Dilantin - Epilepsy Message Board

calabria · 03-03-2007, 03:15 PM

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!

Kodo · 03-03-2007, 07:05 PM

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

IMNRVUS · 03-04-2007, 10:01 AM

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

, lack of ambition, minor vision problems

, 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

...