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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 Fri, 2010-01-15 - 22:38
VERY COMMON
Yes, if you'll speak with others (men and women) who use anti-seizure drugs, you'll find that one of the biggest side effects is the loss of hair. I've had epilepsy for 40 years, and while I should accept going bald at middle age, mine started far earlier than that. I thought Tegretol and Dilantin were rough ones, but then on came Keppra. And while I find that medicine the best of all the 12 I've tried, I am now virtually without hair. Fortunately the short-cut look is very big right now for we men. I just keep the remaining strands ultra-short, and have learned to live with this look. But so far a getting off your current pills and going onto others? Don't waste your time! All have some negative factor.
VERY COMMON
Yes, if you'll speak with others (men and women) who use anti-seizure drugs, you'll find that one of the biggest side effects is the loss of hair. I've had epilepsy for 40 years, and while I should accept going bald at middle age, mine started far earlier than that. I thought Tegretol and Dilantin were rough ones, but then on came Keppra. And while I find that medicine the best of all the 12 I've tried, I am now virtually without hair. Fortunately the short-cut look is very big right now for we men. I just keep the remaining strands ultra-short, and have learned to live with this look. But so far a getting off your current pills and going onto others? Don't waste your time! All have some negative factor.
Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!
Submitted by tonialpha on Sat, 2010-01-16 - 10:01
Hi
Just like George and the others it is very common. I have been on all the medications. The doctors would give different suggestions. The other problem was my nails were peeling away too. A prescription of Folic Acid was given. I periodically cut my hair but my nails still need a little help so my Internist told me to add Biotin 5000 mcg once a day. That is good for skin, hair and nails!
I take Vimpat 500 mg., Keppra 1500 mg, Zonegran 200 mg.
Hi
Just like George and the others it is very common. I have been on all the medications. The doctors would give different suggestions. The other problem was my nails were peeling away too. A prescription of Folic Acid was given. I periodically cut my hair but my nails still need a little help so my Internist told me to add Biotin 5000 mcg once a day. That is good for skin, hair and nails!
I take Vimpat 500 mg., Keppra 1500 mg, Zonegran 200 mg.
Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!
Submitted by catinpas on Sat, 2010-07-03 - 20:36
I went on depo provera. It didn't work for me, but I am only one person. Do your research before starting it. I hope it works for you.