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.