Hair loss and Topamax

[QusieSue]

I have been prescribed Wellbutrin for depression and Topamax as a mood stabilizer.  The combination worked very well for me and the bonus was that I lost weight.  However, I also lost hair.  I was wondering if anyone else experienced the same problem.

[nonnie3236]

This drug just may not be worth taking.  I stopped taking it about a month ago.  Had some side effects from going off of it (night sweats, frequent urination at night).  I lost a considerable amout of hair about a yr ago and until now did not know why.  I am most positve it was from the topamax or losing a few pds.  I weighed about 125 before and now weigh 112.  I was on it for about 5 yrs.  This drug has alot of side effects but it worked while I needed it.  I was treated for PTSD with this drug.

Shannon

[cathie228]

I've been on Topomax for a year and 2 months now and have worked up to 300 mgs a day divided into 2 doses.. When I was taking 200 mgs. a day I experienced no hair loss but when I was moved up to 300 mgs. my hair began to fall out tremendously and still is. I have always had very thin, fine hair. I'm a hairdresser and knew immediately my hair loss wasn't normal and brought it to the attention of my nuerologist but he told me it wasn't because of my Tpopmax-had it been the drug it would have happened straight away after first beginning the medication. I don't think I believe him. I fully trust my doc about my seizure condition and the need for the meds in general, but I don't think he's being up front about the drug because I think he feels I'll demand to be taken off the drug due to the side affect if he levels with me. Girls...it's the dope! You girls can change meds I think...surely there are other meds that will be as efficient for migraines and weight loss, but what can I do for my seizures? This drug is working wonders where nothing else was???? I'm truly concerned for my condition but I would really like to keep what little hair I have left if you know what I mean! HELP!?!?!?!

[chalktr]

Hello,
I've been researching my hair loss.  I was on Topomax for about 6 mos.  Didn't notice the hair loss until about 3 months into.  I quit at 6 mos. due to the feeling of bugs crawling all over me.  The hair loss has continued now for 4 months since stopping.  I have lost about 1/3 of my hair.  Had to cut it all off short because it was see thru and the tiniest pony tail ever.  I'm devastated and embarrassed.  I'm hoping to hear back from you that your hair is ok now or any help what so ever!
Traci

[Pinkymd]

The bugs crawling feeling is like a tingling sorta feeling called parathesia....it is horrible & is noted as a side effect of this drug. I researched & found that the only way I could get some relief was to put witch hazel in a spray bottle & just keep spraying My skin & wiping the witch hazel into My skin for relief until it subsided. This went on for months. I found when I became nervous it happened more so I took the spray bottle with Me if I was going anywhere just to have for relief. What a horrible feeling. I thought when it first happened that I was loosing My mind until I did the research on it & sure enough it’s one of topiramates side effects.....

[Ravinnicole]

Don't take the stuff... I wasn't over weight, and didn't lose a whole lot, only 10 lbs.  But my hair is falling out like crazy and I take vitamins like crazy and I'm one of the most healthiest eaters I know.  What ever you do if you want to keep your hair don't take this medicine. There are better ones out there...

[crm28]

I have been on topamax for about a year now and am on 100mg once a day at bedtime.  I started out the medicine for my migraines and let me tell you it was a miracle drug for me.  I have suffered with migraines for 17yrs and this was the first time that I went weeks without a migraine and then when I had one it was very mild and very short.  I have always had thin hair but had massive amounts of it and it always grew super fast and I have always shed but my hair grew so fast that I never worried about the shedding.  About 2 months ago I started noticing that my hair was shedding more than usual the shower drain had to be cleaned out more frequently, the brush had to be cleaned out more often, the wayward hairs were all over the place just more than usual. Then about a month ago I realized it was truly to the point of almost falling out to were I was afraid to brush it, take a shower everyday like I usually do.  So I started researching and what do I find - topamax and hair loss.  I am genuinely freaked out.  I am ecstatic about the relief from the migraines but not to the point of losing my hair and having the stress of the hair loss from this medicine.  I just went to the salon today and cut almost 8 inches of hair off so that I would have more body and texture and to help with the hair loss.  I have an apt with my nuero next month and I will be taking myself off of topamax and looking for an alternative solution for treatment/management of my migraines.  I hope the best for everyone that is suffering with this issue because I truly feel your anxiety and pain.  I didnt think I was a vain person but when I started losing my hair like I am now I feel like I am losing a part of myself, a piece of my identity.

I think the best piece of advise I read on here is that for all of us experiencing this issue is to call the manufacturers of this medicine and report to them our side effects so that it gets reported and they can report this and more people can be informed. Also take your supplements and listen to your body and dont let anyone talk you out of something if you dont feel this medicine is right for you!!  Good luck to everyone...

[mentor53]

Get off the drug topamax it is a Horror!!!! The hair loss is unbelievable. I have been on this drug for PTSD and I am taking myself off it. I have been with this medication for 2 years and have NO hair so I am saving what I have left. So good luck to everyone who reads this post but find another drug,and speak with your doctor because you are your own advocate. Good Luck.