Sexuality and Drug Cocktails...

[dw_haas]

Hey everyone,

It's been a while since I've been on here and I need advice from other persons who live with epilepsy. I wasn't certain what area in which this should go so I ask the admins to please bear with me.

I love my girlfriend of almost three years very much. She has been so supportive and understanding of my epilepsy and how it has affected my life. I've had many seizures right in front of her and instead of running away she stays right there and makes sure I'm alright. I've dealt with paramedics that were less skilled than her.

Honestly, it is wonderful to come out of a seizure and see first thing those lovely brown eyes of hers.

Although our relationship is spectacular in every other facet, the sexual component is somewhat lacking. Though she wouldn't say it, I know it bothers her. The woman is a nymphomaniac (I'm serious) and, though most men would rejoice at the idea, it really does suck to be me.

She's constantly wanting sex, my sex-drive can keep up with hers just fine (probably why I enjoyed college as much as I did) but unfortunately the equipment just doesn't seem to function as effectively as it should.

I sometimes find myself losing an erection mid-coitus or having difficulty getting one in the first place, and it is very disappointing when I wind up leaving both her and I unsatisfied...

I'm currently taking three medications in combination, twice a day. In the morning I take 1500mg of Keppra XR, 100mg of Lamictal XR, and 125mg of Depakote. In the evening I take another 1500mg of Keppra XP, 200mg of Lamictal XR, and another 125mg of Depakote.

Could it be a combination of these medications? Is it one medication in particular? What questions should I be asking my neurologist? Is there some sort of "countermeasure" I could use to counteract these negative effects? Will our hero ever escape the Cave of Doom? Find out, in the next post to "Sexuality and Drug Cocktails"!

 

[Nakamova]

There isn't a lot of data out there, but what little there is suggests that some AEDs can affect sexual function and drive in both men and women. It's also possible that something about epilepsy itself may be a factor. You might want to discuss it with your neurologist and/or an endocrinologist.

These links may be helpful:
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/hormones_antiepmen.html
http://www.epilepsy.com/discussion/962138

These studies suggest that lamictal and valproate (depakote) are less likely to be the culprits (though that doesn't mean that keppra is the villain).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19023554
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16217052
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16217052

 

[forward2007]

Get your hormones checked. After many years of being on Tegretol I need Testosterone and Thyroid replacement. I can't 100% prove the Tegretol is the reason but Tegretol is known to reduce Testosterone and Thyroid levels. Both affect sexual function.

 

[petero]

I am single, but I often have the same problem. It could likely be a bit of self-boredom while masturbating, but my Rx is phenytoin which has shown sexual function side-effects.
I recall at some point a doctor mentioning "low-T".
I'm going to mention it next time I see a doc. Not just necessarily my neuro.
I think I recall hearing testosterone is healthy to take regardless. As long as it's not abused, for power weightlifting and things like that...
I'm asking about it tomorrow at my appointment!

 

[elizzza811]

You might have to scroll a bit because I'm not sure how this will post, but read page 156 in its entirety..

http://tinyurl.com/8yv4see

But I have similar issues, and I'm a woman - I even posted a thread about this a while ago. Basically ever since I came off Klonopin too quickly on my own and sent myself into a seizure frenzy, a frenzy which would take another 6 years to diagnose, I've noticed I have greater difficulty becoming aroused, when I am aroused I lack the usual 'firmness' that I once experienced, and I have extreme difficulty reaching climax.

But yes, I believe epilepsy likely has everything to do with your problem (and mine) as the brain controls everything from hormones to blood flow. I would also recommend you keep an eye on your blood pressure...high blood pressure and ED often share a relationship, but treating high blood pressure may not necessarily correct the problem.

 

[violetopia]

I agree with other folks, ask your dr about other possible causes of ED. It could be the meds, but what if there's another (fixable) factor? Not everything that goes wrong is because of our szs or meds.

Important: Get more creative about ways to fulfill your partner's needs. I don't want to be too graphic here, of course, but there are many books full of ideas. You may find that "solving the problem" brings you closer to her than ever.

Good luck. She sounds very special!

 

[Blue Eyes]

I hear you! I am a female using Lamictal to control my seizures. At 300mg, I was faking it because it just wasn't going to happen. When I cut back to 150mg, the problem disappeared. Of course, my seizures returned. Very frustrating, indeed.

Definitely, explore possible causes with your doctor. It could be anything. In the meantime, I agree with Violetopia. A little creativity and extra effort will be much appreciated by your lady. Don't be afraid to think outside the box.

 

[valeriedl]

I don't really have any problems in the bedroom but my husband does. He had cancer and was having problems while taking his chemo and other sorts of things during that. He goes on and off of meds for pain that he has in his back and arm and sometimes he'll have problems then.

As Blue Eyes said, try doing different things, not just the same thing over and over. You'd be supprised how well that works. It helped my husband out alot.

I've even had a seizure while we were in the bedroom. He didn't realize it until he was 'done' then saw that I was having it. He thought I'd be mad but I actually got a good laugh about it.