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What Causes Severe Hair Loss After Taking Gabapentin?
My doctor has put me on Gabapentin for pain. Few moths after taking it, my hair is coming outin bunches, I have hair loss on the sides and thin patches on my scalp! t is very distressing!!! My question: will my hair come back if I stop the evil medication? Thank you. Joy PS: when I read about hair loss and gabapentin, I flushed the medication in toilet and I am so angry with my doctor! I have been telling her about my hair loss and she just ignored me!
Mon, 8 Mar 2021
Hi,
Gabapentin belongs to the group of medications known as anticonvulsant medications that is used in the treatment of seizure disorders and nerve damage from herpes zoster, diabetes mellitus etc. Hair loss can be noticed after taking Gabapentin that is known as drug induced alopecia in 1-2% patients. Hair loss is one of the side effect of Gabapentin. Some studies have also suggested that hair loss might be a side effect of Gabapentin use.
After stop taking this medication, usually your hair will grow back without any medical treatment. But, after stop taking this medication, if your hair continues to thin, then some medications should be considered. Minoxidil or Finasteride can be used to stimulate new hair growth and prevent further hair loss. But before starting using these medications, you should consult your doctor first.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
Gabapentin belongs to the group of medications known as anticonvulsant medications that is used in the treatment of seizure disorders and nerve damage from herpes zoster, diabetes mellitus etc. Hair loss can be noticed after taking Gabapentin that is known as drug induced alopecia in 1-2% patients. Hair loss is one of the side effect of Gabapentin. Some studies have also suggested that hair loss might be a side effect of Gabapentin use.
After stop taking this medication, usually your hair will grow back without any medical treatment. But, after stop taking this medication, if your hair continues to thin, then some medications should be considered. Minoxidil or Finasteride can be used to stimulate new hair growth and prevent further hair loss. But before starting using these medications, you should consult your doctor first.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
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