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Hair Loss and AEDs!

Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:28

I am trying to find a different seizure medication with fewer side effects. I can't take Dilantin or Keppra, for some reason my body won't  tolerate them. I am on Topamax 100mg daily (50/50). I have lost lots of hair.  ...Enough to make 2 wigs. I am lucky that I had extremely thick hair a year ago. 

But enough is enough...is ANYONE out there familiar with a medication that DOESN'T cause hair loss?

Thanks!

-Sue

Comments

Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!

Submitted by scarletlettera on Thu, 2010-04-01 - 23:50
I take topamax (300mg daily) and recently added lamictal (200 mg daily) and I have had hair loss for a long time.  I started the topamax 3 years ago and that is when the fun started =) I used to have shiny, thick hair and now it is thin and dull.  My nails started peeling about two months ago---I saw someone else posted something about that.  Interesting that it isn't yet listed on side effects as it seems so many people have issues.  Also, I got acne with topamax too, I am going to guess it toyed with my hormones somehow. 

I know the side effects are a bummer, but I am looking forward to having better control over my life.  It also helps knowing that we aren't alone =) these forums are a great system of support for me!

Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!

Submitted by catinpas on Sat, 2010-07-03 - 20:22

Regarding hair loss, I started having hair loss for first time after increasing my Topamax dose from 250mg up to 300mg.  Before the increase I didn't have any.  Since my seizures did not get any better, I decreased my dose back to 250mg and my hair loss went away...whew!

 

Regarding acne, I definately started having BAD acne after starting Topamax.  How I manage it:  Before I go to bed, I wash my face, then put on Duac cream.  This has been the only thing that workd for me.  PS Duac can be expensive.  Don't dispair, Duac is just made of 5% benzoly peroxide GEL (the Rugby brand has worked for me) and 1% clindamycin phosphate gel.  You can buy these components for cheap and mix them your self in a one to one proportion.  Note, the gel form of benzoyl perozixe is a lot easier to mix.  I mix them in a small spray bottle and add some water so the cream can be squirted out.

Good luck,

Cathy

Regarding hair loss, I started having hair loss for first time after increasing my Topamax dose from 250mg up to 300mg.  Before the increase I didn't have any.  Since my seizures did not get any better, I decreased my dose back to 250mg and my hair loss went away...whew!

 

Regarding acne, I definately started having BAD acne after starting Topamax.  How I manage it:  Before I go to bed, I wash my face, then put on Duac cream.  This has been the only thing that workd for me.  PS Duac can be expensive.  Don't dispair, Duac is just made of 5% benzoly peroxide GEL (the Rugby brand has worked for me) and 1% clindamycin phosphate gel.  You can buy these components for cheap and mix them your self in a one to one proportion.  Note, the gel form of benzoyl perozixe is a lot easier to mix.  I mix them in a small spray bottle and add some water so the cream can be squirted out.

Good luck,

Cathy

Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!

Submitted by Caroloski on Wed, 2011-07-06 - 13:34

Well guys, sounds like you all have been thru what I went thru in 1999.  yes, hair loss with all of them.  and now I am on zone (something) along with my Mebaral.  But the FDA is going to STOP the Mebaral, it is a barbituate.  And god forbid that after 41 years I would become addicted to it. 

It is the BEST DRUG FOR SEIZURES OUR THERE, HONEST.  Talked to a man who had grand malls from the age of 16.  His dr. put him on Mebaral.  He hasn't had one and he is 50 now.  This drug allows you to live life normally, and, of course the government doesn't want that, so they take it away.

 Mebaral is a combination of Dilantin and Phenobarbital.  In the right combination.  It is produced by Lunbeck who will stop making it the end of this year.  I am trying to find another drug for my problem. and I am so over dosed my family and I are at ends with each other.  If you know what I mean, I am not the same person now as I was, and my country has done this. 

 Oh God, I pray, take me soon to see your face, I pray.  Caroloski

Well guys, sounds like you all have been thru what I went thru in 1999.  yes, hair loss with all of them.  and now I am on zone (something) along with my Mebaral.  But the FDA is going to STOP the Mebaral, it is a barbituate.  And god forbid that after 41 years I would become addicted to it. 

It is the BEST DRUG FOR SEIZURES OUR THERE, HONEST.  Talked to a man who had grand malls from the age of 16.  His dr. put him on Mebaral.  He hasn't had one and he is 50 now.  This drug allows you to live life normally, and, of course the government doesn't want that, so they take it away.

 Mebaral is a combination of Dilantin and Phenobarbital.  In the right combination.  It is produced by Lunbeck who will stop making it the end of this year.  I am trying to find another drug for my problem. and I am so over dosed my family and I are at ends with each other.  If you know what I mean, I am not the same person now as I was, and my country has done this. 

 Oh God, I pray, take me soon to see your face, I pray.  Caroloski

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