What effects do anti-seizure medications have on sex?
Drugs used to treat epilepsy (such as diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid, and others) have common side-effects than can depress sexual responsiveness, desire, arousal (erection problems for men, and lubrication problems for women), as well as orgasmic difficulties. Often these drugs can cause fatigue which can interfere with an evening out. Some drugs like Dilantin can cause physical changes such as gum over-growth which has cosmetic effects. Finding the right balance of seizure control and side-effect reduction can be challenging. Stopping drugs due to frustrating side-effects might feel like a good solution in the short term, but doesn’t help reduce seizures and can be dangerous.
