Dizzyness and medication

[OliveGreen24]

Hi. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my lower spine and osteopenia in my left femur in July 2024. My spine has at T score of - 3.7 and Z score of - 2.6. I have been on Alendronic Acid since August 2024. I was totally shocked by the diagnosis which came about as a result of a broken wrist followed by a dexa scan. I’m 59. I still wonder if the hospital got my results mixed up! After much inner debate I decided to take the pills because I’m relatively young, otherwise healthy and I don’t want my life limited at this point, or loved ones to have to care for me.

I have had a few episodes of BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Position Vertigo) during my life. Since being on Alendronic Acid I have had another which I have treated with the epley manoeuvre. However my balance continues to be poor particularly on the day of taking the pill and the day after. So I’m wondering if it is the pills.

Would another drug make any difference? Does anyone have a similar experience re dizziness?

Thank you for reading and best wishes for the New Year.

[ABwn]

I've had dodgy balance since I had an AstraZeneca jab during the pandemic. Never quite believed in it being a coincidence. I had other symptoms at the same time. Still suffering from it and wouldn't dare go out walking without it and now have moved onto osteoporosis to go with the RA. Unfortunately, this doesn't answer your question. I'm on 12.5mg of Methotrexate, hydroxychlorequine, folic acid and have had prolio added to the mix. Hope you get some help with it. Have a healthy, happy 2025 with no new symptoms!!!

[Clematisa1]

I have had vertigo in the past also and it returned when I started on Alendronic Acid I spoke to the chemist and he said it might clear after a bit but other tablets were available. Pleased to say it cleared within a month. ❤️

[OliveGreen24 in reply to Clematisa1]

Thank you that’s interesting to read.

[Tommylover]

One of the side effects of alendronic acid is dizziness I can’t take it due to my dental problems. Good luck

[blue8green]

I was taking Alendronic Acid for 12 weeks and everything seemed fine at first. However i soon noticed that my balance felt slightly 'off' when I was doing Pilates. After a few more weeks I had my first fairly severe vertigo type symptoms. Each time the effects were slightly worse. The final time was so severe that I couldn't walk without help and I was still suffering from severe dizziness and nausea for several weeks afterwards. I felt I couldn't take anymore bisphosphonates.

The consultant maintained that my symptoms were a coincidence and nothing to do with the osteoporosis medication. However, he was willing to put me on Prolia injections but said I would need to continue taking that for rest of my life due to the risk of rebound fractures if I stopped and the fact that I won't feel able to go back on bisphosphonates.

My experience has left me feeling quite terrified of the side effects of the various medications. I decided that I will risk a few more fractures before I rethink my decision because fractures haven't been nearly as debilitating as the vertigo. At least for now, I can exercise, build strength and work to improve my balance which I hope will help me to avoid some of those fractures down the line.

[OliveGreen24 in reply to blue8green]

Thank you for replying. 👍

[Graceissufficient in reply to blue8green]

Is it too late to fill in a Yellow Card?

[Kaarina in reply to Graceissufficient]

I do not think it is ever too late to fill in a Yellow Card.

[Zadock in reply to blue8green]

Hi blue8green. The same has happened to me ie first episode ever of BPPV four weeks after starting Alendronic Acid. GP says they're not related but Ibelieve they probably are. Like you I'm now reluctant to take it. Did you consider other drugs as an alternative?

[andmetoo]

Hello OliveGreen24. I received an automated message suggesting, as I've tried Alendronic Acid, I could give some useful advice - however, I've had the same dizzy problems too! Seeing your replies, it seems to be very common. I originally broke some ribs when tripping whilst carrying shopping, which led to my Osteoporosis diagnosis and I was given AA. But, the dizziness caused me to fall against a chair and I ended-up with more broken ribs, at the same time, on the other side. As a result, I gave-up with AA after 6-8 weeks, so you've perservered longer than me. I've wondered if I should have tried it for longer and perhaps got used to it, so it's very interesting to hear, from your experience, that that doesn't happen. My GP gave me Risendronate (another Bisphosponate) but that that gave me severe IBS problems. As a male, there aren't really any alternatives. I was offered 6-monthly Densomab injections but didn't like the idea that you're worse off if you stop taking it and you can only take it for 5 years (I think I'm too young for that). So I'm hoping that exercise and diet will at least stop it getting worse - but who knows? At the time of my diagnosis, 3 years ago, my DEXA score was -2.7 in my lower spine, but I was only told this by phone (during the pandemic) so I don't know if this is a T-score or a Z-score, so, possibly yours is worse than mine. I find it a bit annoying that the assumption, if you don't take the meds, is that you're worried about getting a very rare side-effect, whereas it's the common side-effects that are the problem. I hope things improve for you.

[OliveGreen24 in reply to andmetoo]

Thank you for replying. I’ve been hoping I adjust to it so have in the past couple of weeks been keeping a symptoms diary. Will see how it goes. 👍

[andmetoo in reply to OliveGreen24]

The symptoms diary is a good idea. I've been wondering if I should give it another try. It would be good to know how you get on - good luck 🤞

[superbones]

I couln't take the AA - it exhausted me bloated and general feeling of malaise. I then tried Risedronate - shortly after the 2nd tablet I got an awful headache and I mean awful. I never have headaches, this turned into terrible sinusitis and I had to go on antib's. I had the Zoeldronic infusion last March and will have the second this March. No side effects apart from feeling more tired than usual but it didn't last long. Good luck...

[OliveGreen24 in reply to superbones]

Thank you for replying and sharing your experience. 👍