Does Lamictal increase libido?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Lamictal increase libido?
Yes, Lamictal does increase libido. In fact, the drug is associated with hypersexuality in some people. Women have reported symptoms like excitement, increased sexual desire, elevated mood, being playful, and improved orgasm.
Men, on the other hand, have mostly experienced increased libido. Some have described it to be over the roof.
How does Lamictal increase libido?
According to research studies, the libido-boosting activity of Lamictal is yet fully not understood as to how it happens and what mechanisms are responsible for it.
However, it is observed that Lamictal provides a significant improvement in people suffering from sexual dysfunction, which is considered a very good sign. In fact, increased libido is quite well-received by people and they usually don’t report it either. (1,2)
Lamictal primarily acts as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer by modulating the release and action of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and sexual function. (3)
It is hypothesized that the effects of Lamictal on mood stabilization and overall well-being may indirectly contribute to an improvement in libido. By reducing symptoms of depression or stabilizing mood swings, Lamictal may enhance overall sexual desire and satisfaction.
However, the incidence of increased libido as a side effect of Lamictal is not well-established. While some individuals may report an increase in sexual desire, some may not feel a difference. Some rare cases of a decrease in libido have also been reported.
It is important to discuss any changes in libido or other side effects with your healthcare provider. They can provide further information, evaluate your individual situation, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
What to do if Lamictal-induced increased libido is affecting the quality of your life?
If you find that the increased libido caused by Lamictal is negatively impacting your quality of life, it is important to address this concern with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and explore potential solutions to manage this side effect.
Depending on your individual circumstances, options may include adjusting the dosage of Lamictal, switching to a different medication, or adding a complementary medication to help balance the side effects.
It is important not to stop taking Lamictal abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing the medication can lead to potential risks and complications.
Your healthcare provider will guide you through the process of tapering off the medication gradually if Lamictal is not the right choice of drug for you. This gradual approach helps minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and allows your body to adjust to the changes.
Lamictal, in general, can cause some psychological side effects, even though it is not a controlled substance or a drug that one could use for recreational purposes. This is why you should discuss how this medication makes you feel with your doctor to determine the safety of future Lamictal use.
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References
1.-
Gil-Nagel A, López-Muñoz F, Serratosa JM, Moncada I, García-García P, Alamo C. Effect of lamotrigine on sexual function in patients with epilepsy. Seizure. 2006 Apr;15(3):142-9. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2005.12.006. Epub 2006 Jan 24. PMID: 16434217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16434217/
2.-
Grabowska-Grzyb A, Nagańska E, Wolańczyk T. Hypersexuality in two patients with epilepsy treated with lamotrigine. Epilepsy Behav. 2006 May;8(3):663-5. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2006.01.005. Epub 2006 Feb 13. PMID: 16473556. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16473556/
3.-
Betchel NT, Fariba KA, Saadabadi A. Lamotrigine. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470442
