Flibanserin vs Sildenafil: What You Need to Know About These Two Drugs

When it comes to sexual health medications, flibanserin, a daily pill approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Also known as Addyi, it works on brain chemistry to restore sexual interest. On the other side, sildenafil, a well-known treatment for erectile dysfunction in men. Also known as Viagra, it improves blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels. These two drugs are often confused because they both relate to sexual function—but they’re not interchangeable, and they don’t work the same way in the body.

Flibanserin targets neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and serotonin, to boost sexual desire. It’s not an on-demand pill like sildenafil. You have to take it every night, and it can take weeks before you notice any change. It’s only for women diagnosed with low sexual desire that causes distress, not for general libido issues. Sildenafil, on the other hand, works fast—within 30 to 60 minutes—and only when you’re sexually stimulated. It doesn’t increase desire; it just helps the body respond physically. Men with erectile dysfunction use it when they want to have sex, not as a daily routine.

Side effects differ too. Flibanserin can cause dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and low blood pressure—especially if you drink alcohol. That’s why alcohol is strictly forbidden while taking it. Sildenafil’s common side effects include headaches, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion. It’s generally safe for most men, but those on nitrates for heart problems can’t use it at all. Neither drug is a magic fix. Flibanserin doesn’t work for everyone, and studies show only about 1 in 3 women report meaningful improvement. Sildenafil works well for many men, but it won’t help if the root cause is psychological or hormonal.

What’s interesting is how these drugs reflect different approaches to sexual health. Flibanserin treats desire as a brain issue. Sildenafil treats performance as a physical one. That’s why you won’t find them compared in the same clinical trials—they’re solving different problems. If you’re a woman struggling with lack of interest, flibanserin might be worth discussing with your doctor. If you’re a man having trouble getting or keeping an erection, sildenafil is still the most tested option out there. But neither should be used without understanding the full picture.

The posts below dig into real-world comparisons, patient experiences, and how these drugs fit into broader treatment plans. You’ll find clear breakdowns of what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for—whether you’re considering one of these medications or just trying to understand the difference.