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Lamictal and Hair Loss

Tue, 02/01/2005 - 11:33

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced some hair lossor knows of a connection between hair loss and Lamictal? As i recently increased my dosage of Lamictal to 500mg a day, and i'm finding that i'm losing a lot more hair than usual especially when washing it. Any advice anyone can give me would be great!!!

Thanks Robyn.

Comments

Re: depakote and hairloss

Submitted by hlpotts on Thu, 2008-10-02 - 12:57

I have been on Depakote for almost a year.  I lost A LOT of hair when I first started taking it.  I am no longer losing hair and it's starting to grow back (I have crazy bits of hair that stick up all over if I don't spray it down).  I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to the meds or if it's that I am now taking a multivitamin.  I was told that a one-a-day would help.  The hair loss slowed about a month or so after taking the one-a-day.  I feel for you and your son.  Dealing with a diagnosis like that is hard enough... then you add in all the side effects of the meds.  It can be really stressful... I know exactly what you're going through.  heather

I have been on Depakote for almost a year.  I lost A LOT of hair when I first started taking it.  I am no longer losing hair and it's starting to grow back (I have crazy bits of hair that stick up all over if I don't spray it down).  I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to the meds or if it's that I am now taking a multivitamin.  I was told that a one-a-day would help.  The hair loss slowed about a month or so after taking the one-a-day.  I feel for you and your son.  Dealing with a diagnosis like that is hard enough... then you add in all the side effects of the meds.  It can be really stressful... I know exactly what you're going through.  heather

RE: Lamictal and Hair Loss

Submitted by lemond on Wed, 2005-01-26 - 16:25
Robyn,I'm on 500 mg per day of lamictal. I just went up from 400. I don't have any problem with hair loss from the lamictal, but have had with other drugs. I've been on Lamictal for about 3 yrs now with basically good results. Although, the thing with drugs and the mysterious human body, everyone reacts differently to drugs.Good luck,Lemond

Re: RE: Lamictal and Hair Loss

Submitted by marjoe on Sun, 2009-02-15 - 12:38
I have been on lamictal a few months.  Was just increased to 600mg a day.  I dont know why since I have been seizure free for years. Anyway my hair has thinned out terribly.  I used to have such thick hair and now I have bald spots in the front, back and thinning hair on the sides. My hair does feels\ very soft and silky and if it wasnt for the hair loss I could live with thinner hair.  I used to be on dilantin and tegretol for years and never had this problem.  I always had vertigo spells though and after many years of suffering the doctors figured out it was dilantin since my blood levels were so high they were toxic levels.  The doctor said Lamictal was a great drug with hardly any side effects.  She said most people tolerate the drug very well. She weaned me off dilantin and tegretol.  I have felt 100% better on lamictal excpet for the hair loss.  It is really depressing me I am looking in the mirror every 5 minutes to see if there is any more hair loss. I will see the neuro doctor at the end of February and either have her lower the dosages or go back on tegretol.  I would never try dilantin and am afraid to try any other of the medications b/c I read the side effects are bad and a majority of them cause hair loss.  After stopping Lamictal or lowering the dosage does the hair grow back or is it lost for good. Also does the hair eventually stop coming out. I always check my shower and brush but hardly any hair comes out so I am really puzzled.  I would appreciate any input you can give.  Thanks for listening.

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