Osteopenia and gabapentin?
 

I was wondering if anyone has heard about a connection between gabapentin and bone loss.

I had a bone density test yesterday, and today a nurse from my gyno's office called and said I have moderate to severe osteopenia in both my spine and hips. :eek: They are prescribing evista which is an estrogen like hormone as well as increased calcium and vitamin D. I had already increased my level of vitamin D in the past few weeks, but I have to admit I often skip the calcium as it sometimes bothers my stomach. I am not too crazy about taking the evista, but I guess I should try it.

I also just read that gabapentin (neurontin) can also affect your bone density. I am on a pretty high dose (900 mg, three times a day). As you all know, steriods can also affect bone density. I have called both my neuro and my gyno to ask their opinion about neurontin. On one hand it definitely cuts down on the burning in my head and arm. But I have also gained about 30 pounds since being on it.

Sorry to hear the news, Barb. I'm anxious to see if you get any info on this...was on same amnt of Gabapentin and had monthly IVSM infusions...keep us posted...:hug:

Just thought I would try bumping this up. Have any of you ever been tested for bone loss? And if you have it, how is it being treated?

Just a question for you, Barb..Have you ever had a bone density test before this one? If so, did a previous one show osteopenia? About 9 or so years ago, I had a bone density test done just for a baseline. I had never been on steroids and have only been on oral steroids ( Medrol dose pack) one time since then. Anyhow, it showed osteopenia then for me already and I was on Neurontin and still am, but only a low dose ( started out at 100 mg 3x/day and now 300mg 3x/day). I only take Calcium and Vitamin D3, no prescriptions for it.

Anyhow, not much help. I'm sorry ,just a few thoughts I had and my experiences on the subject.

[QUOTE=Desinie;516006]Just a question for you, Barb..Have you ever had a bone density test before this one? If so, did a previous one show osteopenia?

This was my first bone density test. Insurance would not cover it before. I have only had one round (5 days) of iv steriods. I also took a medol pack once. Osteoperosis (spelling?) does run one one side of my family. I am not sure about taking the evista and want to talk to my doctor first.

I've never been on neurontin, but have done a lot of steroids over a 2 - 3 years period of time. I did high dose oral prednisone two or three times (600 mg per day for 5 days) and then started doing IVSM (1,000 mg for 3 days) pulsed every 3 - 4 months for 2 years.

After that, I had a bone density scan that showed osteopenia at age 37. So, because of my age, it was attributed to the steroids. If osteoporosis runs on your side of the family and you are at an age where you could be in perimenopause or menopause (I don't know your age), it could be a "normal" finding for you.

I'm having trouble spitting it out, but I guess I'm trying to say it could be more of a genetic thing and less of a medication caused thing.