Flibanserin toxicity in a toddler following ingestion

Abstract

Introduction: Flibanserin is a medication recently approved by the FDA for treatment of generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood but is thought to modulate serotonin receptors and increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. While much is known about toxicity of other drugs which affect these systems, there is little information about toxicity of flibanserin at this time.

Case: We present a case of a 2-year-old boy who ingested an estimated 600 mg of his mother’s flibanserin. Following ingestion, the child developed facial twitching and unresponsiveness to pain, concerning for seizure-like activity. In the emergency department (ED) he was found to have hypertension, mydriasis, slurred speech, and normal labs. He responded well to supportive care including administration of benzodiazepines. Shortly after admission to the hospital, his temperature increased to 38.4 °C. Toxicology testing revealed the presence of 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazine (TFMPP), a flibanserin metabolite. TFMPP is a recreational drug used as an alternative to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (more commonly known as “MDMA” or “ecstasy”).

Discussion: This case highlights potential toxicity associated with ingestion of flibanserin.

Keywords:

• Flibanserin
• Addyi
• hypoactive sexual desire disorder
• seizure
• piperazine
• benzylpiperazine
• trifluoromethylpiperazine

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.