Posted by Racer on September 14, 2008, at 2:32:33
In reply to Re: SSRI's and Osteoporosis, posted by Karen's World on September 13, 2008, at 23:25:15
Honestly, if it's working for you, I'd look at ways to mitigate the bone loss before considering a switch.
TCAs come with far more adverse effects than SSRIs, some of which are more severe than those associated with SSRIs. That's certainly something to weigh in making your decision on this. You didn't mention what your reaction to the bisphosphonate was, but I'm wonder if it was a tolerability question, or something more serious? If it's a question of tolerating it, maybe it's worth thinking about whether you can find a way to mitigate the effects?
I had my first bone scan at 39, and came up with scary numbers. I think it was -1.6 and -2.1, hip/spine. Maybe it was 1.6 and 1.9, it's been a while. At the time, I was undergoing fertility treatment -- ultimately unsuccessful -- so I couldn't start bisphosphonates. Instead, my doctor directed me to take 1500mg of calcium per day, along with 750 magnesium, and to gain some weight. I had a follow up scan done when we gave up on fertility, and my bone density had improved a good deal -- I was still mildly osteopenic, but not to the extent that my doctor recommended starting the bone pills yet. It could be that weight bearing exercise and higher doses of calcium will be helpful for you, too.
Best luck, and I hope you'll stick around and let us know how it goes.
poster:Racer
thread:851833
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080903/msgs/851900.html