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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 suebee27 on Wed, 2009-09-16 - 13:17

I loved Dilantin,  but I did still have seizures.

My problem with Dilantin started when I was on the generic and the pharmacist was giving me different brands. I had no idea that there was a difference, but evidently our bodies do! 

If you are switched to  Dilantin, be sure that you are off the other. it will still be in your bloodstream for a couple of days. You DONT want to take both at the same time unless you are in the hospital. The reason why I say this: as per the warning from Lamictal

-------------------------------DRUG INTERACTIONS------------------------
• Valproate increases lamotrigine concentrations more than 2-fold. (7, 12.3)
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone decrease lamotrigine concentrations by approximately 40%. (7, 12.3)

Good luck to you!

I think I am sticking with Topamax.  These stories are scaring me! At least I can deal with being a bit flighty...and Im not completely bald, yet...

I loved Dilantin,  but I did still have seizures.

My problem with Dilantin started when I was on the generic and the pharmacist was giving me different brands. I had no idea that there was a difference, but evidently our bodies do! 

If you are switched to  Dilantin, be sure that you are off the other. it will still be in your bloodstream for a couple of days. You DONT want to take both at the same time unless you are in the hospital. The reason why I say this: as per the warning from Lamictal

-------------------------------DRUG INTERACTIONS------------------------
• Valproate increases lamotrigine concentrations more than 2-fold. (7, 12.3)
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone decrease lamotrigine concentrations by approximately 40%. (7, 12.3)

Good luck to you!

I think I am sticking with Topamax.  These stories are scaring me! At least I can deal with being a bit flighty...and Im not completely bald, yet...

Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!

Submitted by catinpas on Fri, 2010-01-15 - 18:02

I am on Topamax, Lamictal, and Phenobarbital.  When I increased my Topamax dose I started having hair loss.  When I talked to my neuro she told me to make sure I was taking my supplements EVERYDAY, because they will help...and they did!  I still have a little hair loss, but it is not like before.  I don't know which of my supplements helped me, but I can tell you which ones I am on:  multivitamin, Ca/Mg/Zn, Folic Acid, vitamin D, fish oil. 

 Good Luck!

I am on Topamax, Lamictal, and Phenobarbital.  When I increased my Topamax dose I started having hair loss.  When I talked to my neuro she told me to make sure I was taking my supplements EVERYDAY, because they will help...and they did!  I still have a little hair loss, but it is not like before.  I don't know which of my supplements helped me, but I can tell you which ones I am on:  multivitamin, Ca/Mg/Zn, Folic Acid, vitamin D, fish oil. 

 Good Luck!

Re: Hair Loss and AEDs!

Submitted by lyneeeh on Tue, 2010-01-19 - 22:15
My ponytail becomes thiner and thiner every day :( Every morning I look and the drain and see my once beautiful blond locks washing away. Luckily it was pretty thick to begin with so there isn't a certain spot I can find that's bald. (YET) I've started taking some multi Vitamins. I already take Magnesium. Here's hoping it works. E has taken My Independence (Drivers Licence) my money (Medication, Dr's bills, Income) But come on not my hair! Sorry to sound Vain Topomax is the one I blame 200mg twice a day. I also take Frisium But I don't think thats it. I think it's time to start saving it all to make a wig LOL :) Or is it time to join the likes of Demi Moore,Sigourney Weaver or Natalie Portman she still looked pretty good bald.

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