What side effects does Addyi (flibanserin) cause?
Addyi (flibanserin) can cause side effects that are most concerning when combined with alcohol, because this combination can lower blood pressure and increase dizziness or fainting. Commonly reported side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping (insomnia) [1].
The most serious risk noted for Addyi is fainting (syncope), especially in people who drink alcohol or take certain interacting medicines [1].
How risky is fainting, and what triggers it?
Fainting is a key safety issue for flibanserin. The risk increases with alcohol use, particularly because alcohol can amplify flibanserin’s effects on blood pressure and alertness [1].
You also should be cautious about other medicines that interact with flibanserin, since some can raise flibanserin levels and increase side-effect risk [1].
What side effects are most common?
The side effects people most often report with Addyi include dizziness and sleepiness (somnolence), along with nausea and fatigue [1].
If you feel unusually drowsy, dizzy, or weak after starting Addyi, avoid activities that require full alertness until you know how the medicine affects you [1].
Which side effects are most concerning with alcohol?
Alcohol is specifically tied to the medication’s safety warnings. The combination increases the chance of dizziness and fainting, and it can make the drowsiness risk worse [1]. This is why the prescribing information requires limiting alcohol use while taking Addyi [1].
Does Addyi affect blood pressure or alertness?
Yes. Addyi can lower blood pressure and affect alertness, which is part of why fainting is a major concern and why alcohol avoidance (or strict limits) is emphasized [1].
What should you do if you get severe side effects?
Seek urgent medical care if you faint, feel like you might faint, or have severe symptoms such as significant weakness or worsening dizziness. Fainting risk is a known serious safety issue with this drug [1].
Sources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=202370