Gabapentin cause osteoporosis?

Hello @iamnana, I have osteopenia also and worry about going to osteoporosis but fortunately I don't have to take a med like gabapentin because I only have numbness with my neuropathy and not pain. While you wait for others to respond, here's some information I found on your question.

"There is no conclusive research evidence to suggest that either gabapentin or another commonly prescribed medication, pregabalin, have any significant effects on bone when used for the indication of neuropathic pain."
-- Anti-epileptic drugs and bone health: https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/causes/anti-epileptic-drugs/

Thanks, I also read that, but found 3 other studies that say Gabapentin can weekend the bones. I asked my PCP she said there is no connection. I am so confused.

@iamnana
There is no listed side effect that gabapentin causes osteoporosis however seizure medicines, which I have been on for about 60 years, especially on high doses can indeed cause osteoporosis which I have. Possibly because I used to take Five different seizure medications and 30 pills a day So I'm not surprised I have osteoporosis, especially since I did in fact, take high doses of all the seizure medicines I was on. Gabapentin is 30 years old. Some say it's an older drug some say it's a newer drug Even though it more than 17 years old. I would consider it to be a newer drug myself. Personally, I wouldn't worry about osteoporosis if you were taking gabapentin or Lyrica and not taking a high dose or taking other seizure medications along with it. However, I think the best thing to do would be to contact your doctor. Also, most antiseizure medications are definitely associated to a higher risk of fractures, regardless of whether or not you have osteoporosis. That may be associated with the fact that people with seizures fall so frequently or have other types of accidents.
Another concern with older seizure medications is how it affects Vitamin D need for bones.
Most Antiseizure medication's increase levels of chemicals in the liver that destroy vitamin D, which the body needs to absorb calcium.
You might also ask a dietitian or a pharmacist.
Good luck,
Jake

@iamnana
It is confusing because it is a somewhat controversial. But you have to keep in mind the quality of the study and how it was done and what they were looking for. I personally am of the belief that even though some studies say it won't cause osteoporosis, I feel it might, especially in high doses. I took the maximum dose of 3,600 mg. I also took Lyrica. Take the seizure drug Phenobarbital released in 1912 and Dilantin released in 1926. Phenobarbital has been steady for over 100 years and Dilantin for nearly 100 years, So when they say the newer medication, don't cause osteoporosis keep in mind they haven't been studied very long so perhaps it's just not showing up yet.
Wishing you the luck in your quest,
Jake

Thanks Jake!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206646/

My Dr said the same thing. I think they just don't know

@iamnana
I think your probably right.
The older drugs there is no question it causes issues with vitamin D usually in high doses. In the newer drugs there hasn’t been enough time for esearch although Keppra may interfear with vitamin D over the long term. My personal belief is that if you're taking any type of seizure medication, including Gabapentin or Lyrica It would be wise to have your vitamin D level, checked just in case. It certainly can't hurt.
Take care,
Jake

-recommend you read side effects of medication, information should come with drug when dispensed; that drug has many side effects
-talk with pharmacist

@gary
If your comment was directed at me I assure you I read, ask doctors, talk to pharmacists and research at medical libraries and universities. I have taken seizure meds almost 60 years. You need to remember they are “potential side effects” and does the benefit outweigh the risks.
Take care,
Jake