Flibanserin
About Flibanserin
Flibanserin — non-hormonal centrally acting serotonin receptor modulator
Flibanserin is a non-hormonal medicine taken by mouth, licensed for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is not a hormone and not a treatment for arousal or performance.
How Flibanserin works
It acts on serotonin pathways in the brain rather than on blood flow — as an agonist at 5-HT1A receptors and an antagonist at 5-HT2A receptors. The working theory is a shift in the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters involved in sexual desire. Because the effect is central and cumulative, it is taken continuously rather than before activity.
What it is licensed for
Acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, where low desire is not explained by another medical or psychiatric condition, relationship difficulty, or another medicine.
How it is taken
An oral tablet taken once daily at bedtime. Bedtime dosing is part of the licence, not a convenience: it reduces the risk of low blood pressure and fainting while awake. Dosage must be determined by a qualified healthcare provider.
What your prescriber monitors
Blood pressure and any episodes of dizziness or fainting, particularly in the first weeks and after any dose change. Prescribers commonly reassess at eight weeks and discontinue where no improvement is evident, rather than continuing indefinitely. Sedating medicines, including benzodiazepines, opioids and some antihistamines, compound the drowsiness and are reviewed together.
Important cautions and interactions
Alcohol substantially increases the risk of hypotension and syncope, and the two should not be combined. It is contraindicated with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — several antifungals, macrolide antibiotics and some HIV medicines — and in hepatic impairment. Review every other medicine with your prescriber before starting. Smoking status and caffeine intake are not restrictions, but grapefruit juice is avoided because it inhibits the same enzyme pathway as the contraindicated antifungals.
Where Flibanserin sits in its class
Flibanserin is the first of two non-hormonal medicines licensed for HSDD; the other, bremelanotide, is injected before activity and acts on melanocortin receptors, so the two differ in route, timing and target rather than in being alternatives for the same moment. Neither is a hormone, and neither is related to the vasodilators used for erectile dysfunction.
What to expect in the first weeks
Any benefit builds gradually rather than arriving overnight, and prescribers generally review after about eight weeks before deciding whether to continue. Sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth and nausea are commonest in the first fortnight and often ease. Because tiredness the following morning is possible, judge driving and machinery carefully until you know how it affects you. Getting up slowly from lying or sitting reduces light-headedness.
Before you start Flibanserin
Tell your prescriber how much alcohol you drink and when, since that is the central safety question here rather than an afterthought. List every medicine and supplement you take, including antifungals, antibiotics and anything for HIV, because CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated. Mention any liver problem, any tendency to faint or low blood pressure, and any current antidepressant.
Generic Flibanserin and Addyi
Generic Flibanserin contains the same active ingredient as Addyi®, produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers. The brand name and the price differ, not the molecule.
Flibanserin is a prescription-only medicine. A valid prescription is required and every order is reviewed by a licensed pharmacist before dispatch. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is flibanserin taken before sex, like an ED tablet?
No. It is taken once daily at bedtime and works on brain chemistry over weeks, not on demand. Medicines for erectile dysfunction act on blood flow and are taken before activity; flibanserin is a different class with a different purpose.
Why does flibanserin have to be taken at bedtime?
Because the main risks are low blood pressure and fainting, and both are more dangerous while awake and moving about. Bedtime dosing is part of how the medicine is licensed.
Can I drink alcohol while taking flibanserin?
Alcohol markedly increases the risk of a sudden fall in blood pressure and fainting with flibanserin. This is one of the clearest interactions attached to the medicine — discuss it with your prescriber before starting, not after.
Do I need a prescription to order Flibanserin?
Yes. Flibanserin is a prescription-only medicine. Upload a valid prescription at checkout — every order is reviewed by a licensed pharmacist before dispatch.
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Last updated: October 3, 2026
Medically reviewed by
Henry Thomas
Henry Thomas is a licensed clinical pharmacist with 15 years of experience. He holds a B.Pharm and M.Pharm from Mahatma Gandhi University. At OnlineMeds, he reviews medicine and health content to help ensure it is accurate, evidence-based, and easy to understand.