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Sexual Side Effects
Wed, 03/29/2006 - 14:24Topic: Men With Epilepsy
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: Re: Re: Sexual Side Effects
Submitted by sdfreeh on Sun, 2007-02-18 - 22:31
Hi Lois,
I am a 27 year old woman that has been on Lamictal for a few years. From my own experience with the drug, it has taken a toll on my sex life. Maybe it is a combo of the other drugs I am on or just Lamictal but my sexual desire went from maybe an 8 to a 1. My boyfriend feels the same as you do, thinking that there is something wrong with him. I try to explain to him that that is not the case. It is my meds that are doing this to me. And the time of day he wants it most is the time of day I am most tired or have the least amount of energy, which changes the amount of desire I have too, and it is not long after I take my PM dose. He finally understood or had a better understanding of it when he was put on some meds for bronchitis and he had a bad sexual reaction because of the drug.
I even asked my dr. one time about it and she said that ironically 3 other people that same morning (my appt was at 11am)asked the same question about the meds affecting their love life. If there were 4 people just in one morning asking, think of how many there are asking about that same very thing everyday across the country.
I truly believe that it is my medication that is doing this to me. And probably many other men and women. I feel bad for my boyfriend, you and everyone else out there that is affected by their partner's problem. I just hope he understands that it is not him. As a word of advice, just support your boyfriend because I am sure he doesn't want it to be like this for your relationship. I know I don't want this for mine. We didn't choose to have epilepsy, it's really a hard thing to deal with, so support from the one you love may be the best medication.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Sexual Side Effects
Submitted by TomiAnne on Mon, 2007-04-16 - 01:32
I have had epilepsy since I was 9 (30 yrs.) and during that time I have been on several different different meds. I take valproic acid which is terrible for tremors, and of course people see that and they automatically think you are taking drugs or something. I also am having a hard time sexual wise with my husband. He doesn't seem to believe me that it is my meds. doing this and that I am trying my hardest to get the urge up, but he often threatens to move into an other room, he pouts and some times even mentions divorce cause he thinks I don't love him anymore (more or less pouting). I have tried to get him to read some of the different side effects that come from the meds. but he refuses. Anyways I told him that I was going to go to the DR. and try to take care of these problems. Right now I take Lamictal and Valproic Acid. My DR. has asked me if I would like to try another med to see how it will work. Tegratol (or what ever the generic for is called...Carb...) is supposedly supposed to stop the tremors, well I have also been trying all night to see what will help the sexual desire part of this or if not, what causes the lack of feeling. Well after reading for a while I have come to realize that it is more than likely the Lamictal. I am sure like most other women in my situation, I feel so awefull, my spouse, my lover and my best friend doesn't deserve this. I also know that most people would say that if he were really your friend he would be more patient with you. I' just not too patient with myself at this point. I am happy with one thing though, I have killed one bird and that is that I won't have to keep worring about the tremors.
Thanx for listening. TomiAnne
Re: Re: Re: Sexual Side Effects
Submitted by clipm on Thu, 2007-02-01 - 13:13
Lois, The alcohol will most definitely counteract with what the meds are trying to control in his body. I'm shocked that his neuro hasn't scolded him for drinking, especially anything close to that much. Are the seizures under control? If not, I'd bet that the alcohol is why. They're killing the medicine before it gets a chance to works.