Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

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 adajlim on Wed, 2008-05-21 - 18:24
I did not know what a normal sex life was until after I had brain surgery.  I had epilepsy for 36 years by then and had been on Dilantin.  After the brain surgery I was so horny my husband could not keep up with me!  Then I began to get depressed~my neurologist keeps telling me it was because of the surgery and the chemical changes in my brain.  Now I have to take an anti-depressant and that lowers the sex drive.  Also the medication I take lowers the sex drive in most people, too.  Just lucky to be alive and taking it one day at a time!

Re: Re: Sexual Side Effects

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2006-09-11 - 13:11
Some of the antidepressants can affect sexual function as well as certain seizure meds. Maybe doctor can suggest ones that don't have these side effects.

Good luck,

Epi_help

Good luck,

Epi_help

Re: Re: Re: Sexual Side Effects

Submitted by woodycoggin on Sat, 2006-09-23 - 09:46
What has been the experience of anyone taking Lamictal? My doctor is adding that to my Dilantin with the plan of eventually eliminating the Dilantin? Thanks, Woody

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.