Posted by ed_uk2010 on November 13, 2013, at 15:03:36
In reply to Fractures + Trileptal?!, posted by Sheilac on November 12, 2013, at 8:32:53
I don't quite understand the justification behind the med changes your doctor is proposing. There is not sufficient evidence that you need to reduce Trileptal.
There appears to be a link between certain (particularly older) antiepileptics and reduced bone mineral density, possibly due to increased metabolism (de-activation) of Vitamin D. I suggest that you inquire about getting a bone scan (DEXA). At any rate, you can start taking a colecalciferol (Vitamin D) supplement, preferably 800-1600 units per day.
> Get this, I've had 2 fractures (toes) and cracked 2 teeth while being on Trileptal for almost 2 years. My doc finally tells me there could be a chance that the longer you're on anti-epileptic meds, that they can cause bone/ fracture issues! Geez. I actually looked it up last night and it's true. It feels like I've developed debilitating arthritis.
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> Apparently, I'm a slow metabolizer and some meds build up in my systems due to a possible missing liver enzyme and that's why I experience so many side effects.
>
> So, now I'm having to taper down on Trileptal and go up on Geodon. I still have Klonopin.
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> I don't know of any other meds to replace Trileptal with. It's been a great med for me for 2 years. Little side effects - except for now I can't walk due to this arthritic condition and broken bones!
>
> My doc also told me not to worry so much about Geodon. She said a high dose is when you get to 240-320mg, which I never will. If I get up to 120mg I'll be great. I can still use my Klonopin and melatonin to sleep.
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> I can't believe this. My doc said she can even swap my cheek to test my metabolism or something and see why I react the way I do to certain meds.
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> I guess I'll have to rely on Geodon. Not sure what else to do.
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> I've been on meds of some sort for 25 years, so I feel like I'll be detoxing a little, which is better than taking more and more Klonopin. I can remember when I just took Zoloft and Trazadone and over the years docs have piled more and more meds on me. I don't even react normally to a normal dose of Klonopin or Xanax anymore. It takes a whole lot to effect me. Maybe a little detoxing, slowly wouldn't be bad. But I'm sure it won't be fun.
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> I'd just like to react normally to a safe med!
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1054186
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20131025/msgs/1054274.html