Podcasts Health The Informed Patient So-called 'female Viagra' offers limited promise, many side effects

So-called 'female Viagra' offers limited promise, many side effects

Published: Nov. 16, 2015, 10:12 a.m.

b'\\u201cThe female Viagra\\u201d is a misleading name for a new drug for women struggling with low or no sexual desire, and while it shows some promise, it comes with limitations, says \\u201cThe female Viagra\\u201d is a misleading name for a new drug for women struggling with low or no sexual desire, and while it shows some promise, it comes with limitations, says Renee Mestad, MD, Renee Mestad, MD, \\xa0division chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at \\xa0division chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate Medical University Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Flibanserin, marketed as Addyi, aims to treat the complex problem of female sexual dysfunction by stimulating brain chemicals to enhance desire, while Viagra treats men with sexual desire who are limited by erectile dysfunction. in Syracuse. Flibanserin, marketed as Addyi, aims to treat the complex problem of female sexual dysfunction by stimulating brain chemicals to enhance desire, while Viagra treats men with sexual desire who are limited by erectile dysfunction. Women who take Addyi must do so daily, cannot drink alcohol and may experience side effects such as fainting, while possibly gaining only limited results, Mestad says. Still, some experts hope that Addyi may lead to the development of better drugs with fewer side effects. Women who take Addyi must do so daily, cannot drink alcohol and may experience side effects such as fainting, while possibly gaining only limited results, Mestad says. Still, some experts hope that Addyi may lead to the development of better drugs with fewer side effects.'