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.

[Mix74]

I was on Topomax last year, 200mg/day.  I lost 42lbs in 3 months.  I was loving it.  My headaches were gone & I felt good.   I was freaking out about my hair loss as well & both my neurologist & dermatologist said it was due to my drastic weight loss.  I quit taking the Topomax & was put on Amitryptiline (?) and I gained just about all the weight back & didn't like the way it made me feel.  My haid gradually stopped falling out.  It's been almost a year now and i'm back on Topomax.  From what i've been told, take supplements/vitamins & eat right.

[cooterbug20]

Ive been on topamax since April 2010..ive had all the symptoms on here everyone has talked about..memory loss,confusion,tingling,etc,and my hair loss started a couple months ago but i didnt realize it was so bad until Feb. so i went to my doctor and he did blood work and he said it was my thyroid and it was a little low so he put me on medication for it but i told him i did research on topamax about hair loss and he said he never heard of any with this drug but with another one he has..i almost want to start up a class action lawsuit because their is nothing about hair loss as one of the side effects of this pill..i was put on this pill for migraines/cluster headaches because i get them everyday and i also have to take bc powder on top of that everyday.

[kitzunelu109]

I was on Topiramate (topamax) for 9 months (100mg) . 3 months ago I had to stop the medication (that helped so much with my migraines!!!) because of the hair loss.
I hate to say it but It's not getting ANY better! I Not only I lost about 1/2 of the volume of my hair but the structure of my hair changed completely. The blood work shows that everything is fine. I take supplements, I try all kind of treatments for my hair but it seems like it only make it worse.
I've seen a dermatologist but she said the same thing that my neurologist: "Yes, sometimes it happens, it might take a while, it's hard to find a reason, hair goes through cycles, blah-blah-blah...."
I'm  REALLY scared now.
Did anyone have more of dark circles under the eyes while taking topomax? I've never had them before and for past few months I look like a panda. And it's got  nothing to do with sleep, rest etc. They are just there!
Good luck everyone...

[nette6988]

I started taking topamax 200mg for weight loss in 2009. I was 200lbs when I started taking topamax. I am now 217lbs. I have actually gained weight while taking topamax but that's because of my diet.My grandmother and I are noticing that my hair is shedding more than usual. I believe my hair is shedding because of topamax.

[Angie19631980]

Damn,
I really wanted to try Topamax for migraine and mood stababilzer as such bad side affects from other antidepressants, but am scared to death of the major hair loss now.
I have had bad weight gain from other medicines and the thought of a med that also helped some loss sounded so encouraging but am almost in tears reading of the hair loss which I had from other meds I think but finally is ok.
Does anyone know if everyone gets the hair loss? If not, I may try it but watch out for any hair loss and know its a side affect and go right off it.
Hope everyone on here finds something that works for them as know the pain of migraines and depression and how it kills your life. And my heart goes to all losing hair so much as a women it surely does not help any depression and neither does weight gain from other meds. I am eager to try a natural product I googled called GABA as says is so good for depression and if have to be on antidpressants is fine and compliments also, Its great as a HGH even and a sedative for depression but ok during day and helps sleep at night which many need through medicines or condition so it has much good reports I have ordered and eager to try.
Hope it can be an option for anyone else also to consider.
I am still in bad withdrawals at moment and need to find another medicine and how I found as it is supposed to help coming off meds also.
Take Care everyone and be aware as much as you can of what works and what doesnt xxx

[maddapat]

Topamax does have the side effects of losing weight. The hair loss could come from several things. Poor vitamin absorption is of the main things  you see when people start losing their hair,but remember shedding is a normal process we do year around. Another reason for hair loss is hormonal, and thyroid dysfunction. When losing weight the proper nurtrients are important. So check with your beautician or local health food store and find out what you are missing. Good luck.