Subject: Tegretol - Lamictal - Impotence
Topic Area: Epilepsy
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
The point under discussion is:
Around 4 years ago I developed a benign brain tumur, which caused me to start with secondary generalized tonic clonic seizures. As
this was a pretty unpleasant period of my life sex was not a primary concern but, some time later I realised that my sex drive was
lessened and I had problems with obtaining the erection.
I have seen several doctors to find the reason for my sexual troubles and some time ago I changed from Tegretol to Lamictal.
At the beginning, there were some improvements and my erection seemed to get better. But with the course of time, taking Lamictal,
I do not see any improvements any more. I suspect, that erectile problems may be caused by psychological factors, as I do not know
if Tegretol can influence impotence.
My seizures were under complete control with the Tegretol, I'm now down to 200mg/daily of Lamictal.The question is, do you know if Lamictal can cause impotence in itself and, if it can, should I dare reduce my dosage further? And
if Tegretol was a cause, how long would it take for any side effects to disappear? I know that it will take some time, but it was
about 2 weeks now since I took the Tegretol.
Another question is whether tumur and its removal may be the cause of ED? Also I assume the tumur and its removal could also be the
cause? The site of the tumur was the left side of my brain, above my ear (approx!) and I'm left handed.
There was made an extensive literature search to look at both anitepileptics and impotence as well as brain tumors, frontal lobe
lesions and impotence.
Here's what was found:
- You’re right about the Tegretol, that's well known to cause sexual dysfunction. But it was also said that Lamictal claims to
improve impotence, but not worsen it. It may also make desire and orgasm better. Actually, there is no literature that Lamictal can
cause impotence, but it also does not mean that it cannot. The complications from seizures certainly outweigh the possible benefits
that you are looking for. And you should consult your doctor as far as adjusting the dose is concerned.
- The erection centre in men still hasn't been clearly defined yet, but so far they think it's in the brainstem or spinal cord
rather than the brain hemispheres themselves. This probably means that the location of the tumor and resection doesn't directly
affect the erections. However, if you are left handed, then your dominant side may be the right side which controls speech, writing,
calculations, analytical thinking while the nondominant (in your case left) would be the emotional side. So the impotence could
represent decreased desire or emotional aspect of sexual intercourse, rather than a mechanical problem. But true to say, it is not
proved and is just a theory.
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Tegretol - Lamictal - Impotence
