Lustpil Viagra for the woman Doctors warn about health risks

New pleasure pill contains antidepressant
Only a few weeks ago in the US, the so-called "Viagra for the woman" was approved. But health experts are already warning of possible risks from the new pleasure pill, which will be available under the name "Addyi" in the future. Thus, the contained psychotropic drug "flibanserin" could have various side effects and interactions.

"Addyi" approved in the US since August
It was not until mid-August that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the so-called "Viagra for the Woman". Thus, the FDA allowed in Washington for the first time a luststeigerndes drug as a drug, which should come under the name "Addyi" on the market. But some experts are critical of the drug because of the drug "flibanserin".
This is a psychotropic drug, which was originally developed by the German manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim as a remedy for depression. Studies have shown, however, that it was inadequate against depression, but instead increased the woman's sexual desire. After the pink pill was approved in the US, the Canadian pharmaceutical giant Valeant took over the US manufacturer Sprout in late August.

Interactions with other drugs possible
As an antidepressant, the remedy "[...] has side effects, of course, and it can affect the effect of taking other medications, including the pill," says Iris Hauth, President of the German Psychiatric and Psychotherapy Association, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN) , told the news agency "dpa". According to this, antidepressants would influence neurotransmitters in the brain, but side effects could also occur in other areas, said the expert on the occasion of a symposium on psychotropic drugs on Tuesday in Berlin.

Stomach problems and cardiac arrhythmia caused by flibanserin
"You have to weigh the benefits and side effects," Hauth continued. Because possible, for example, stomach problems, cardiac arrhythmia or weight gain. Instead of taking the "women Viagras" the expert was in many cases possibly a psychotherapeutic conversation makes more sense, because sexual listlessness often have psychological instead of physical causes.

Doctors need to educate about the benefits and side effects of a drug
At the Capital Symposium, the DGPPN emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive information on the effects and side effects. After all, in the treatment of mental illness, medication would be an important building block in the treatment plan alongside psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions, according to the DGPPN.

However, especially at the beginning of a treatment would often outweigh the side effects. "Therefore, psychotropic drugs should only be used under strict medical supervision. Doctor-patient communication plays a decisive role in this, "Dr. Iris Hauth continues. (No)