Nutrient Depletion Checklist: Anticonvulsants

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.