Tegretol and vitamin D deficiency

[toothache]

I have been suffering from aches and pain in my muscles for a year now. Pain started from my feet up to my legs. Saw a few orthopedics and paid a lot of money on shoes and insoles. Now, after visiting the doctor again and having my blood checked AGAIN we found that I have major Vitamin D deficiency which can be caused by Tegretol intake. I was wondering if any of you have had muscle and bone pains which the doctors could mistake as Fibromyalgia or reumatism. Such a stupid thing. I began taking supplements and hope that at least these pains will go away. You treat one thing and get another. :)

[ella138]

Personally I have no knowlege of vitamin D deficiency with Tegretol, however I did find this small study on line.

Biochemical parameters of vitamin D metabolism were measured in late winter among 40 institutionalized mentally retarded patients. Twenty of them had carbamazepine as their only antiepileptic drug, while the 20 remaining patients had no antiepileptic drugs. Serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were significantly lower and alkaline phosphatase significantly higher in patients with than without carbamazepine. Supplementation of the diet with vitamin D in carbamazepine-treated patients abolished the differences. A possibility of hypovitaminosis D should be considered in patients on a long-term carbamazepine therapy, especially if other risks for vitamin D deficiency exist.
PMID: 6741535 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Although the study was for something other than Trigeminal Neuralgia, the study does show that Vitamin D levels are lower in patients taking Tegretol. You may have something else going on as well, but it looks like you are on the right track with at lease this diagnosis.
Being in Israel means you have access to plenty of natural vitamin D, sunshine. I know that darker skinned people sometimes have vitamin D deficiency because they cant absorb the rays as efficiently. I don't know if that's the case with you, just thought I'd mention it.

[baywatcher]

For many years I have been taking supplemental Vitamins D, B12, and Folic acid because I was told as soon as I started taking Tegretol that it would probably cause deficiencies in those important vitamins. After I was changed to Trileptal I have continued to take them. Although I had/have polymyalgia it doesn't seem to be caused by any insufficiencies. I highly recommend adding all of those to your diet. Nancy

[stefanies]

I too was given Folic Acid b/c of taking anti seizure meds. Also, if i get low on my calcium intake, I take suppliments, I get painful leg cramps...so you never really know.
I have read in a few mags that vitamin D deficiency is becoming a real problem in the states b/c of the fear of skin cancer.
I take a vitamin D supplement each day. At least they found it for you. That is good news! :)
Stefanie

[baywatcher]

Stefanie, I was amused to read, a couple of years ago, that a person could get all the Vitamin D that they needed by simply sitting outside and exposing the forearms for 15 minutes each day. I looked out the window - I looked at the thermometer - and wondered how many individuals there were, here in Maine, sitting out with exposed arms and hoping that some of that good old vitamin was trickling down between the snowflakes. Sometimes, maybe, the headbone ain't connected to the common sense bone. But yes, I can well imagine that with people slathering themselves with sunscreen, no matter where they live, a deficiency could be a problem. Nancy

[toothache]

Tks for your thoughts. Actually I'm very white skinned (Red hair) and have avoided the sun for many years because of fear of skin cancer.... The sun in Israel in the summer is relentless. But, I'm sure that that is not the reason as 10 minutes is enough to absorbe vitamin D. I feel in my bones (a pun intended) that its the Tegretol affect. But, now that I will begin treatment I will see if it corrects the situation. Is it snowing in Maine ? If you get cold, come and visit as the November sun in shining here.