Anticonvulsants: Nutrient Depletion Checklist

Nutrient Depletion Checklist:

Anticonvulsants

         From the February 2001 Issue of Nutrition Science News


Drug

Nutrient Depletions

Potential Depletion Problems


Barbituates
(Amytal, Tuinal, Butalan, Buticaps, Butisol Sodium, Mebaral, Brevital, Barbita, Nembutal, Luminal, Solfoton, Seconal, Pentothal)

Calcium

Heart/blood pressure irregularities, osteoporosis, tooth decay

 

Folic acid

Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, cervical dysplasia

 

Vitamin D

Hearing loss, muscle weakness, osteoporosis

 

Vitamin K

Blood clotting and skeletal problems


Phenytoin
(Dilantin)

Biotin

Cardiac irregularities, depression, dermatitis, hair loss

 

Calcium

Heart/blood pressure irregularities, osteoporosis, tooth decay

 

Folic acid

Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, cervical dysplasia

 

Vitamin B1

Depression, edema, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness

 

Vitamin B12

Anemia, increased cardiovascular risk, tiredness, weakness

 

Vitamin D

Blood coagulation and skeletal problems


Carbamazepine
(Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol)

Biotin

Cardiac irregularities, depression, dermatitis, hair loss

 

Folic acid

Hearing loss, musle weakness, osteoporosis

 

Vitamin D

Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease risk, cervical dysplasia


Primidone
(Mysoline)

Biotin

Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease risk, cervical dysplasia

 

Folic acid

Cardiac irregularities, depression, dermatitis, hair loss


Valproic Acid
(Depacon, Depakene, Depakote)

Carnitine

Cramps, fatigue, muscle weakness

 

Folic acid

Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease risk, cervical dysplasia


The scientific basis for this information is from published studies using these drugs or drugs from the same pharmacological class. Advise customers to ask their doctor or pharmacist if any of their medications can cause nutrient depletions.

Reprinted with permission from Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook (Lexi-Comp, 1999) by Ross Pelton, Ph.D., C.N.; James B. LaValle, N.D., C.N., D.H.M.; Ernest B. Hawkins; and Daniel L. Krinsky.



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Since 2-01-2001