It was not long ago that I confessed to a group of colleagues that it I could choose the way I die, it would be in the middle of an orgasm in the arms of my precious husband. We all laughed, however when I opened the paper this morning and read about FDA’s approval of the new drug, Addyi, to boost a woman’s sex drive, chills ran down my spine. The imposed “safety plan” and risks reported (particularly in connection with alcohol use) before this drug even hits the market should make women mad as hell at the officials who let this approval go through. Nobody should risk death in pursuit of an orgasm!
Here’s why I am outraged:
Follow the money!
Viagra has generated billions in sales since it was first approved in the late 1990’s. Sprout Pharmaceuticals is betting that the other half of this previously underserved market will be even bigger. This isn’t a one-time pill taken before sex like Viagra. It’s a medication a woman must take for 8 weeks before she knows if it even works, and if it does, she’s instructed to continue a lifetime of use. That’s big bucks for somebody.
Dangerous Side Affects
This drug, unlike other hormone-related medications researched previously, works on the chemical balance affecting mood and appetite in the brain. One of the most serious warnings is the risk of seriously low blood pressure and loss of consciousness when used in combination with alcohol. Yikes – that’s a little too much like a date rape drug! While alcohol certainly lowers a woman’s inhibition and culturally plays a role in romantic moments, isn’t this setting up many couples for a tragic outcome?
Women Already Take the Majority of Medications.
According to a 2011 report by Medco Health Solutions, one in 4 women in the U.S. take medications for mental conditions. What happens when yet another medication is added to this mix? Has the safety of these combinations been tested? Who pays for all these drugs? The field of Energy Psychology is emerging to offer alternative treatment options for reducing unpleasant symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and pain. The results of these studies have been published in more than 15 different peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology, the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease and the APA journals Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training and Review of General Psychology. While many important questions remain to be answered, a great deal of groundwork is in place. It’s time for more emphasis on Energy Psychology processes like Emotional Freedom Techniques as effective, low-cost and drug-free alternatives. Learn more at www.energypsych.org
What About Health?
Overall health plays a role in both the problem and solution. A recent study investigating depression in women, found that a diet heavy in refined carbohydrates and sugar correlated with an increase in depression symptoms. We know depression (and many of the drugs people take for it) interferes with sex drive. Fitness and the benefit of regular physical activity to promote good circulation is well studied in relationship to sexual function in both men and women. Eating right, getting active and staying fit, are wise steps promoting quality and quantity of sexual activity.
What about Relationships?
A pill can only do so much. If more couples made their relationships a priority, there would be little need for this medication. There are so many ways couples can keep their relationship loving, fun and exciting. Kudos to AARP Magazine for listing all sorts of ideas to help those over 50 stay spunky in their August 2015 issue. Being romantic, scheduling time together, talking, listening, being curious about what the other person enjoys and showing respect throughout the day can do wonders for the sex drive at any age.
Bottom line – “Is this in the highest and best for all involved?” NO! While this pill is going to be a goldmine for Sprout Pharmaceutical, and the folks along the chain writing and filling prescriptions, the risks make this a ridiculous choice for women.
Ladies – you deserve better! Have a conversation with your female friends and colleagues about these unreasonable risks. Men – do your part to make sure the women you love don’t fall for the hype about this new pill.
