The Pink Pill: What You Should Know About “Female Viagra”

You’ve may heard of the “Pink Pill” in recent news. Flibanserin or better known as women’s Viagra is slowly making its way to be available with a prescription from you doctor. Before you rejoice about this little pink pill, there are things you should consider before you rush on over to your doctor the moment it becomes available. Here is what you should know about “female Viagra.”

  • Who is it meant for? Just like with Viagra, this drug is meant to target and treat women who suffer from certain ailments. The pink pill is meant to treat women who suffer from conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This usually occurs in women who are in their premenopausal women.
  • How and when do you use it? Female Viagra differs from normal Viagra in the way it is taken. Flibanserin is not taken before a sexual encounter is about to happen. Instead it would be taken on a daily basis right before bedtime. Also, unlike Viagra, female Viagra does not directly affect blood flow. Instead it treats the imbalance in the brain that causes decreased sexual desire. By taking this daily, the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine rise while the levels of serotonin decrease. It’s not an immediate reaction and does take time to affect the brain imbalances that cause low libido.
  • What are the side effects of female Viagra? As with most medication, there are some side effects to be considered. According to studies, women have reported to have experienced certain side effects such as: low blood pressure, fainting, drowsiness, dizziness, and also nausea. In a certain study, these effects were exacerbated when women mixed the medication with alcohol. Many argue the case for the drug to be approved should not be considered since the studies have also included the results of men taking it as well. Many argue it is not enough research or results to conclude how severe the reactions of the drug may be when mixed with alcohol.
  • Why are some women for it while others are against it? The approval of this drug has been argued with for some time. There are women who believe the mild effects the drug seems to have is not worth its side effects. Many people argue that one drug alone will not or cannot fully treat and help women who are suffering from HSDD. Those who approve of the drug believe that any result is better than no result, especially for women who are suffering from conditions such as HSDD. There are people who argue that this drug will bring society one step closer to gender equality; but, the true important issue is how safe and effective the drug is.

Regardless of your interest in this pink little pill, there is no way for the general public to get it until it has been passed and approved by the FDA. Until that time comes, you will need to continue to do your research and be fully aware of the side effects and benefits that can come from flibanserin.