Neurontin (Gabapentin) and Hair Loss
(male)
I stopped taking gabapentin due to hair loss;however after stopping it, I am still experiencing hair loss. When will it stop if indeed the hair loss is due to gabapentin?
I do not have any experience with this drug. Stopping it and switching it with another epileptic drug under your doctor’s direction would be the proper thing to do. You must wait it out. Neurontin (gabapentin)’s rare side effects list (see RXList.com) does include “hair disorder” — I suppose this could mean hair loss.
Generally, effluviums will last less than a year when the offending drug stops being used. Women will need a proper medical workup for hair loss. For more, see WebMD – Telogen Effluvium and Other Effluviums.
I have been on Gabapentin for several months and have lost a lot of hair.The drug info sheet says nothing about hair loss so why is it falling out.
I too have been taking neurontin for several months and have had a lot of hair loss. It appears that more research into this side effect needs to be conducted.
I have been on Gabapentin for several months also and am having alot of hair loss. I have never suffered hair loss befor and was not told this could be an issue.Anyone having this side effect should tell their doctor.
I have been on gabapentin since mid-January and was horrified when I was told by my hair stylist that I have numerous bald spots on my head, last week when I got a hair cut. I had noticed a lot more shedding when brushing my hair but have always had long, thick, healthy hair. These bald spots range from the size of a dime to the size of a silver dollar. Does anyone know the stopping the medication will result in the hair growing back?
I was on gabapentin for around two years, and i stopped taking it do to other side effects, however, i did get alopetia once i stopped taking the drug, and it hasn’t gotten better in two years,… i don’t think there is a cure :(
I have lost lots of hair since starting this drug. I agree that more research should be done. But the pain is much less! Sucks that I have to trade hair for pain relief. My mind is much more foggier as well.
I have been taking gabapentin for years and just started to notice increased hair loss, more than would come out naturally. I’ve had chemo and all my hair came out, but that was about 6 years ago and my hair came back, but not all the way. A lot of women told me that when their hair came back it was their natural color, most women color their hair so didn’t even know what their natural color was. They were all delighted. Mine didn’t come back like that. I was taking gabapentin then and ever since. My hair came back weak, very fine, some gray in natural ‘mouse brown’, awful looking and very easily broken. It was workable but I didn’t really notice it being really thin. Just in the past year and a half it has really been disappearing. I’m now wearing the wigs I used when my hair all came out with chemo.
I’ve had both knees replaced, one last July,2011 and the other last January, 2012. I thought it might have been caused by the anesthesia or the high doses of demeral? or the oxycodone I was taking for back pain. Also, beside the demerol? in the hospital the first time and then morphine the second time. But I don’t take any of that stuff since about April, 2012, around eight months ago and my hair seems to be coming out worse now. I’ve checked out all of those drugs and none of them seem to have hair loss as a side effect. Then I accidentally came across this blog and I have been enlightened. I never would have thought of gabapentin, but it sure makes sense. Is there a different medication to take the place of gabapentin? Someone help me out here?
I have been on Gabapentin for almost 5 years and my hair is falling out real bad now. The top of my hair near the bang area is so thin it makes me wonder when I am gonna be bald. My hair use to be so think and bouncy and very beautiful 5 yrs ago & now I don’t like my hair. If there is anyone who knows if I stop the medicine will I stop loosing my hair?
I also lost my hair due to gabapentine, anyone knows if it grows back!!??
I started on Gabepentin less than a month ago and am having extreme hair loss already. I decided to ask Siri why and found the comments. I am quitting the meds tonight and will see what else may help. I had my knee replaced and when I getting back on my feet pinched a couple of nerves. The sciatica pain is much worse than the knee pain and Gabepentin was helping some, but do not want to end up bald at 45.
Omg I can’t believe this
I can’t believe this .. I just took my extensions out my hair … One mth ago my hair was pass my shoulder n thick ….I have literally no hair on my head , this is so embarrassing hair is coming out by. The bunches … My hairdresser can’t believe it … I took that stupid drug that fda don’t say that as the side effect …smh…I would be calling someone come Monday morning ..Li been using extensions off n on since I was 15 n I’m 44 never had a prob ..my hair was long … I’m stopping that pill n heal myself without those stupid drugs …folic acid n biotin ladies mybe u can try that …we are all suffering …its a shame ..I feel for all of you …I’m crying writing this I can’t believe my hair turned into a boy cut that’s how much hair I’ve lost ….please take care of ur selves ladies …I’m sorry …
Btw the pill is GABAPENTIN … Smh….unbelievable
I took a low dose of gabapentin for only 2 years and quit taking after I noticed my hair was shedding badly. The following year it started shedding again like I was stull taking it. The hair that is in my sink every morning is unbelievable. Cut my hair short as well. Do not take this drug. Hair loss is in the side effects list. Ladies I feel for all of you…
This sounds like a class action lawsuit.
Has anyone went to a lawyer?
I have hair loss since taking this medicine a lot of hair loss and thinning really bad which I had a short hair cut anyway but it look really bad now and I have not read any hair loss side affect I am so depress right now and do anybody know how long it take for the hair loss to stop
I have been taking Gabapentin for about 2 full months now, 900 mg a day, had a severely crushed nerve in my back due to a collapse at L3, which they had to do a fusion for, nerve pain continues after surgery, so had to start taking this stuff, I have noticed , hair loss, gobbs in the drain every time I wash my hair, weight gain, increased appetite, sluggishness and tired all the time. Nerve pain gone, but I am going to try and stop this medication, don’t need help to gain weight, this is NOT helping, and would really like to have my hair not falling out, always had strong healthy longer hair, also it is getting grey at an alarming speed, in the 2 months of my having to take this stuff, no warning about this either !!!!
Hi, I had back surgery in July and started Gabupentin and noticed minimal hair loss at first but it has been extreme for the last month and a half. Do you have any thoughts on a class action suit??
I have been on gabapentin since 2007 I believe. I received a low back injury at work. My hair has always been thick. I couldn’t use a lot of the hair clips because of the thickness. I was started on gabapentin at a low dose first for the nerve pain in my back and legs. I reported the nerve pain wasn’t being controlled as well so the dosage was increased. My hair started falling out more. Because of the thickness it wasn’t as noticeable. As time has gone on I now can see my scalp. I went to my physician and my dermatologist to find out what could be causing it. A full work up was done and what one doctor didn’t do the other did. Everything came back normal. I suffer from depression already and this really has increased that. I don’t want to go anywhere I’m so ashamed. I hate to go to my hairdresser because the other patrons have beautiful hair and I have very little. I’m a registered nurse but cannot work due to my injury. Now I hate to go anywhere. Every time I comb or wash my hair there’s more and more in my drain and brush. It seems that too many of us have the same problem to be coincidental. Has anyone stopped taking it and had any regrow or at least stop falling out?
Nancy, reading all of these women having the same problems as we are , I think we should call an atty !!!
I have been on gabapentin for sciatic pain since late spring/early summer of 2015 (9ish months) and my hair has become extremely dry and brittle in the past 3 – 4 months. I lose quite a bit in the shower now and in hairbrushes. I am not sure if it is breaking off or coming out or a combination of the two.
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
I have been taking gabapentine also and have had hair loss. I am so glad that I found this site.
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
Taking gabapentin for about 3 months and my hair is falling out, I’m so devastated
I’m 22 had a brain surgery to renove a abnormal blood vessel I had been given the drug to combat shaking eyes. Always have had thick hair… 3 months into 900 mg a day hair is getting thin when my family are all the opposite into their old age. If I stop now will hair regain its fullness… And I’m male
Omg!!! I’ve been taking gabapentin for the past several years after my chemo and now since this past January I’m losing my Hair like crazy!!!! This is worse tha n what I experienced with chemo therapy I’m feeling so Depressed it has to be this. Gabapentin 300 mg 2x a night I’m very angry we need to get together a file a serious CLASS ACTION GRIEVENC ASAP!!!
I can be reached through my email anyone that’s interested I’m so serious!!!!
I am definitely interested in a class action lawsuit. Ive done all I can think to do without any positive reporr
I am in for a class action suit. This drug has caused me shocking hair loss and exreme fatigue. Something needs to be done about it. The side effects are devastating
I’m having the same problem since I’ve been taking this. I have bald spots in my hair also since I’ve been taking this. Today will be my last day!
8/22/17 – I take Gabapentin 300 mg 1 x a day and my hair is falling out. As the days go on, gobs more – an increase.
I would also be interested in a class action lawsuit.
I am definitely interested in a class action lawsuit. Ive done all I can think to do without any positive outcome
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
Hi,
I’m 28 and I’ve been taking Gabapentin for almost a month for nerve pain in my legs and feet. I noticed that more hair was coming out in the shower than normal but I only wash my hair once a week so it wasn’t that noticeable. I went to my hairdresser last week and she asked if I noticed my hair falling out more than normal. I said, now that you mention it, I have! I have curly hair but after having my hair straightened by my hairdresser,I can clearly see my scalp in the middle of the top of my head! I’m interested in a class action suit. Please reply!
I am experiencing hair loss and in desperation tried to find a cause and it all points to Gabapentin. I take 1,800mgs a day but will be stopping taking it immediately. I also experience extreme fatigue. I am very interested in a Class Action and would like to move forward on this. Count me in.
I’ve been taking Gabapentin for about three years and have experienced hair loss as well. It’s scary, I had a full head of hair. Very thick and now it’s so thin. I am in for a law suit! Contact me.
My hair is falling out also.I am in the process of tapering off of gabapentin. If you start a lawsuit I’m willing to be in it also.The depression and forgetfulness and tiredness is no joke either.People should be ade aware ôf this before the first pill.?ve been taking it a little over 2 years.
I would like to be involved in a Class Action suit. I have been taking 1,800mgs Gabapention per day for a year and my hair is falling out frighteningly quickly. I also feel so tired at times I could almost fall over. I had no idea this pill would make me lose hair. Please count me in something needs to be done. After reading all these posts I am going to stop taking it immediately and really hope my hair will start growing back and stop falling out.
I would like to be included is a class action against this drug. I am so glad I found this site and realise that what I have been suspecting is true about the side effects of Gabapentin
Yes, let me know. I have been experiencing it to. It is horrible and very embarrassing. HELP!!!!!!
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2016. I was prescribed and began taking gabapentin. Ever since I began taking this medication, my hair has been falling out no matter what I try and do. Now I have bald spots in my hair the size of a dime all the way up to a silver dollar. Dry brittle shedding hair. I’m not going to take this medication anymore until I find out for sure if this is causing me these hair loss issues
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
I’ve taken it for only 5 months and my hair just broke off and I got real thin hair now it even gave me an allergic I’m itchy on my scalp I thought it was my shampoo I changed to different kinds spent money on stuff for my hair I was never tender headed now I am I quit taking it I’m only 38 to soon to have thin hair fall out when I had alot of hair it’s kinda embarrassing now
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
I have been talking gabapentin for a couple years and also have been noticing alot of hair loss. I only take 200 mg a day. After reading this post, I am stopping tomorrow.
I have multiple sclerosis and many other problem,which all problems weren`t benefiting from my medication so my specialist had changed me from my Amatriptyline 200mg per night to Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily , to try to help me. There weren`t any improvements in 4 months of the new meds apart from better for my pain But my hair was falling out. Worse than when I went through cancer treatment years ago. I went to my Doctors and the male doctor said it`s probably your age 49 (at the time). I lost even more and was asking hairdresser to bring forward more of my hair for a fringe to try to hide the patches. I went back to Doc`s and got a Female Doctor about 3 weeks later and she asked if she could have a look I said sure its not hard to miss. She then went into her medical books and said to stop it as it can cause
hair loss and Alopiciea (sorry don`t know the spelling). But you have to come off it slowly because of side effects.Back on my old and trusted Amatrptriptyline(I`d rather have my hair and use other things to help with the pain) I asked if Holland & Barrett had anything that could help me and they recommended Biotin 1000mg a day, so have been taking it. I`m now 4 months on and slowly but surely its growing in and my patches are filling in and hairdresser has also said she now can see and feel its getting thicker. Also helps your nails and skin they say I have got stronger nails now too. Also been using L’Oréal`s Elvive Fiborology Thickening shampoo, conditioner and oil.Husband also thankful as he was having to cleanout the shower drain and hoover every couple of days as they were getting clogged with my hair I`d lost. Hope this Helps.
Thank you so much! Will start biotin immediately!
I have been on Gabapentin for about 6 months and have huge hair loss. Bald spots developing all over my head. At the front near the fringe (Bangs) it is really really thin!! Terrifying. Not sure what to do a need the drug for bad stenosis and sciatica. (Having surgery in August).
I have been on Gabapentin 8 years 4kmg…. now i’m down to only 300mg….My hair is falling out and my stomachs messed up.. My endocrinologist is tapering me off but my hairs worse! WHY!!!!!!!! I hate this drug, it’s done nothing for me….
After taking Gabapentin now after 1 1/2 yrs..900 per day, my brush was suddenly full… long thick hair & this very unusual.. on no other meds, only a few solid supplements. Extremely healthy & excercise daily. I’m very health conscious, married 2 a physician & son is an Internist & neither of them aware that this could b!! This is extremely distressing & I am stopping this promptly after reading all the helpful info found here!!! Makes me crazy that we all have 2 suffer from such s thing in 2017!! Count me in if possible to go after such a product. This sort of thing should not b happening… I’ll live with my severe Spinal Stenosis…
I’ve been taking gabapentin since around January and my hair is less than half of what it was. I am devastated! I believe it is due to the gabapentin too. It hasn’t made that big of a difference my leg isn’t much better it’s still twitches and goes crazy so I’m going to quit taking as of today and see if that stops it.
I have been taking Gabapentin for over a year and my hair is thin and has broken down and off tremendously. I’m grateful that it is not just me. My hair is awful. The little bit I have left.
Hi, i have been taking gabapentin in April 2016 . Now my hair is fallen out in chuncks. I am begining to form patches ..What to do not. I checked on my Pharmacy info on my pills and extreme hair loss..help. Now i believe my grandmother now that is why she no longer have hair taking the same medication Gabapentin..
They need to tell someone
I have been experiencing lots if hair lost headaches that feel they never go away. After being concern about my hair loss I started to look up Med facts on the gabptain. I read all of yours comments and now i think i will contact an attorney….
I have been experiencing lots of hair lost headaches that feel they never go away. After being concern about my hair loss nd headaches. I started to look up Med facts on the gabptain. I read all of yours comments and now i think i will contact an attorney….
I have been taking gabapentin for alittle over a year now. I suffer from diabetic nerve pain and it help’s alot with my pain. However, I have noticed considerable hair loss. My doctor says the medication is not the cause but know that I have read this blog I am convinced it’s the medication. I can’t imagine living with the pain so I guess my future will be wearing wigs.
HI I had back surgery 3 years ago that didn’t work had a spinal cord sto mylar put in 2015 doesn’t help much so my doctor decided to put me on 2015 doesn’t help much so my doctor decided to put me on Gabapentin I have been taking 300 mg 3 times a day for almost 4 months and my hair has been falling out in Clumps in the shower stops up the drain, when I brush and blow dry my hair the bathroom is covered in hairs. I have honestly been going crazy trying to figure out why my hair is falling out, when I did have thick natural curly hair. This has been a real nightmare not only has my hair been falling out but I am so tired I can’t hardly get out of the bed. Count me in on the lawsuit!
I instantly began having my hair come out. I hadn’t changed anything and withing 1 week my hair was coming out in the shower at an alarming rate. I thought it may just be a temporary thing and didnt want to over react. Then I went to my hairdresser and she asked me if I had noticed how much hair I was losing! Well…yeah but now that you have said something, I’m scared. I haven’t taken it in a week and am wondering when it will stop. I feel your frustration ladies!!
My 16 yr old daughter was put on gabapentin for pain as a result of pseudo tumor cerebri and secondary migraine disorder. She had gorgeous thick, glossy long hair. Within 3 to 5 months it thinned dramatically and dulled. We took her off of it but her hair continued to fall out up to this day, over a year later, and she is now left with whispy bits of hair that she had to cut very short to even out the sections that fell out completely. We bought her a regrowth therapy but everything takes a long time to work. No results yet. Buying a halo hair extension piece so she’s not so embarrassed going out. How does one begin a class action suit, I’ll be the first in line and dare any idiot doctor that tells someone their hair only fell out because of their age!
My hair is out so bad at the top,there’s a big bald circle.
I don’t even style my hair or perm it and couldn’t understand
What the heck happened. Started thinking and thinking,
Even though it’s many months later, it started breaking off
At the top when I started it. I feel so dumb! How did I not
Make the darn connection. I’m down for the class action suit
And now. My moms hair is coming out, same meds. Called
Her immediately and she said she figured it was the dumb
Meds. Too bad because it really helped my nerve pain.
I was put on Gabapentin last summer for neuropathy. After taking 300 mg twice a day, my neuropathy as lessened as well as my hair! If I would run my fingers through my hair, huge gobs would come out in my hands! My hair is usually overly thick, so didn’t think to much of it, but it continued, day after day. Since gabapentin was the only medication I was taking, I stopped. After a couple of weeks, my hair stopped shedding. My pony tail is a thin little bunch now. It’s shocking! I am all for a class action suit. This side effect was a total surprise.
I’ve taking Gabapentin for a couple of years now for severe nerve damage in my lower back causing excitating pain to my legs and siactia. I used to halve a full head of super wavy thick hair. I am losing my hair at an unbelievable rate. I am all in for a lawsuit! This is crazy how many of us are experiencing this and these jokers haven’t done anything about it yet.
I only took this drug for 60 days and finally realized that there may be a connection between it and my sudden, unusual amount of hair loss. I stopped taking it last week and there’s been no change in amount of hair falling out. I started researching this drug and it’s connection to hair loss and came across this website. It really confirms my fears and worse…. hearing so many tell of their stopping the use of Gabapentin and continued hair loss. I always had very thick hair as did my family. Now I’m embarrassed to go out in public. I am also extremely tired all the time now. If there’s a class action suit against this company, please count me in.
I have been on Gabapentin for around 3 months due to peripheral neuropathy from having chemo treatment for Myeloma (a blood cancer). About 3 weeks ago I noticed hair loss, I was on 500 mg so I decided to come down to 400 mg as I had been informed by the specialist nurse I could do this, I am still losing my hair. I had really good thick hair and even though I was informed there was a possibility I could lose it through the chemo I didn’t. I had been rather reluctant to start this medication because of the other side effects, but hair loss wasn’t one. I however read further through the paperwork and it mentions it as not really a significant side effect at the very end. I totally agree that if somebody is going to do a claim against the company count me in too. This side effect should now be put at the top. My hair has always been my pride and joy and it did come back when I lost it due to chemo for breast cancer in 2010/2011. I have so many things going on which have been brought about by negligence of the hospitals, I am really down about it all and this has made it worse. I have been told that you shouldn’t stop these tablets straight away so reluctantly I am going down by the 100 after every week. I will be upset and annoyed if my hair carries on coming out.
I have been taking gabapentin for it think 2 years. I only take 400mg a day. I at times have been on a lot higher dose, but I couldn’t handle it. It messed with my thinking and mood. I have always had very thick hair wavy and in good health. I have been loosing my hair and it has become dry brittle frizzy dull. At first I didn’t think much of the hair loss were mine is so thick but that has changed. When I take a shower i clog the drain and I get hair stuck all over my body.I asked neurologists about it was told not caused from meds. Other Dr’s said same thing. But in a ms group I’m in a person from the UK said that it’s listed as a side effect on their medication sheet that comes with gabapentin. I’m at a loss of what to think or do? I don’t have a lot that I am happy with about my look anymore and with what my hair is doing and looks like causing depression and not wanting to even try to fix up.
I would like to get in on a class action suit if someone is looking into one. I’ve lost quite a bit of hair and only been on this medicine for 3 months. Gonna have to find something else that might work.
My orthopedic doctor prescribed Gabapentin for my nerve pain on my right foot. When I started taking it in higher dose (1300 mg), I immediately noticed the side effects (muscle and joint pain, irritability, tiredness, and the worst is forgetfulness). A few months ago, I noticed my hair thinning so badly. I’m afraid that I am going bald! I googled Gabapentin and hair loss and found this site. I hope that we all grow our hair back once we stop taking this awful medication which by the way didn’t help my nerve pain!
I don’t feel so alone now, but I’m sad for all of us at the same time! I started on Gabapentin several years ago, and at this time my hair is super thin and comes out in globs! I’ve been off the drug for a week now, but it’s still falling out terribly. I never dreamed that it could be this drug, but finally search around and found that it was indeed the crappy Gabapentin. If I had of known this was one of the side effects I would NEVER have taken it. I’ve never sued anyone, but losing my hair like this has made me a believer. If someone has a suit going I would like to join!
I have been on neurontin for 5 weeks for fibromyalgia and I too am experiencing significant hair loss. It is falling out with the root follicle intact soit is not breaking off…It is falling out. I will be calling my doctor. I never had depression but if this keeps up I might in the future. This flat out sucks.no warnings as a side effect.
I’ve been using gabapentin for four months since I hurt my back in a road accident,I too have suffered heavy hairloss my hair was really thick and is now very wispy ,I have bald patches so bad I can’t clip in my hair extensions ,people used to compliment me on my hair now its very thin they ask if I’ve had chemo .
I am 29 years old and have been on Gabapentin for about 6 months now to help treat anxiety symptoms due to PTSD. The crown of my head is so thin there is starting to be patches. My hair has always been long, thick and healthy. I couldn’t make the connection until now. I just recently purchased Nioxin shampoo/conditioner and scalp treatment, and have been taking Biotin daily as well.. I will be stopping this medication immediately. If there is no change in my hair loss, I will be forced to have the first short cut of my entire life. I would like to move forward with a class action lawsuit as well!
I started gabapentin almost a month ago and the hair loss I have noticed is crazy. I had thin fine hair to begone with. The hair loss made me look for any relation to the drug because I’ve never had this problem. Seeing my doctor tomorrow. I’m so upset.
I, too, had beautiful thick hair before taking Gabapentin. My hairline is now receding, while the bang area is see-through. I stopped the medication 2 months ago, take at least 1,000 mgs. of Biotin a day, and believe that I am still losing hair. I’m so devastated, that I too, would be willing to join a class-action suit.
I have been using Gabapetin since Jan. 12 th 2017. My hair is falling out at a alarming rate. There is clumps on the floor and there is a small root still attached not like regular shedding. This is very alarming. Simce this is the only new drug I have taken I thought I would google it. Very depressing if hair does not grow back. ? I was just taking three 100mg at night
I’m mortified, I have gone to dermatologist and just that Im fine, I’ve been on thyroid medicine and my hair never fell out this bad. Im on 1200mg of this drug and my hair is even in my food, I knew it wasn’t my thyroid because in past it did fall out when it wasn’t controlled then the synthroid would get adjusted and my hair would do fine and grow back ..I have to get off this med, but what helps nerve pain that doesnt cause hair loss…and anyone looked into class action suit where do I call or who do I talk to?..Does amitriptyline help nerve pain? Please help Im desperate too
I’ve been taking Gabapentin for a bout 6 months due to a herniated disc. I normally have thick healthy hair. I realize there are many reasons for hair loss, but I don’t take other medications. The last couple months I’ve noticed more hair loss that normal in the shower or just running my hands through my hair. I’m done with this course, as my back pain is generally controlled. I hope I can halt this hair loss.
I have been taking 900 mg of Gabapentin for two years now. My hair has been falling out and I have memory issues. I would be interested in a class action lawsuit also. I am stopping this medication and hope the side effects will go away.
Alopecia atriarta is non reversible, I went off these meds over 5 years ago, and still have random hair loss in spots. I’m 37 and ppl think I’m in my 50s. I’d be down for a class action lawsuit too.
Thankful for all of this information!!! I have been on Gabapentin for about 7 years, I’ve had so many test ran all negative. Now after reading this I’m done. I have been loosing my hair with the roots attached. I told my Dr I’m going to be bald if we can’t find the problem. I think something needs to be done!!!! I don’t know where to start.
I am so thankful I found this site, as many have already expressed. I had my 8th back surgery on 2-28-2017. Things went wrong, and I hàd severe leg pain from nerves. They put me on this drug and I just started to notice a ton of hair falling out. I have such thick hair, and everyone has always been amazed at it. At this rate I’ll be buying a wig! I would also be interested in a class action suit. I’m thinking about contacting a lawyer. I will let you know what I find out. I looked up the side effects and did not see this as a warning anywhere. Has anyone else found this warning in their material? I’m going out tomorrow and buying biotin. I’m stopping this drug. If it is doing this to me, what else is it doing? Don’t want to find out!!!
Jean
See a doctor who specializes in hair loss, like us for example. The stress you have defined in your question to me plus possibly the drugs you are on, in combination can cause hair loss.
Please include me if a lawsuit is started. I’ll have time to help research and do anything I can to help the cause. I’ve been on it for almost a year and half my hair is gone!
Does anyone know if your hair growth and retention will return to normal once you stop taking the drug?
I also started taking gabapentin at 600mg a day 7 months ago and noticed my hair has been coming out bad. At first I thought it was Keppra I was on but I stopped that in November and it’s just continued. It never occurred to me that it might be the gabapentin because I was assured this was an incredibly safe drug. Used to have gorgeous hair. Now it’s thin where the bangs would be and all over really. Can see my scalp in areas. I have 0 male pattern baldness in my family. If anything we all have too much hair!
Hair loss is an unusual side effect
William Rassman, M.D.
I was prescribed Gabapentin by my doctor last April of this year (2017) to help w/ a cough I’ve developed due to GERD and approximately a month or so later, noticed some hair loss. My hair is pretty thin anyways, so it was a concern. My scalp has also been very dry and scratchy, so I bought both Head & Shoulders shampoo and cond’r figuring that would help, but it didn’t and I’m continuing to lose hair. When I mentioned it to my doctor at my last visit, she dismissed it and said something like that happens with age and not to stress over it. I’m relieved to find this blog and know that it’s not due to age (I’m 64 and physically fit with no other health issues other than GERD) and that it’s more likely due to the Gabapentin. She also has me on Ranitidine (zantac’s equal) which I’ve been on since Dec. of ’16 and that hasn’t caused any problems. I will forward these blogs onto her office and hopefully get off the Gabapentin. TERRIBLE STUFF — just hope my hair grows back!
good to take charge
I was prescribed gabapentin 2-3 months ago and began to notice losing my hair. I and my sisters have nice thick hair. I wondered if this was my imagination but my hairbrush was full and it was falling out in the shower. I went to my hairdresser ( been going to her 15yrs) a couple of days ago and told her something was up. A clump of hair fell out and she said it was noticeable as she knows my hair. I went to my doctor and asked for blood work to check hormones and thyroid becaus I’m more than upset. I sat home wondering what has changed, why and remembered I began taking this this for a pinched nerve in my low back. I did research and here you all are. I don’t care how effective this drug is, no one wants to lose their hair!!!! I stopped taking it 2 days ago. My hairdresser gave me Bosley which I used today for the first time. Does anyone know how long it takes to recover from this?
I could not figure out why I was losing my hair then I thought about checking Gabapentin and hair loss. Apparently I am not the only person with these side effects. I don’t know how much folic acid I need to take to try & recoup some of my hair.
Also forgot to mention… I’ve always been told ” you have SO much hair!” In just a few month I have lost what feels like HALF of it!!
I started having a huge patch on the side of my head and my hair was falling of whenever I washed or combed it,I thought it was the hair products that I was using so I changed products to ones with keratin after shaving it all of.I became surprised when the hair didn’t regrow and I developed more patches.I only realized yesterday when I decided to read about the side effects of Neurontin (gabapentin) and saw alopecia ,so from now on I will not be taking it.
I also have noticed handfuls of hair coming out on Gabapentin. I’m so upset, finally found something that works for my pain and now this!! I am only on 100 mg once per day so I don’t think the amount has any bearing on how much hair loss one will experience. Also, I’ve just started taking it less than 6 moths ago. So sorry everyone, this is so disturbing!!
I’m so glad someone told me of this and then looked it up. FUNNY how it’s not mention as a side effect. I told my Dr I’ve been losing massive hair can see chunks go down the drain and when I brush my hair a brush full comes out. If there’s a hair ball in my house it’s from me. Have to clean drains every other week can find it in food drinks mouth made ice once and found a hair in three ice cubes I find hair in place you don’t want to mention. The cat even chokes on it. The Dr brushed me off. My whole family has thick hair so I think that why he thinks I’m full of it. But it’s everywhere typing this two have come across the screen. The thing I don’t get is the Dr brushing me off I don’t know if it works on pain cuz in so much pain hydrocodone don’t even touch the pain in my back and won’t do anything for that even though I tell him it’s like eating skittle candy. And not to mention I bounce off the walls all the time and the bruises all over my body I have no clue where most come from till now. I thought I was going to go crazy over the side effects that the Dr just brushed of. Thanks for information.
I have been on a dose of 2400 mg a day for the last year and have not experienced any hair loss…oddly enough hair loss runs in my family and I’m 38, my hair started falling out 6 years ago and I noticed this year that it’s NOT falling out at the rate it was then. I no longer have hair on my comb or in the drain…odd, I’m curious to know if hair LOSS happens in most patients,or just some, and why is mine not…some days I take many thousands of mg’s . Average dose around 4800 mg…
After 6 months of excruciating pain. I was prescribed gabapentin. I took this drug in January 2018 for nerve pain related to Herniated disc in c6 & c7. I took the drug for a month. I while waiting to get everything in order for disc replacement surgery. Then day of my last appointment before the surgery I woke up pain free!!! No pain since. I could not believe how fortunate I was. Was it the drug? Did my body heal? I didn’t care as long as I was pain free. We postponed the surgery. If the pain returned we would move forward. 2 months later. Still no pain. Then I notice it seems there is a little extra hair when I brush or wash my hair. It turned into handfulls of hair!!!! I had waist length, full bodied hair. So mush so. I fought to wrap a pony tail holder around my hair twice. It is June 2nd of 18. I can now wrap a pony tail holder 6 times. Yes 6 and it’s lose!!!! I touch my hair. I pull back lose strains. From May to June I have lost an estimated 75% of my hair. If I had known this was an option. I never would have taken this pill. There are other options. I have started taking folic acid in hopes it will trigger the hair follicles to begin regrowing.
Hair loss side effects like shedding, decreasing volume, dullness, etc. have been reported with medications like Gabapentin Neurontin and …
William Rassman, M.D.