Flibanserin
Flibanserin (brand name ADDYI) is a medication approved for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women under 65 years of age. It works by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain to help restore sexual desire that has become low and causes significant distress. This medication is specifically indicated for acquired, generalized HSDD that is not due to other medical or psychiatric conditions.
Flibanserin is an FDA-approved treatment for low sexual desire in women with HSDD that addresses symptoms rather than underlying causes.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G02CX02
- RxNorm
- 1665509
- Generic
- Flibanserin
- Class
- atc-g02
- Brands
- Addyi
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Flibanserin is indicated for the treatment of acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women under 65 years of age. It is specifically for women whose low sexual desire causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and is not attributable to other medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, or medication effects.
Flibanserin acts as a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist in the central nervous system. This mechanism is believed to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels while decreasing serotonin activity in brain regions involved in sexual excitation and inhibition, thereby helping to restore sexual desire.
Flibanserin carries a boxed warning about the risk of hypotension and syncope, particularly when used with alcohol or certain medications. It should be taken at bedtime to minimize these risks. The medication may also cause dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Patients should discontinue use if no improvement in sexual desire is observed after 8 weeks of treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy