Bremelanotide Oral Troches are a non-hormonal treatment for premenopausal women diagnosed with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), a condition where there is a persistent lack of sexual desire not attributed to any underlying medical or psychological causes. Bremelanotide directly influences the central nervous system, making it an effective, on-demand treatment for enhancing sexual motivation and desire.
Mechanism of Action:
Bremelanotide is a melanocortin receptor agonist, which activates melanocortin receptors in the brain responsible for sexual arousal and desire. It works on neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which play a key role in reward systems and sexual motivation. By stimulating these brain pathways, bremelanotide helps to increase sexual desire without affecting hormone levels.
Unlike medications like sildenafil, which target blood flow, bremelanotide affects brain chemistry to improve sexual arousal, offering a direct, non-hormonal solution for women with HSDD.
How to Use:
- Administer the mini troche sublingually, allowing it to dissolve under the tongue about 30-45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity.
- Dosing: Typically, a single 1.75 mg troche is used as needed. Do not exceed one dose in 24 hours and avoid using more than 8 doses per month.
- This on-demand treatment is convenient, providing immediate results without the need for daily medication.
Potential Benefits:
- Increased Sexual Desire: Bremelanotide is specifically formulated to enhance sexual motivation in women diagnosed with HSDD.
- Non-Hormonal Option: It does not involve hormones, making it an ideal choice for women who prefer to avoid hormone-based therapies like testosterone.
- Immediate Action: Taken only when needed, bremelanotide works quickly to enhance arousal, with effects felt within 45 minutes.
Evidence Supporting Bremelanotide:
Clinical studies have demonstrated that bremelanotide significantly improves sexual desire in premenopausal women with HSDD. Women who used bremelanotide reported higher levels of sexual motivation and a reduction in distress caused by low desire. Unlike Flibanserin, another FDA-approved treatment for HSDD that requires daily use and impacts serotonin levels, bremelanotide offers a flexible, on-demand solution with immediate effects.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea (most commonly reported)
- Flushing or warmth
- Headache
- Increased Blood Pressure: Bremelanotide may cause temporary increases in blood pressure, so caution is advised for those with cardiovascular conditions.
- Skin Darkening: Prolonged use has been linked to hyperpigmentation in certain areas.
Contraindications:
- Uncontrolled Hypertension: Bremelanotide can increase blood pressure, making it unsuitable for women with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Women with a history of cardiovascular issues should consult a healthcare provider before using bremelanotide due to the risk of elevated blood pressure.
Comparisons with Other Treatments:
Compared to Flibanserin, which affects serotonin levels and must be taken daily, bremelanotide stands out due to its on-demand, fast-acting nature. It provides immediate relief from HSDD symptoms, without the need for long-term medication management.
Key Points:
- Bremelanotide Oral Troches offer a quick, non-hormonal solution for HSDD in premenopausal women.
- They are not intended for use in treating sexual dysfunction caused by external factors like relationship issues, stress, or medical conditions.
- Bremelanotide should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for women with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or cardiovascular issues due to the potential for increased blood pressure.
With bremelanotide, women experiencing HSDD can regain control over their sexual desire, enhancing intimacy and confidence while benefiting from a convenient, on-demand treatment option.
