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dilantin depletes calcium
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 08:58Hi!
I just found this discussion board and I'm hoping to hear some feedback. I am 42 and had my first seizure when I was 17. I've been on dilantin ever since, with a brief trial (that was miserable) on tegratol, during pregnancy. I am contemplating going off dilantin due to osteopenia in my hip and spine. I've had it monitored for several years and despite taking supplements and doing weight bearing exercise, it is still progressing. Additionally, my mother has osteoperosis so the genetics are against me. Therefore, the dilantin depleting the calcuim is really not helping the situation. I'm really nervous about a switch.... anyone have any advice?
Thanks, in advance, for any help you may have to offer!
Anne
Re: dilantin depletes calcium....espceially after 40 years usage
Submitted by annesmith on Thu, 2009-07-09 - 23:07
Grrrr... reading your experience makes me mad! Why didn't they tell us about the calcium depletion, from the start? The only excuse I can think of is that this is a long-term effect, of which they are just learning about now (?) . They should put us all on calcium and vitamin D. I'm sorry that you are going through the pain and misery of osteoperosis. Unfortunately, it seems that all of the meds have serious side effects, when used long-term. On the other hand, I thank God that my seizures are under control....... I will deal with the side effects as they come.
I recently read that dilantin also causes the brain to shrink. This shows up as a loss of balance... can be really bad for someone with osteoperosis. Please be careful!
Best wishes and thank you for your response.
Grrrr... reading your experience makes me mad! Why didn't they tell us about the calcium depletion, from the start? The only excuse I can think of is that this is a long-term effect, of which they are just learning about now (?) . They should put us all on calcium and vitamin D. I'm sorry that you are going through the pain and misery of osteoperosis. Unfortunately, it seems that all of the meds have serious side effects, when used long-term. On the other hand, I thank God that my seizures are under control....... I will deal with the side effects as they come.
I recently read that dilantin also causes the brain to shrink. This shows up as a loss of balance... can be really bad for someone with osteoperosis. Please be careful!
Best wishes and thank you for your response.