Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Bone Density and Metabolism

Abstract

Many studies have demonstrated that both classic (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproate) and new antiepileptic drugs (e.g., oxcarbazepine, gabapentin) decrease bone metabolism. Abnormalities in calcium metabolism often occur on inducing the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, thus decreasing vitamin D levels. However, the reason some antiepileptic drugs that suppress (e.g., valproate) or have no effect on this system also affect vitamin D metabolism is not known. This study explored the effect of classic and new antiepileptic drugs on bone health and calcium metabolism.

Keywords

• antiepileptic drugs
• calcium metabolism
• decrease in bone mineral density