Sodium valproate monotherapy and sex hormones in men

Antiepileptic drugs affect various endocrinal functions including sex hormones. In this study, the effect of sodium valproate monotherapy on sex hormones has been evaluated in sexually asymptomatic patients of primary generalised tonic clonic epilepsy. Twenty-six newly diagnosed young male patients with epilepsy and twenty controls were subjects in this study. Sodium valproate monotherapy (20-30 mg/kg) was administered in patients to control the seizures. None of the patients had recurrence of seizure during one year of follow up. Serum levels of sodium valproate, total serum testosterone, leutinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were estimated initially, before starting valproate therapy. These were repeated at 3 month intervals for one year. Patients on sodium valproate therapy showed minor changes in serum sex hormone level. The total testosterone level fell significantly (p<0.05) at the end of 1 year, however LH, FSH and serum prolactin levels remained unaltered. It was concluded that sodium valproate has potential for altering balance of testosterone after prolonged administration.