Topamax, hairloss, confusion, B12 - related? - Epilepsy Message Board

life_is_good · 04-23-2008, 05:55 AM

I had posted the other thread saying how bad my hairloss was starting to get since starting on the Topamax. I know others have suffered hairloss from this med, so I have not entirely ruled it out as the culprit. Also, the quick weight loss and my poor eating habits could have added to the problem. I have since remedied these two situations and I have an update that I thought warranted a new thread.

I have since found out that my B12 level is below what is considered to be an acceptable range. Normal range is 300-900 and I am in the high 200s.
B12 deficiency can most definitely cause hairloss and I just naturally assumed it was the Topamax. I have never had my level tested before, so I have no means by which to compare it to.

Interestingly enough, a low B12 level can also cause confusion and cognitive issues, according to my dr, (which I have), so now I'm wondering if Topamax lowers B12 levels. I wonder if any studies have been done on this. Think about it, if Topamax causes hairloss and confusion, perhaps it lowers B12 levels. I'm just putting this out there in case others who've had similiar symptoms want to have their B12 levels tested and it may be as simple as taking a supplement to counter the side effects of the med.

Anyway, I was started on 1,000 mcg of supplements daily and I'm very curious to see if anything changes over the next few months. This is my own scientific study and will post back in three months when my B12 levels are up. At that time, I will either be very happy or very bald, LOL. I hope this is the culprit, as I really do not want to get off of the Topamax. I still think of it as my little wonder drug. Will keep you posted.

teachertype · 05-29-2008, 09:07 PM

I took topomax from 2003 until Oct. 2007 for headaches. Within a year of being on topomax, I was diagnosed with serious B 12 deficiency. Although my internist ran several tests to determine the cause, he said he really could not find one but named it pernicious anemia and said I could not absorb the b 12 in my system. I am not sure what tests he ran, but since that time I have had to receive B 12 injections. They really help but are a hassle. My vision also worsened on topomax and did not improve after I went off of it. However, I just turned 55 so that is part of the vision issue. I was very moody and depressed at 200 mg of topomax but that went away at 400 mg. Wish I still had the weight loss. I gained it all back and then some.

life_is_good · 05-30-2008, 08:41 AM

Interesting - thanks for your input. I haven't repeated my B12 level yet, (I will in July) but I do see a difference in my cognitive ability since taking the 1000 mcg daily. I'm actually able to read (and follow) a 400 page book, whereas I couldn't even comprehend a newpaper article before, so I know it's working.

As for the hairloss, it's too early to tell. It's still coming out and I'm pretty concerned. Thankfully, my hair is very long, but thinning out pretty quickly.

I know I have some type of autoimmune anemia. I make enough iron, my body is not just absorbing it....is that the same thing as what you described?

Knowing that the weight does come back after coming off the Topamax is enough to keep me on this medication for the time being. Did you go off of it because of the vision problems?

joanne01 · 05-30-2008, 11:09 PM

HI
I am doing research on my own about Topamax and Vitamin B-12 ,as I cant find a Dr that will help me . I have been taking Topamax for about a year for Migrane headaches 6 months into it my hair was thinning but I didnt pay much attention to it about a month ago my hair started to really thin out , I went to a dermatologist and he said it was from the Topamax and to stop taking it . I then went to my family Dr she ran blood work and found out I had B-12 deficiency I had my thyroid tested it is normal all other labs came back normal . If anyone has any info on the effects of Topamax or knows anyone who could give me advice on what to do about B-12 deficiency?

joanne01 · 05-30-2008, 11:10 PM

HI
I am trying to research on my own about Topamax and Vitamin B-12 ,as I cant find a Dr that will help me . I have been taking Topamax for about a year for Migrane headaches 6 months into it my hair was thinning but I didnt pay much attention to it about a month ago my hair started to really thin out , I went to a dermatologist and he said it was from the Topamax and to stop taking it . I then went to my family Dr she ran blood work and found out I had B-12 deficiency I had my thyroid tested it is normal all other labs came back normal . If anyone has any info on the effects of Topamax or knows anyone who could give me advice on what to do about B-12 deficiency?