A medication that supposed to boost women’s libido has flamed out. Flibanserin was hyped as the female Viagra because it was expected to improve sexual arousal. Researchers initially thought this compound could serve as an antidepressant. Then it appeared it might have greater success in treating female hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The drug presumably works by modifying brain neurochemicals. Serotonin is suppressed while levels of dopamine and norepinehrine are increased. But a panel of experts for the FDA did not recommend approval last summer.
Now, the manufacturer has decided to pull the plug on flibanserin. Side effects such as depression, fainting and fatigue seemed to overwhelm the potential benefit. For now there is no FDA approved medication for women with low libido.
The People's Perspective on Medicine