Addyi vs. Vyleesi for Low Libido: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) are both FDA-approved treatments for low sex drive in women who haven't gone through menopause yet, but they work differently and are used in different ways. Addyi is a serotonin receptor agonist/antagonist taken as a daily pill at bedtime, while Vyleesi is a melanocortin receptor agonist that you inject under the skin as needed, at least 45 minutes before sex. Addyi has alcohol restrictions due to the risk of low blood pressure and fainting, whereas Vyleesi does not have these alcohol limitations but can briefly raise blood pressure and lower heart rate. Common side effects of Addyi include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, while Vyleesi often causes nausea, flushing, and injection site reactions. Additionally, Addyi is available in a generic form, but Vyleesi is not.

Addyi

(flibanserin)

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Vyleesi

(bremelanotide)

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Summary for Addyi

Prescription only

Addyi (flibanserin) is used for treating women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or low sex drive or desire for sex. It's approved for women under 65 who are either pre or postmenopausal. The medication helps improve sexual desire, increase satisfying sexual events, and reduce stress related to low sexual desire. It's a tablet that you take once a day at bedtime. Addyi (flibanserin) side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. Because this medication also has a risk for low blood pressure and fainting, there are some alcohol limitations with treatment.

Indications for Addyi

Low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) in women under 65 who are either pre or postmenopausal

Pros and Cons for Addyi

Pros

One of the few FDA-approved medications for low sex drive in women under 65
A tablet that's taken by mouth
Few side effects

Cons

Has limitations for drinking alcohol during treatment
Not for low sex drive caused by a medical or mental health condition, relationship problem, or side effect from medications
Can interact with many medications

Common Side Effects for Addyi

Dizziness (11%)
Sleepiness (11%)
Nausea (10%)
Tiredness (9%)
Trouble sleeping (5%)

Warnings for Addyi

Risk for low blood pressure and fainting with alcohol use
Risk for low blood pressure and fainting from drug interactions
Not safe for people with liver problems
Feeling sleepy and having trouble concentrating
Allergic reaction

Summary for Vyleesi

Prescription only

Vyleesi (bremelanotide) treats low sex drive that causes negative emotions in people who haven't gone through menopause yet. This medication belongs to the drug class called melanocortin receptor agonists. Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is an autoinjector that you use to inject the medication under the skin. It's injected as needed at least 45 minutes before sex. Common side effects include nausea, flushing of the skin, and injection site reactions.

Indications for Vyleesi

Low sexual desire in people who haven't gone through menopause yet

Pros and Cons for Vyleesi

Pros

One of the few medications approved for low sex drive in people who haven't gone through menopause yet
Can take when you need it (at least 45 minutes before sex)
Less limitations for drinking alcohol than Addyi (flibanserin)
Available by prescription from many healthcare professionals

Cons

Must inject under the skin
Not for low sexual desire caused by a medical or mental health condition, relationship problems, or side effects from another medication or substance
Not proven to improve sexual performance
Not available as a lower-cost generic