Topamax (topiramate) and hair loss..

[jen5276]

I have read some horror stories re: topamax and hair loss, like hair falling out in big clumps :embarassed: ... I was wondering if any of you Topamax-takers have experienced this side effect. I think it is one of the rarer side effects (in comparison to the common ones, i.e. word retrieval problems, etc.) but an alarming one, nonethless.

I think my hair has thinned out somewhat since taking Lexapro, so I am concerned that adding Topamax would worsen this problem. 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Lisa_K]

I have read some horror stories re: topamax and hair loss, like hair falling out in big clumps :embarassed: ... I was wondering if any of you Topamax-takers have experienced this side effect. I think it is one of the rarer side effects (in comparison to the common ones, i.e. word retrieval problems, etc.) but an alarming one, nonethless.

I think my hair has thinned out somewhat since taking Lexapro, so I am concerned that adding Topamax would worsen this problem.

[Ruins]

I had significant hair thinning but not coming out in clumps. I started a biotin supplement about five to six weeks in and the thinning has, at the very least, stopped.

That was five weeks ago. I just took a glance at my hair brush and it looks rather sparse; I could NOT say that before the biotin supplement and I have short hair.

Ruins

ps I consider the confusion/disorientation/jamais vous to be the nastiest of the Topamax side effects. There was a period of time in the beginning there for me when I really just should not have left the house except to go to work and back. YMMV.

[Catnapper]

I take 100 mg daily along with Wellbutrin and Vivactil; the Topo is an off-label usage as an anti-depressant.  I've been using it for about three years.

I haven't noticed losing clumps of hair, although I have had some mild thinning but it coincides with going into perimenopause so your guess is as good as mine to know if it's drugs or hormones.  I take lots of B vitamins and a high dose of biotin also, which has made a difference in my nails, so maybe in my hair, too, and I just haven't noticed it.  The most noticeable side effect I had was the tingling in my hands, but it wasn't all the time and it went away after the first month or so.  It wasn't bad enough to stop me from doing anything, just noticeable. 

I also have the word-finding problem to some extent, but I've been on and off so many drugs it's hard to say if it's Topomax, another drug, or just my brain wearing out.....