title: Sexual dysfunction related to antiepileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epilepsy is a common disease that is mostly treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, the sexual dysfunction (SD) side effects related to the use of AEDs have not received sufficient attention.
  
  
  METHODS
  The purpose of this review is to examine the current evidence on SD-related side effects of AEDs. The incidence, clinical features and major types of SD are summarized. Furthermore, various AEDs that may cause SDs are addressed in detail. Finally, we briefly summarize the treatments for SD related to AEDs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SD related to AEDs is common. Symptoms include erectile dysfunction (ED), hyposexuality, hypersexuality and ejaculatory dysfunction. Traditional AEDs such as valproate and enzyme-inducing AEDs (EIAEDs) may produce high incidences of decreased libido. Recently, sexual function changes related to new AEDs have been reported. Topiramate, pregabalin and gabapentin may cause SD, whereas oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine and levetiracetam may improve sexual function. Although the treatment for SD related to AEDs remains unclear, switching to another AED may be an option. Further studies are necessary to better understand and treat SD related to AEDs.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology , Chongqing 400016 , China.
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology , Chongqing 400016 , China.
authors.forename: Xuefeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: AEDs; SD; adverse effect; epilepsy