Fliban (flibanserin) is a non-hormonal treatment designed to increase sexual desire in women who are experiencing a loss of desire for sex, condition called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. The medication is sometimes referred to as "female Viagra".

Fliban works by inhibiting chemicals in the brain that decrease sexual desire while stimulating chemicals which promote sexual desire. To some extent it lowers inhibitions. The medication's effects are relatively subtle, however, and will not override a lack of attraction; mental or emotional stimulation is still required to produce sexual desire.

In other words, Fliban will not cause women to indiscriminately desire sex with anyone willing to participate.

Who Should---& Should Not---Take Fliban

This product is designed for sexually mature pre-menopausal women suffering from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), also called Inhibited Sexual Desire (ISD) or female sexual interest/arousal disorder.

Fliban is non-hormonal, while loss of interest in sex in post-menopausal women is usually due to changing hormone levels; Fliban will likely have little effect. Likewise the medication is not designed to treat lost libido from other causes, including mental disorders, physical conditions, or other medications.

Though sometimes called "female Viagra" Fliban has little resemblance to it. While Viagra is used as-needed, Fliban is taken over the long term. A single dose is very unlikely to provide benefit; it must be taken daily for days or weeks before benefit is seen. Patients unable to commit to taking Fliban daily over the long term are very poor candidates for treatment.

Note that alcohol should not be consumed for the duration of treatment with Fliban. Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly increase risk of experiencing potentially dangerous side effects, most notably very low blood pressure. Women unable to commit to avoiding alcohol are also poor candidates for treatment.

Fliban is ideal for women who are happy with their partner and want to be sexually intimate but are unable to become aroused. In cases where there is simply no attraction to a potential partner, or where there is no emotional stimulation---for example, in an unhappy relationship where a woman may feel emotionally detached from her partner---the medication will not produce spontaneous arousal.

Dosage & Administration

Fliban comes in tablets containing 100 mg of flibanserin. It is not available in any other strength. Treatment is straightforward, but instructions should be followed carefully:

• Take one tablet per day.
• Tablets should be taken right before bedtime.
• It may take several days to a few weeks for improvements to be noticed.
• If no benefits are noticed after 8 weeks of treatment, treatment should discontinue.
• If benefits are experienced, treatment may continue indefinitely.

Effects start to be noticeable several days to several weeks after treatment starts. Fliban can produce mild to moderate side effects of drowsiness, dizziness, and general lightheadedness, which is why it is recommended to take it right before bed. If these symptoms do occur while up and active, sitting or laying down for a while should help them pass.

Potential Complications

Used properly side effects from Fliban are typically mild and transient, including:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Mild nausea
• Dry mouth

Speak with a doctor about potential risks before taking this medication if there is a history of:

• Liver impairment
• Mental illness
• High or low blood pressure

Fliban may significantly lower blood pressure. Dizziness or lightheadedness to such an extreme that fainting seems likely, or actual fainting episodes, are not acceptable side effects and warrant medical attention. These symptoms are likely due to very low blood pressure, which can be just as dangerous as very high blood pressure. Women taking antihypertensive medications or who already have low blood pressure may want to avoid this medication.

Taking Fliban with alcohol significantly increases risk of low blood pressure. Patients are advised to avoid drinking while taking Fliban, but those who ignore this advice should be alert for the symptoms of low blood pressure:

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Severe nausea
• Blurred vision
• Clammy skin

The above symptoms are often indistinguishable from the effects of alcohol itself, another reason alcohol is best avoided during treatment. If in doubt, seek medical attention---better safe than sorry.

Fliban is known to interact with a wide range of other medications and herbal supplements; check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications. Many recreational drugs can also increase risk of serious side effects.