extended use of tegritol now need calcium supplement?

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Jim Garland - 01 Dec 2004 20:30 GMT

I was to my neurologist last week and all was fine.I am going for an MRI as
I haven't had any tests for over 8 years so she suggested that just to see
if anything has changed...
But she has now asked me to go on a calcium and vitamin d supplement as
they now feel that Tegritol and such drugs cause bone deterioration.....
Anyone hear this?
Cheers.

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gaross - 01 Dec 2004 21:20 GMT

> I was to my neurologist last week and all was fine.I am going for an MRI as
> I haven't had any tests for over 8 years so she suggested that just to see
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Anyone hear this?
> Cheers.

I don't know anything about what the Vitamin D would do. My original
prescription for Tegretol CR (*1995), said to 'tell all Doctors and Dentists
that you're using it'. My Dentist changed my recall frequency from each 6
months to each 4. He said that in some people Tegretol *could rob Calcium
and it would show up first in our teeth. I've had no problems with using
it.
Older posts (1998 on) here, I haven't found anyone (yet) who's had
Calcium problems with it. I've had no noticeable difference in Dental
issues, Calcium loss etc., and have used it since ~1994.
I'm a little surprised she's only heard that now? It's been in the
literature since before above dates.
While you're at it, then, avoid Grapefruit or its juices too. One of
the acids that's in Grapefruit but not other Juices can conflict with
Carbamazepine (Tegretol). G./

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turbinado - 01 Dec 2004 22:53 GMT

I was advised to take calcium supplements when I first went on Tegretol, but
as a middle-aged :( woman I should probably be taking them anyway.

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sally.martin@gmail.com - 08 Dec 2004 22:13 GMT

I had my bone density checked by an endocrinologist about 10 months ago
because I have been losing bone despite the calcium I take every day.
He put my on 40,000 IU of vit D each week in addition to the calcium I
have been taking for a couple of years. He thinks the calcium is
leaching out of my bones because of the Tegretol. I had my blood
tested yesterday and will see him again in two weeks. Will let you
know what he says.

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gaross - 09 Dec 2004 00:10 GMT

> I had my bone density checked by an endocrinologist about 10 months ago
> because I have been losing bone despite the calcium I take every day.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> tested yesterday and will see him again in two weeks. Will let you
> know what he says.

My Dentist told me that Calcium loss often shows up first in our teeth, so
he changed my recall rate from each 6 months to each 4 months.
If you were losing that much did they tell you why they wouldn't slowly
phase you off that and move you to one of the other AEDs available?
And if the bone loss was showing up 10 mos. ago, *1 of the 2 Doctors
should have already been taking care of that. Just my opinion. G./

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CyberCafe - 15 Dec 2004 15:42 GMT

Since bone loss happens to millions of people who don't take epilepsy
medicines, I don't understand how your doctor can reach the conclusion that
it is solely the fault of your medicine. This situation, bone loss, can
start for people as soon as they hit adulthood (20's) when bone isn't
replaced as quickly as it is used (bone remodeling). Yes, a person needs
vitamin D along with calcium, but even things like lack of exercise can
contribute to this problem.

Barb

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