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Hair Loss and AEDs!
Fri, 09/11/2009 - 11:28I 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 George R on Mon, 2010-08-02 - 12:21
Shame, isn't it, that more neurologists do not tell us of possible side effects of drugs that they're sure "will be just the one!" Right? But then, just as the same fine food will settle perfectly with one eater, it might make his or her neighbor violently sick! I adore Keppra, but it did take me a couple of years to adjust to it--physically and emotionally. It makes me ultra-bitchy at times. Gave me headaches in the beginning. Caused me to "zzzzzzz" (sleep) all day. But now--10 years later--I am grateful that Keppra was invented. I take 2000mg of it daily, along with 1000mg of Depakote (both in generic, affordable forms). And my once-dramatic, three-in-a-row seizures are far less intense, and I'll get only one per month. During it, I'm a bit wobbly, but if seated, find it's over in under one minute. No, I'm sticking to Keppra (or "Keppy Kutie" as I call it). And what you say about menopause just seems to have worked for this man. And yes, men do have their versions of this stage of the human life. My seizures are less, just like my sex life! Now go have a day full of smiles. Remember, there are 50-million folks in this world with "E".
Shame, isn't it, that more neurologists do not tell us of possible side effects of drugs that they're sure "will be just the one!" Right? But then, just as the same fine food will settle perfectly with one eater, it might make his or her neighbor violently sick! I adore Keppra, but it did take me a couple of years to adjust to it--physically and emotionally. It makes me ultra-bitchy at times. Gave me headaches in the beginning. Caused me to "zzzzzzz" (sleep) all day. But now--10 years later--I am grateful that Keppra was invented. I take 2000mg of it daily, along with 1000mg of Depakote (both in generic, affordable forms). And my once-dramatic, three-in-a-row seizures are far less intense, and I'll get only one per month. During it, I'm a bit wobbly, but if seated, find it's over in under one minute. No, I'm sticking to Keppra (or "Keppy Kutie" as I call it). And what you say about menopause just seems to have worked for this man. And yes, men do have their versions of this stage of the human life. My seizures are less, just like my sex life! Now go have a day full of smiles. Remember, there are 50-million folks in this world with "E".
Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!
Submitted by darthvader on Fri, 2011-10-07 - 02:59
Hi Sue,
I'm new to this website I just like you I'm searching for the light, I was put on Topamax about 4 years ago (400mg) daily with Dilantin ( 200mg) daily Lexapro (20mg) I am going through the same problem as you, before Topamax came along live was good. I think there are some very bad medications for treating epilepsy out there on the market and in need of review very badly, unfortunately I can't decrease my dosage of Topamax, It's not easy tortured in your mind.
Hi Sue,
I'm new to this website I just like you I'm searching for the light, I was put on Topamax about 4 years ago (400mg) daily with Dilantin ( 200mg) daily Lexapro (20mg) I am going through the same problem as you, before Topamax came along live was good. I think there are some very bad medications for treating epilepsy out there on the market and in need of review very badly, unfortunately I can't decrease my dosage of Topamax, It's not easy tortured in your mind.
Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!
Submitted by suebee27 on Mon, 2010-08-02 - 11:49
wow... that was a rant, but I am sure it felt great!!! :) Keppra caused me to swell up so badly. I remained on it for one year. I am convinced that seizure meds can mess with your body and mimic problems with your Endocrine System. Every time I have to change to a new medication it is the same story: Swelling, rashes, seizures, etc. Sometimes these are serious adjustments and I end up in the hospital because I was allergic to the med. I can't wait till menopause. I am hoping that perhaps I can cut out some of this medication. -SueB