Topamax and hair loss - Hair Loss / Alopecia Message Board

life_is_good · 04-13-2008, 07:26 AM

This is only side effect I'm not comfortable with. I've been on Topamax since July and the hair loss has not let up. Thankfully, my hair is long (used to be soooo thick) but it's at the point where it's getting really thin now. It still looks nice, but I want to make a decision about this drug before it's too late. Would cutting my hair lighten the weight of the hair so it doesn't come out as much? Does anyone know if the hairloss eventually slows down or does it just continue to keep coming out? I'd hate to come off this drug, but I don't want to lose all of my hair either. Any suggestions as how to slow down this process? Are there vitamins to prevent this? Also wondering if it grows back if you come off this med.

Travis from MN · 04-13-2008, 09:48 AM

I've also noticed the hair's quality looks worse (in my case). Thinner strands, more split ends. I have long hair. I have so many hairs when I brush come out it's sad. Just one of those things we have to live with I think.

I'll say when I evaluate the medication, I go by if it is working mainly, and on a secondary am I having bad side effects, or are they ones I can live with. Depakote also had effects on hair as I recall from my past (didn't work the best for me either).

--Travis

P.S. I have *not* tried any conditioners or additives for hair treatments. Possible that products along those lines may help; no clue.

VA_girl · 04-13-2008, 09:59 AM

FYI, the side effects will go away once you're off the meds and the hair will grow back and not fall out like that anymore. I had been on of all of these meds and faced most of the side effects, but I was back to normal once I was off of them.

life_is_good · 04-13-2008, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the responses. I just can't sit back and watch it all fall out. I was hoping it lessen, but it's not, and it's starting to worry me. It's coming out from the roots and the scalp is starting to show. Since my seizures just started up again last year, this was my first med they put me on, but I really do not want to switch it, as I'm having good seizure control. It's good to know that if I do have to switch, that at least it will grow back. Thanks.

Tranquildream · 04-17-2008, 01:54 PM

I just want to offer you some hope here as I had the same experience with Topamax BIG TIME! I thought I would go totally bald yet, I didnt want to stop taking the med. I was only taking a small amount even as I was on it for migraines and not seizures but was STILL losing my hair. It was a horrible drug. Anywho...

I did a lot of research and found a medication very, very similar to Topamax called Zonegran. It also is used for seizures and headaches and also doesnt make you gain weight. In fact like Topamax most have lost weight on it. I have been on it now for a while and have lost NO HAIR! I am very excited about that as I have very long hair and would like to keep it. One thing, it is a "sulpha" type med and since I am alergic to sulpha I was afraid to try it but my Dr. said it doesnt usually have the same allergic reaction as regular sulpha meds. I am happy to say so far I have had no allergic reaction either. Hope this helps. Try Zonegran, trust me, the Topamax? Your hair will continue to fall out. Zonegran is a life saver!