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Anticonvulsant medications - miscellaneous

Medications:

Carbamazepine
- Carbatrol
- Epitol
- Tegretol
- Tegretol-XR

Depletions:

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Low levels of folic acid have been linked to anemia, heart disease, and birth defects.

Editorial Note:

The selected depletions information presented here identifies some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient. Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical history, diet, and lifestyle as well as the length of time you have been taking the medication. Please consult your health care provider; he or she can best assess and address your individual health care needs, and determine if you are at risk for nutrient depletions from these medications as well as others not listed here.

Reviewed last on: 12/24/2007
Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed HealthCare Network. Also reviewed by Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources.

Supporting Research

Ames BN. Micronutrient deficiencies: A major cause of DNA damage. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2000;889:87-106.

Attilakos A, Papakonstantinou E, Schulpis K, Voudris K, Katsarou E, Mastroyianni S, Garoufi A. Early effect of sodium valproate and carbamazepine monotherapy on homocysteine metabolism in children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Res. 2006;71(2-3):229-32.

Deda G, Caksen H, Içagasioglu D.Effect of long-term carbamazepine therapy on serum lipids, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in children. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2003;16(2):193-6.

Hendal J. et al. The effects of carbamazepine and valproate on folate metabolism. Acta Neurol Scand. 1984;69(4):226-231.

Kjær D, Horvath-Puhó E, Christensen J, Vestergaard M, Czeizel AE, Sørensen HT, Olsen J. Antiepileptic drug use, folic acid supplementation, and congenital abnormalities: a population-based case-control study. BJOG. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

Moretti R, Torre P, Antonello RM, Cazzato G, Cattaruzza T, Scapicchio PL. Vitamin B12 and folate depletion: clinical evidence in a neurological population. Neurologist. 2004;10(6):338-43.

Pelton R, LaValle J, Hawkins EB, et al. Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook. Hudson, OH:LexiComp, Inc.;2001:390-395.

Reynolds E. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and the nervous system. Lancet Neurol. 2006;5(11):949-60.

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