There is a lot of other great info on chemical castration at this site but it does not specificaly cover cyproterone acetate.
http://www.prostate-cancer.org/educatio ... fects.html
Fatigue/Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
The main cause of fatigue for men on testosterone deprivation therapy probably comes from the loss of muscle mass and strength. As men loss muscle mass and strength, many also complain of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Prevention / Treatment Strategies
1.The most important strategy for men to prevent or reduce fatigue while on a TIP is a regular strength training program. As mentioned before, this strategy is best accomplished with the help of a qualified personal trainer.
2.The medication modafinil (Provigil®), which is FDA approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder, can be helpful for men with excessive fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Modafinil has few drug-to-drug interactions and is usually well tolerated, with the most frequent side effect being transient headaches. However, the use of modafinil has not been studied in men with prostate cancer on testosterone deprivation therapy.
3.Low doses (5-10 mg) of the stimulant methylphenidate (Ritalin®) taken in the morning can also be helpful for men with excessive fatigue and daytime sleepiness while on a TIP. Methylphenidate must be used with caution in patients with hypertension or a history of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).
Depression/ Low Energy
EnergyRitalin (methylphenidate)
www.adhdinfo.com
Works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Quick, but short acting. May need to be used in conjunction with another antidepressant. Ritalin's fast stimulating effect can last long enough for the standard antidepressant to begin working (UCLA study). See also
www.nida.nih.gov/
Changes in Metabolism, Body Composition, and Lipid Profiles
Some of the most troubling and often overlooked side effects in men with prostate cancer treated with a TIP are those that can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Studies of men on testosterone deprivation therapy show an increase in weight, body fat, serum levels of glucose and insulin, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and the stiffness of arteries.
Prevention / Treatment Strategies
Prostate cancer patients who are on a TIP should regularly have their weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, homocysteine and C-reactive protein monitored. Patients in collaboration with their medical providers should thoroughly review the role and appropriateness of antioxidants, low dose aspirin, vitamin B-12, folic acid, fish oil, low glycemic index diets, and statin drugs. Screening for cardiovascular disease with an exercise stress test or a coronary artery calcification scan should be considered.
