I started experiencing hair loss about two years ago. I did not really notice it until six months later. I was concerned because my Mother is almost bald, and began losing her hair in her thirties. At the time, there were only three things that had changed in my life. I was under terrible stress (still am), I had started taking "Limictal" and my hair was over processed. Needless to say, even after stopping the hair processing, my hair still kept falling out. It's about a 40% loss, and the hair is thinner in "feel". I would say that now I have lost inches on my forehead, I can see the scalp at "part lines", and a lot seems to end up in the brush and on the floor... I asked the doctor that prescribed the "Limictal" (for stabalizing my mood) if she knew anything about this. She said it had NOTHING to do with hair loss. I went on the Internet, and although the sites for "drugs" does not list this as a side effect, there were hundreds of forums, letters and blogs about people who took this drug and experienced hair loss. Quickly. Most were able to see re-growth within months after stopping. So I stopped. Nothing. I decided to go back on the drug and see a dermatologist that specialized in hair loss. She agreed with me, since the biopsies of my scalp were inconclusive. I have now been off the drug for almost four months, and nothing, except my scalp doesn't hurt that much anymore. Then I read that two other drugs that I am on could be contributing to HAIR LOSS. Nexium and Clonozepam. I have been on those drugs for years - and never had a problem. Does anyone have similar experiences with any of these drugs and hair loss? By the way, nothing showed up in blood tests either. It's just strange that although I have not had a period in 7 years (chemotherapy) my hair grew back just fine after my treatment stopped. The trama of losing it again - and not knowing if it will grow back, and wondering if these drugs causing the problem is making me more stressed out.
Is my hair loss due to Lamictal?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by jessica707
- Topics:
- lamictal, hairloss
Answers (4)
Well, Jessica I have been on Clonazepam, for almost a year now, and I have noticed some hair loss that is not just thinning of hair--you know what I mean. So those warning sheets they give you when you go on a drug must be valid, heh? :D Mike VG
I have been on Lamictal for almost 8 years. Shortly after I began treatment, I had noticed significant hair loss. At the time, my doctors explained stress related to illness, and a few other non-significant possibilities as being more likely than the med. When I went for a haircut, the man who has done my hair for close to twenty years, said he wouldn't rule out the med (said he discusses more medical related topics with clients than hair colors & styles,) as well as hormonal, etc.
These periods of noticeable hair loss have come & gone over the years. However (and this is quite a troublesome "however,") for the past few months, the amount of hair loss has been alarming. Brushing my hair leaves so much hair on the brush, the floor, etc., that you'd swear you were holding a ball of steel wool. Everytime I wash my hair...I gasp at the amount & number of times that I must stop and pull hair away from the drain & tub. I normally had very thick hair...very thick. Now, as you mentioned, you can see a large amount of scalp surrounding my part, and if I move my hair certain ways, I am shocked to see "parts" underneath layers...never saw that before. To look at me, it is very noticeable that "something" is different. My hair looks flatter...there is not the thick handful to grasp in order to pull it into a ponytail.
The timing is interesting...my Lamictal had been decreased about two years ago, and had been increased to my previous daily dose, earlier this year. When I read your post, I am more convinced that Lamictal has to be playing a part (no pun intended.)
I don't like this at all!
I too began experiencing severe hair loss with Lamictal. I had not had this problem previously, but now, even after having been off of it for six months, the hair loss continues. It could be a coincidence, as my aunt on my mother's side had severe hair loss, but hers had been attributed to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Whatever the reason, I am loosing so much hair that it has become more than a nuisance. I have hair over and on everything in my house. I have always had thick hair, and it does seem to grow back and fall out again in equal measure. I must keep it short for the sake of my drains. I still blame it on the Lamictal.
