{
  "abstract": "Valproate, Lamotrigine and Levetiracetam are commonly used anti-seizures medications. Prescribing restrictions for valproate in men in the UK and Europe stem from concerns about reproductive and transgenerational adverse effects, despite sparse evidence. We present findings from a retrospective study at a tertiary epilepsy centre, comparing characteristics and adverse effects in men prescribed valproate versus levetiracetam or lamotrigine. The aim is to provide evidence to guide clinicians and patients in making informed decisions regarding anti-seizure medications.Our study found a significantly higher incidence of constitutional adverse effects, primarily weight gain, in men taking valproate compared to those on levetiracetam/lamotrigine (Odds Ratio 5.0, p=0.001). Psychiatric adverse effects were more common in men on levetiracetam/lamotrigine combination therapy (p<0.001). There was no significantly higher incidence of reproductive adverse effects or autism in the offspring of men taking valproate. The small cohort size and retrospective nature of the study limited the significance of the findings.In the absence of definitive evidence regarding reproductive and teratogenic effects in men, identifying patient characteristics and appropriate counselling are essential to guide anti-seizure medication choices. Long-term, multi-generational, population-based studies are required to explore these concerns further.amogh519@gmail.com",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Ravi Amogh"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Eriksson Sofia"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology"
      ],
      "name": "Favarato Graziella"
    }
  ],
  "title": "72 Differences and similarities between male patients with epilepsy taking valproate versus lamotrigine or levetiracetam",
  "uid": "d5f92635-2c31-5756-846b-22beadf7d032"
}