleepiness
Drowsiness or feeling unusually tired is a common and serious side effect of Addyi. In the studies, a little more than 10% of people experienced drowsiness.
Possible symptoms include trouble staying alert or awake and slower thinking or reaction time. These symptoms may improve after your body gets used to the medicine. Taking Addyi with other medicines or alcohol may increase your risk.
Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
- Take Addyi at bedtime, as directed by your health care provider.
- Get plenty of sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Addyi affects you.
- Do not drink alcohol close to the time you take Addyi, as the alcohol could make you more drowsy.
Tell your health care provider if drowsiness becomes severe, suddenly worsens, or interferes with daily activities.
3. Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of Addyi. In studies, about 10% of people experienced nausea.
Nausea is the feeling that you might throw up, but it doesn’t always lead to vomiting.
Tips to help prevent or ease nausea:
- Plan smaller, more frequent meals (instead of two or three large ones) and stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Avoid high-fat foods, such as cheese, butter, and greasy foods.
- Choose bland foods, such as saltine crackers, rice, or toast.
- Sip clear liquids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- Try popsicles, jello, ginger or peppermint tea, or even acupressure wristbands.
If your nausea is bothersome, your health care provider may tell you to take certain medicines to help reduce or prevent nausea. Call your health care provider if your nausea is severe, lasts a long time, or you can’t keep down any food or liquids.
4. Tiredness
A common side effect of Addyi is fatigue, including feelings of tiredness or weakness.
These symptoms may improve after your body gets used to the medicine. To help support healthy energy, try the following:
- Take Addyi at bedtime, as directed by your health care provider
- Get plenty of sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Try to include nutrient-rich foods in every meal.
- Try to get some sort of physical activity regularly. Not being active can actually worsen tiredness.
- Minimize stress. Consider things such as yoga, counseling, or massage therapy.
- Include light physical activity, such as walking, if your health care provider says it is safe.
Tell your health care provider if your fatigue worsens or doesn’t go away. They may want to check for other causes or recommend ways to manage it.
5. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of Addyi, but it may be less common than other side effects.
Possible symptoms include:
- A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
- Increased thirst
- Trouble swallowing dry foods
Mild dry mouth can often be managed at home. Possible strategies include:
- Sip water throughout the day to moisten your mouth.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies or ice chips.
- Try over-the-counter (OTC) products for dry mouth, such as a mouth rinse.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
Be sure to let your health care provider know if dry mouth doesn’t go away.
6. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Addyi may cause insomnia. Symptoms include trouble falling asleep, waking in the middle of the night too often, or waking too early.
Tips to help manage insomnia:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Minimize stress. Consider things such as yoga, counseling, or massage therapy.
- Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks close to bedtime and avoid nicotine.
- Don’t exercise within five hours of bedtime.
- Don’t nap, especially later in the afternoon.
- Drink enough fluids and eat regular meals or snacks. Don’t eat or drink close to bedtime.
- Relax before bedtime with a low-key activity and limit your screen time.
Tell your health care provider if insomnia becomes severe, suddenly worsens, or interferes with daily activities.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Addyi?
Drinking alcohol and taking Addyi can increase your risk for serious side effects, including low blood pressure, fainting, and increased sleepiness.
- 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 (see below).
- Skip your Addyi dose if you have had more than three standard alcoholic drinks the evening before your dose.
- Do not drink alcohol after taking Addyi until the following day.
Examples of a standard alcoholic drink include:
- One 12-ounce beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of liquor or a shot
Talk to your health care provider before starting Addyi if you drink alcohol, use drugs, or have a history of alcohol or drug use.
Reducing Your Risk of Addyi Side Effects
You can lower your risk of side effects by:
- Taking Addyi exactly as prescribed and only at bedtime
- Keeping track of any new or changing symptoms and sharing them with your health care provider
- Telling your health care provider about side effects that do not improve or start to interfere with daily activities
Your health care provider can help you decide whether changes to your treatment plan are needed.
