Attention Tegretol and/or Topamax users. RE: Hair loss - Hair Loss / Alopecia Message Board

ChelseaMomof2 · 10-10-2005, 06:08 AM

Currently, I take Topamax and have been on it for one year. My hair didn't start falling out until I had been on it for 7 months, then suddenly it started falling out like crazy! Anyone else have that experience? I would think it would happen right away, but it didn't. Maybe it has to be in your system for a while or something, I don't know. Anyway, I have been told to take zinc and selenium supplements which I just started a few days ago, so I haven't seen much difference yet. I have an appt. with my neuro on the 18th to see about possibly switching meds because of the hair loss (plus I'm so cold all the time and they think it might be because of the Topamax also - anyone else cold on Topamax?).

I have been researching all the meds and I have learned that Depakote is one of the worst for hair loss and Lamicital isn't too much better. I really have had great success with Topamax (because it also controls my migraines) so I would like to try Zonegran, but I'm worried that it's too much like Topamax and it might make my hair fall out too. I have simple partial seizures that aren't too bad and my Dr. has suggested Tegretol to me in the past. I see that hair loss is listed as a side effect (as it is in almost all of the anti-seizure meds), but has anyone here who has taken it lost any hair?

I am very upset about my hair loss. I am a woman in my thirties who has thin hair to begin with and I'm losing ALOT of hair each day! It's awful.

Thanks

bettyst · 10-10-2005, 07:07 AM

Hi,
Tripp has been on Tegretol XR for years and on Topamax since May and he has not lost any hair. His hair is SO thick he could stand to lose some.

He was on Lamictal befor the Topamax and did not lose any hair. I am not sure that hair loss is a side effect for everyone.

Betty

Travis from MN · 10-10-2005, 11:41 AM

I've noticed the hair thinning when I brush my hair. Wish it wasn't so; I come from a family with receeding hairlines

.

I'm on 1200/day of TegXR and 450/day of Topa. (and Kepp as well)

The hair problems started with Topa. Teg I've been on since the start and didn't have the problem until I had TOpamax added in.

You are not alone in noticing this. I have a good amount in by brush every morning. It also appears the hair itself is now thinner compared to before I started on Topa. I take a multi vitamin on the sugestion of my doc BID with my meds. Not sure if it helps with the hair, but it helps based on blood tests when other body substances were lower then they should have been.

--Travis

kapgirl · 10-11-2005, 10:35 PM

I've been on Topamax since May and I haven't noticed any hair loss and I hope I don't because I don't want to come off this drug I LOVE IT!

ChelseaMomof2 · 10-12-2005, 06:40 AM

kapgirl,

I hope for your sake, you don't lose a single hair! I didn't either for the first 7 months that I took it. Then suddenly, it started falling out like crazy. From what I've heard, this is pretty common with Topamax. Then again, I've also heard from a lot of people who don't lose any hair at all (so hopefully that will be you!).