While aging, menopause, and family history all play major roles in bone health, some prescription medications can quietly contribute to bone loss over time. All of that being said, here are five common medication categories that research has linked to an increased risk of bone loss and fractures. Several anti-seizure medications, including phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and some newer anticonvulsants, have been linked to reduced bone density. Oncologists are well aware of this risk and often recommend bone density monitoring, weight-bearing exercise, and medications specifically designed to protect bone health when appropriate. This painless test measures bone mineral density and can identify bone loss before a fracture occurs.