Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone has heard of Dilantin causing osteoporis? I've been on it for about 30 yrs. and my neurologist ordered a dexa scan because of "recent findings"? Has anyone on this board been on this med long term?

thanks!

hi calabria,

Dilantin can interfere with the body processing of calcium which supports bone structure especially with long term use. To avoid this you should be taking a good calcium supplement and a rich calcium diet. I take approx 1000mg of calcium per day, but I have read about those who take even more.

One important note - do not take the calcium supplement within one or two hours of the dilantin dose as it can interfere with the dilantin level and cause a seizure. To play it safe I take my vitamins at least six hours between doses! I stumbled upon this information in the internet, but had it confirmed by my neuro.

Best wishes...

kodo:cool:

CALABRIA...
I agree with KODO about calcium suppliments. I started dilantin in 2001.
I had scans done in 2005. Results were completely negative. So I'm safe for a while.

Have you had any other side effects from dilantin over the 30 years of use? I've had sore feet bottoms, achy joints and muscles, short term memory problems, anxiety/depression, tiredness :yawn: , lack of ambition, minor vision problems :dizzy: :eek: , unexplained weight gain, etc, etc,. Some of these could have been caused by the few seizures I've had... but could also be caused by the dilantin.
Just wondering :confused: ...