Let's Talk About Addyi, baby
I was scrolling the ‘gram and an ad for a new women’s “increase your desire” pill showed up. It was not the first time I saw the ad, but this time I read the prescriber information about some of the studies that were completed to get this drug approved (and marketable) - the first brag they had was ‘it’s FDA approved!’
Well, that is a low bar these days.
The drug is supposed to be for women who have a diagosis of Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This is a psychiatric disorder diagnosed when a women has very low desire for 6+ months and it affects her relationships. I am not a psychiatrist. But I can think of a lot of reasons that someone could have low libido for over 6 months. And I would bet that a lot of prescribers would just say 'how long have you had low libido? over 6 months?' ~ that does not equal a psychiatric diagnosis my friends.
The studies quoted in the data were sponsored by, you guessed it, the company that makes the drug.
The medication did a decent job highlighting this major risk factor - if you drink alcohol (2+ drinks) and take one of these good time pills, there is a significant likelihood your blood pressure will drop and you will pass out. A 21% chance in the studies quoted. It can also cause Central Nervous System depression which means your brain function that controls your breathing can be affected. And you cannot drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 6 hours after taking the pill.
Huh. That freaks me out.
I kept reading to learn the “mechanism of action” - how does the drug actually work to increase a woman’s desire?
The mechanism of action (drumroll please)… is unknown.
hmmm. 🤨
FYI the pill is hot pink and called Addyi. (I don’t know how it’s pronounced!)
Verbiage from their website says:
Addyi helps balance neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to support sexual desire. The exact way Addyi works is unknown.
Of course you can also click a link to do an online appointment and get a prescription right there on the page! hahahah 🙈
One of the slogans is:
The #1 Prescribed Treatment for frustrating Low Libido
...is low libido really the root problem? or is it that you’re stressed outta your gourd and no one is helping you at home? I mean, that’s a turn off right there.
Finally, the drug interacts with some heart medications and birth control pills which also seems pretty risky to me.
⚖️ Front Porch verdict: Yes, I think women’s libido deserves all the help and treatments and support. But the risks read as pretty major. If you do try this please be very careful! Personally, I would try other things first, like vaginal estrogen cream or warming lube or having someone else do the laundry. 🧡
Clinical Trials . gov