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Sexual Side Effects

Wed, 03/29/2006 - 14:24
Why do you suppose that more neurologists and epileptoloists do not mention that a majority of anti-seizure pills do often make "normal" sexual performance for men difficult--if not sometimes impossible when it comes to erections? The first answer will pop up. And that is, even better-informed male patients will say "...to hell with my pills" and choose to live their sexual life "normally". Mind you, that last word I put in quotes, for who anyway should define "normal"? However, after having tried about as many anti-seizure drugs as the number of years I've had epilepsy (that's 35), I can speak as something of a lab rat. Many pills do affect a man's bedroom performance. And while this shouldn't become our reason for living, it is part of being a human, whether single, married or just evaluating our private parts. As society's attitude toward we handsome, educated humans with epilepsy matures, so does its understanding of "performance" when it comes to sex. Mind you, an honest woman will explain when love-making isn't just the thing for her; that does occur. My point is that this topic shouldn't remain in the proverbial "closet" any longer. Let's talk about it on this fine site, as well as face-to-face. Studies reveal how many men live virtually their entire lives feeling guilty for not performing sexually 24-hours a day, where in fact, there's most likely not one who ever has, other than in movies. And that includes this writer!

Comments

Re: Sexual Side Effects

Submitted by Anie on Fri, 2008-11-07 - 13:11

Try Ciallis. if that does not work then next is Levitra and even that doesen't work then you should take Viagra.

You should speak to your doctor before taking them.My husband have the same problem.

 Good luck

Try Ciallis. if that does not work then next is Levitra and even that doesen't work then you should take Viagra.

You should speak to your doctor before taking them.My husband have the same problem.

 Good luck

Re: Sexual Side Effects

Submitted by Marksman on Fri, 2008-11-07 - 17:05

I would say it's nice to now that someone near my age is having the same issues but that's not really the case.  I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.  I have been on other meds other than my epi meds.  I've taken some sort of pain meds for the past 10 years.  I have degenerative disk disease in addition to 3 ruptured disks. the pain has always been unbearable until recently.  I have naturally had a ton of epidural injections but recently I had a radio frequency neurotomy.  Basically they stick, in my case, six catheters into my spine and insert electrodes into them and burn the nerves.  I have FINALLY been able to lay off the pain meds.  I have also laid off of any of the benzo family.  I still have to take them occasionally but have learned to do without them.  I took them because there are no sleep meds that work for me and insomnia is probably my worst seizure trigger.  That and an awful case of the shakes have caused these drugs to be prescribed.  I am a pyrotechnician and I guess it's the adrenaline that causes me to shake out of control.  I must have complete control handling explosives.  The tremors get so bad I can't even write my ignition times on a piece of paper.  Choreography is pretty important  in by work.  I know! An epileptic pyrotechnician with uncontrollable tremor makes you feel all warm and cozy.

Getting a little off course... Since the departure, or at least the massive reduction, have allowed my ED issues to diminish somewhat.  Until someone comes up with a new drug, the use of occasional Benzos are a must.  I have learned to deal with the shakes on a normal day to day basis.   The problem of sex drive is still there.  I just don't know if that is due to the Epi meds or not.  I believe the actual remaining ED problems are psychological in that I have gone so long in fear that I cannot perform.  I don't know if I can ever shake that.  It's kind of frustrating knowing that ED was a legit medical problem to now just a psych issue.  

 I guess what I'm getting at is that I am just wondering if anyone knows of any meds that might either rejuvenate my drive itself.  Even better if there is an effective AED out there that doesn't cause such outrageous uncontrollability of the shakes.  I would give up sex altogether if I could just gain control of the constant tremor without benzos such as xanax or valium.  They are not meant to be taken on a daily basis and that was one of the main reasons in my decision to cease taking them.  I can't write very legible at time or even at all sometimes.  I have to live with the fact that I can't sleep and must be very careful after 3 days of no sleep.  I can almost guarantee a seizure.  Whatta ya do?? Safe meds don't work and I will no longer use a narcotic med a a crutch.  I am leaving to go overseas until the new year for work.  There is a strong possibility I am going to work off shore when I return.  It seems I will not have the chance to experiment with new meds.  It will just be too dangerous and detrimental to an offshore position.

I don't know that I'm actually asking a question here.  I'm just bitching because I seem to be at my breaking point.  I sincerely apologize for that. I know this isn't an outlet for frustration.  I'm just scared and alone right now with this overwhelming amount of problems at a fairly young age.

Thanks for listening and sorry if this is inappropriate for this site. 

 

I would say it's nice to now that someone near my age is having the same issues but that's not really the case.  I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.  I have been on other meds other than my epi meds.  I've taken some sort of pain meds for the past 10 years.  I have degenerative disk disease in addition to 3 ruptured disks. the pain has always been unbearable until recently.  I have naturally had a ton of epidural injections but recently I had a radio frequency neurotomy.  Basically they stick, in my case, six catheters into my spine and insert electrodes into them and burn the nerves.  I have FINALLY been able to lay off the pain meds.  I have also laid off of any of the benzo family.  I still have to take them occasionally but have learned to do without them.  I took them because there are no sleep meds that work for me and insomnia is probably my worst seizure trigger.  That and an awful case of the shakes have caused these drugs to be prescribed.  I am a pyrotechnician and I guess it's the adrenaline that causes me to shake out of control.  I must have complete control handling explosives.  The tremors get so bad I can't even write my ignition times on a piece of paper.  Choreography is pretty important  in by work.  I know! An epileptic pyrotechnician with uncontrollable tremor makes you feel all warm and cozy.

Getting a little off course... Since the departure, or at least the massive reduction, have allowed my ED issues to diminish somewhat.  Until someone comes up with a new drug, the use of occasional Benzos are a must.  I have learned to deal with the shakes on a normal day to day basis.   The problem of sex drive is still there.  I just don't know if that is due to the Epi meds or not.  I believe the actual remaining ED problems are psychological in that I have gone so long in fear that I cannot perform.  I don't know if I can ever shake that.  It's kind of frustrating knowing that ED was a legit medical problem to now just a psych issue.  

 I guess what I'm getting at is that I am just wondering if anyone knows of any meds that might either rejuvenate my drive itself.  Even better if there is an effective AED out there that doesn't cause such outrageous uncontrollability of the shakes.  I would give up sex altogether if I could just gain control of the constant tremor without benzos such as xanax or valium.  They are not meant to be taken on a daily basis and that was one of the main reasons in my decision to cease taking them.  I can't write very legible at time or even at all sometimes.  I have to live with the fact that I can't sleep and must be very careful after 3 days of no sleep.  I can almost guarantee a seizure.  Whatta ya do?? Safe meds don't work and I will no longer use a narcotic med a a crutch.  I am leaving to go overseas until the new year for work.  There is a strong possibility I am going to work off shore when I return.  It seems I will not have the chance to experiment with new meds.  It will just be too dangerous and detrimental to an offshore position.

I don't know that I'm actually asking a question here.  I'm just bitching because I seem to be at my breaking point.  I sincerely apologize for that. I know this isn't an outlet for frustration.  I'm just scared and alone right now with this overwhelming amount of problems at a fairly young age.

Thanks for listening and sorry if this is inappropriate for this site. 

 

Re: Sexual Side Effects

Submitted by Lucy_UK on Sat, 2008-11-29 - 20:20

Marksman - I can relate to your entry in part.  Until very recently, I, too, had terrible shakes that made writing very difficult and eating/drinking in public (and private for that matter) very embarrassing.  I recall an occasion when my husband and I were in a restaurant and he had to feed me because my tremor was so bad.

My epilepsy nurse suggested Keppra and to gradually wean off depakote which was, in my opinion, the main culprit for the shakes.  I've made great strides with  keppra and lamictal while reducing depakote with a view to discontinuing altogether.    Lucy.

Marksman - I can relate to your entry in part.  Until very recently, I, too, had terrible shakes that made writing very difficult and eating/drinking in public (and private for that matter) very embarrassing.  I recall an occasion when my husband and I were in a restaurant and he had to feed me because my tremor was so bad.

My epilepsy nurse suggested Keppra and to gradually wean off depakote which was, in my opinion, the main culprit for the shakes.  I've made great strides with  keppra and lamictal while reducing depakote with a view to discontinuing altogether.    Lucy.

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