Epilepsy Information

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) affects both men and women with epilepsy. 

Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures with or without injury, and can be diagnosed with a bone density scan. Some antiseizure medications are associated with the risk of developing osteoporosis and should be avoided in patients who are otherwise under this risk:
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Primidone (Mysoline)

 
What should you do?
• Maintain a healthy life style to decrease your risk of osteoporosis:
  - exercise
  - eat balanced diet
  - stop smoking
  - avoid caffeine
  - avoid alcohol
• Discuss taking vitamin D and calcium supplements with your doctor.
• You may need a referral to endocrinologist for further treatment of osteoporosis.
 

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