What Does Low Bone Density While On Depakote Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 19 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I an now on depakote for seizure disorder. i an finding that the last two years, my bone density is gettig lower per the density tests. I am 60 years old. Is Depakote promote bone loss? Is there something I can take for seizure disorder that will not affect bone density? I have been diagnosed with partial seizure disorder. thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Levetiracetam is an alternative.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Depakote and other "old" antiseizure drugs may result in lowered bone density, or osteoporosis.

Keppra ( Levetiracetam ) is a good alternative in controlling partial seizures and is found not to affect bone density.

So, I think you can discuss with your Doctor about switching to Keppra.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T