Taking Stock: Asking About Side Effects

Sexual Problems

Studies show that seizure disorders/epilepsy may be associated with reduced sexual activity and sexual satisfaction in both men and women. Seizures or medications may affect sex hormones.

If hormones are not working properly, sexual response, sexual arousal, and interest in sexual activity can be affected. At the same time, some epilepsy medicines can interfere with sexual response. If you are taking medicines to prevent seizures and are concerned about these issues, here are some questions that you can ask your doctor:

• Is my medication to blame for my sexual problems?
• Am I taking an inappropriate amount of medication? Or could I be taking it incorrectly?
• Would a supplement, like Viagra, safely cure this problem?
• Could my medication's generic version eliminate this side effect?
• Could I experience permanent effects?

Read about other possible side effects...