Topamax, Low-Ogestrel, and Female Hair Loss
I have been taking Topamax sprinkle capsules for my migraines for almost a year (onyl 45 mg per day). After the first few months on the drug, I noticed more hair on the floor in my bathroom and that it was falling out when I ran my fingers through it. In November of this year, I switched my birth control pills to Low Ogestrel,a low dosage monophasic pill so as to keep my hormone levels more stable and keep headaches at bay. After doing this, I noticed an increase in my hair loss. Now, in the shower, there is hair everywhere. Hair on my pillow, and hair on my clothes. I’ve noticed that my hair looks thin at my widows peak and on the sides of my head. It’s frightening. I got off the Topamax two weeks ago and the hair loss has continued. I am going off the birth control this month to see if that stops it.
Just wondering if you’ve ever heard of these drugs causing hair loss? Perhaps the combo of the two has wreaked havoc on my body for some reason? My doctors keep saying “It’s possible, but uncommon.” I’ve had all my bloodwork done and every checked out ok.. I just want this to stop. If it is the pills, how long before it will stop?
Thanks for any help!
Hair loss is associated with each and every one of the medications you use. I am sorry to report this to you, but these things have a cost in side effects and finding the balance can be difficult. Some people may be more sensitive than others. It may take months to see any regrowth after stopping or switching the medications. When medications are used in combination, it makes identifying the problem medication(s) more difficult.
Having the same problems with hair loss, I was taking topamax for almost a year and low dose BC, started noticing more and more hair loss, still falling out after stopping, have been off the topamax for one month and nothing has changed, of course I’m worried about it, Dermatologist says it will grow back but will take some time, when will it stop?
I was on topomax for almost two months.I also noticed hair thinning…hair texture turning to brillo..and tingling of my scalp.I have been off med now for 6 weeks.I am taking vitamins..but the loss of hair and tingling and texture are just getting worse.I am very scared.I can see the strands falling out of my scalp.I had blood work done and it was all normal. Anyone see the hairloss stop after ending med.
I am ALSO experiencing the same frightening side affects mentioned above. I was put on 25mg Topomax to treat my migraines, as well as a birth control called Kariva. (Kariva resulted in bleeding for 3 of the 4 weeks each month, so I didn’t stay on that long.) After no improvement in migraines, my Manhattan Neurologist told me to up the Topomax … she said I could go up to 5 pills a day (but this should be done progressively). So I slowly moved into 2 pills a day and that resulted in the tingling sensation in my feet and hands (daily), and slight “verbal confusion”, (I couldn’t always come up with a SIMPLE word that I had in mind to complete a sentence … VERY embarrasing.) Meanwhile I went on a different BC pill — Loestrin FE 24. (now I menstrate on the 2nd week instead of the last 4 days of placebo … doesn’t seem to work like it is set out to.) Loestrin didn’t make a dent in the migraines … so at one last ditch effort I thought I’d try 3 pills of Topomax (75mg)a day to see if the migraines would be reduced. Not only did they not decrease, but all of a sudden my hair started falling out — ALL over my pillow every night, clumping in my brush when I’d brush my hair, and I had a painfully sensitive scalp. This has been a horrifying experience. I’m only 35 and I’m losing so much hair. My hair is noticeably thinner – especially in the front and on top of my scalp. (Also, I have not colored my hair in over a year … so this cannot be attributed to a bad color job.) The scalp sensitivity became so bad that I was afraid to comb my hair because I didn’t know if chuncks would start coming out.
My Dermatologist took a biopsy of my scalp and everything came back normal. (go figure.) But ironically the PDR guide shows Topomax has a 4% incidence of hair loss. I have a feeling that it is higher than that.
I went off the Topomax cold turkey 3 weeks ago and have started to see a decrease in the INTENSE scalp pain/irritation, but continue to see thinning hair and it falls out when I brush. I am just hoping that my hair will start to regrow soon!
I would love to hear if the folks above have seen regrowth since going off of Topomax.
I am on topamax 200 mg daily for migraines. I thought I was having mild hairloss but wasn’t sure. Started Loestrin FE and took it for only two months and now have a very noticable bald spot and serious hair thinning. I have no idea if it will grow back or if I should stop topamax and try something else. I found two websites that say that topamax should NOT be used with certain birth control pills, including Loetrin FE because it messes up hormones. I’m really angry that my OBGYN didn’t seem to know this. I gave her a list of my meds, and specifically asked about this. You know how it goes… these docs always act like we’re paranoid. And now I’m bald.
I was on Topamax to treat migraine for over a year, dosage was slowly increased. At the same time I was extremely anemic, so attributed the hair loss to anemia. My scalp became very red and sensitive, and my hair was falling out in clumps. I went to my dr. he wasn’t aware of topamax causing hairloss, until he checked online. I was weaned off the topamax, but my hair is still very thin on the top and sides. Will it ever grow back?
I have been on Topamax for about 10 months (100mg). I have the same symptoms as everyone else that has posted on this website and every other website. My hair has been falling out in huge amounts for probably about 6-8 months. I have been to the doctor, had bloodwork done which all came back negative. I asked him if it could be the Topamax and he said no.I lost 60 pounds in the first 6 months of taking the medication and like every one else was so excited to see it happening. I also like many people did before starting Topamax HAD very thick hair. It is very frightning to see your hair fall out in huge amounts like this. I read what one lady posted above…she was a happy fat person… I sometimes feel the same way. This side effect definatly outweighs any good to come of this medication. If you are thinking about taking Topamax or considering stopping the medication…I strongly urge you to keep reading….what is on this website and every other website about Topamax and hair loss.
I was taking Topamax for only 5 weeks when I first started noticing hair loss. Then my hairdresser became concerned & asked if I was on any new medicine. I called the Neurologist to only have him say I should stop taking the Topamax. He was not concerned about me or my health, much less my hairloss! I was married a week later. Thank God I still had hair.
I have stoped taking the med. but my hair still keeps falling out!!
I do have my hair dyed is this making the loss of hair worse? Are there vitamins to take? Why does the Dr. & Pharmasist say only 1% of the people are affected by hair lose. Sure sounds misleading to me!
I also had extreme hair loss with Topamax. I have stopped the med. Three weeks now and it has not stopped falling out as well….I am a hair colorist and I can assure all of you that coloring your hair does not make it fall out worse!! Please keep coloring your hair. It will make you feel better. I also contacted the company who makes Topamax and they said that at first hair loss wasn’t reported from people so it wasn’t listed as a possible side effect. Now she said more than 10% of people are calling about it. The only thing we can do is report it so others on Topamax can be more aware than we were. And also it could take a while for the hair to grow back..
I was on Topamax from mid-May until December 14th. My hair started falling out like crazy. It is now very thin and even my husband noticed he could see my scalp. I stopped the Topamax when I went on line and found all the postings. I started using Rogaine for women and am taking mass doses of fish oil, B vitamins, Biotin, etc. Hair takes so long to grow back – all I’m hoping is that it will stop falling out!
I went on Topamax in June to treat migraines. At the time I was about 125 1bs. Topamax wasn’t working for me, the dose was increased to 150mg. I suffered from very intense verbal confusion, mood swings, and weight loss. One Tues in Oct I weighed 109, by Saturday I was 104. I was really getting scared. I stopped taking birth control pills to help decrease migraines. After weaning off of the Topamax, it was 3 months later when I started losing a ton of hair as described by others. I have been losing hair for a month now (I’m 4 months off of Topamax). I too had all of my bloodwork done. I’m wondering when the hair loss will cease. I’m not sure who has that answer for us…
I was also on Topamax for Migraine prevention x4months. After the first two months my Neuro upped the dose to 150mg, it was this dose that destroyed my hair! I used to have shiny, medium thick hair, it was very manageble. I went off the Topamax Aug 2007, my hair loss continued for a good 3 months! It starting slowing around the end of November. I’m so devastated with what my hair looks like now, it is so thin, my 19month daughter has more of a ponytail then I do, my hair towards the bottom is no bigger than the circumferance of my index finger, it so brittle and it continues to break off everywhere, on each side of my forehead there are two chucks of hair only about 1″ long where the hair just broke off, they haven’t grown a cm yet, it just doesn’t seem to grow much at all. I’m so consumed by this every day…I cry a lot.
I’ve been to a Dermo. she said there’s nothing I can do but take some Biotin to help support hair growth, I have and also been using Nioxin products for three months, I haven’t seen any difference yet. I’m embarrased because I feel like it just is so obvious I have a sick head of hair. I only wear dark colored shirts to try and hide the see through hair in the back. It’ll be a bummer to go thru the summer with the mess. I wish I had some words of hope for all of you, I feel bad for you all, you’re not alone. I’m furious this side effect was not disclosed as “Common”, as it definitly is a severe and devastating one. We were not informed, and our right to make an informed decision was withheld. I suffer with chronic Migraine, now I’m anxious, stressed and have a low self image. Thanks Ortho-McNeil you’ve sure improved my quality of life!! Good Luck
I was on Topamax for over a year & a half. At first I had only the side effects of weight loss & tingling. At about 14 months into it I started noticing the hair loss. It is bad enough now that my husband notices. (On my pillow, clothes, bathroom floor & the shower is the worst!). The texture is totally awful now. It just feels dead & weak! I don’t know what to do to get my hair back. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I lost probably 25-30 lbs., but its not worth how bad my ahir looks!! HELP PLEASE! Oh, & I went off the Topamax hoping my hair would change but nothing yet.
Hi everyone–you are not alone. I was on topamax for 4 months & it has nearly ruined my life.If the eye twitching & confused mental state weren’t enough now iam dealing with major hair loss! My hair was long & thick now it is stringy & feels like straw. It snaps off so easy & is all over our house. Iam blonde and refuse to wear a dark color because it shows hair everywhere! Its been falling out since October & doesnt seem to be slowing down–i think iam headed for a wig!
Andrea andreaj68@aol.com
I would urge everyone here on this site or anywhere to call 1-800-526-7736 to Ortho-Mcneil (the manufacturers of this medication)and put in a complaint about this devestating hair loss! I did already twice, and I’ll be calling again soon to get some answers as to whether or not my hair is ever going to grow again or if this toxin has forever destroyed it. The more complaints they receive regarding this side effect the more pressured they’ll be to change it.
Thanks Amy, for the phone number. I will be calling Ortho-McNeil as well. I’ve been on 150mg Topamax for almost a year for migraines. My hair has become brittle and dry during this time with an increase in hair loss. But the past 5 weeks, hair has been coming out in clumps. I’m getting tired of picking hair off my clothes and arms, as I fight back the tears. I learned it wasn’t a side effect at all but when I checked the website, it is listed as a minor side effect. Seems to me that this is a BIG ONE that got swept over? Especially when I read posts out on the web of ladies with bald spots! What is their liability in this?
Does anyone even know when they added hair loss to their list?
BTW, please tell your doctor about your hair loss. But don’t stop there. He/she won’t act on your behalf. I agree with the last post that we should all be calling the mfr to complain!
I have been on topamax for 5 months, and my hair won’t stop falling out! it’s not just hair falling out it is an entire change of texture in my hair. my hair is limp,brittle, and more straight, where it used to be curly and very very thick. i notice it most on the sides of my hairline, but i still loose tons of hair all over my head. i was in denial for the past 2 or 3 months because i have so much hair, and because my doctor told me that this was ‘very uncommon’ he made me feel like i was paranoid or making things up. all these posts make me realize its not impossible that the topamax could be doing this.
I went on topamax the first time in March 06 (100mg), then noticed in late June 06 that my hair was falling out (about 3 months). Then from July 06 til Oct 06, my hair kept falling out. In beginning Aug 06 I did taper off the medicine & told my neuro dr and also went to a derm dr (of course in which my blood work came out negative so it was pretty much the topamax that made my hair fall out) I did have long thick hair and it really thinned out by Oct. and also was taking biotin and zinc. (gradually stopped Oct to Nov 06).
It was quite depressing, but my hair eventually all grew back to normal throughout 2007 (i think it may helped that i was pregnant from March 07 til Nov 07 takin prenatal pills). However, while i was pregnant my migraines never went away and by Aug 07 (my 6th month) I had a really bad episode driving (blurry vision, etc..) and my ob gyn put me back on the topamax. I didn’t tell them about the hair loss from the previous year because I thought that maybe for the 2nd time taking it, the hair loss wouldn’t happen again. So from Aug 07 to March 08 at 50mg, things were okay but then my hair started to fall out again and I just stopped it completely the beginning of March. Now again my hair is thinned out and losing like clumps of hair everyday for the past 1 1/2 months. No patches but just thinning out everywhere. I know that my hair will grow back but man I dont want these migraines (9-10 or so per month, not including headaches). Also, i’m currently breastfeeding so there’s nothing really I can take for them, other than fiorcet (which does help *caffeine, tylenol, tranquilizer). Im sad and just waiting for the hair falling to stop, but oh well =/
And for inquiring minds, my little baby girl (5 months now) is healthy and nothing is wrong her, even though i took topamax while pregnant =)
I hope this information helps anyone else who is having this problem. Topamax worked great for me…i did get ALL of the side effects but eventually they went away and never bothered me other than the hair loss.
to the previous entry (#17), if anyone has questions, i’ll be happy to answer them…my email is grepo1078@aol.com
does the hair loss ever slow down or stop? mine is just thinning now… i really love what the topamax is doing for my binge eating and my mood swings. its weird because it almost becomes scary to me to get off of it even though it has caused me so much stress. i almost feel like i am dependent on it in some form. the only side effect that has bothered me is the hair loss (call me vain). it really just is a matter of how much i will let fall out before i stop taking it. i am also taking lamictal and i wonder if that could be causing the hair loss? is anyone else taking lamictal?
To the last post, just wanted to let you know that is seems even when you stop the Topamax the hair falls out for up to 3-4 months after. My tremendous hair loss happened 4 months after stopping the med. Since November 06′ my hair has not passed my collar bones, it used to be 4″ past my shoulders. The hair breaks off so much. Even if I see 1/2 of growth at the root each month it still never gets longer!! Which is very wierd and so frustrating. Anyway just a little heads up…be prepared, the hair doesn’t seem to just stop when the med is stopped. My Dermatologist said the damage to the hair had already occured when taking Topamax. I’m still waiting for my reversal in hair growth…I’m not sure is coming!!
I was taking Topamax 50mg/day for migraines from July 07 untill May 08. I had such thick hair it was sometimes a annoying.From the start I had the tingling in finger tips and toes and foggy mind also no energy! But not one migraine, I thought it was amazing. First of may I got out of shower, with towel dried hair, gently brushing I had clumps of hair coming out. I was so scared. Next shower had alot come out and this time I used a hair pick and held onto my scalp but still clumps. OMG! I did alot of reading from different forums about topamax and this hair loss. I knew it had to be it. By the way I work for a Dermatologist and he did blood work concentrating on Iron but all was normal. I talked with my doc who had my taking it and he told me to wean off of it and he would try a Betablocker for a preventive. When I went to 25mg the next day a migraine came on (if your taking for this please be careful when you stop taking it). That was 5 wks ago and I think I am having less hair loss but it is still falling out and do not see or feel any new growth yet. My husband said it looks like less hair in the sink now. My hair is so thin now, it is very stressfull. My derm. told me to be patient it will grow back. But I don’t think anyone really knows forsure what this medicine really does to the hair follical. Would love to hear if anyones has started really growing back yet.
i am a black, African American, one of quite few with long hair about to my mid back, maybe 5 inches from my butt. i started topamax for migraines and within a month my hair started to far out where you could see the bulb at the end of the hir follicle. which assured me that it was falling out from my scalp and not just breaking off, which has never happened to me..i stopped taking topamax imediately with the hopes that maybe after topamax getting out of my system that my hair would stop falling out. but 2 months later i don’t know if it’s gotten better or worst. i started investigating hair growth.. and have learned that those pores where the bulb grows are probably dead or nongrowing anymore so you will continue to see hairloss but that also means that the new bulb probably pushed it out this does not make us feel better because now the question is how many bulbs are dead..i will be calling the manufacterer also because if it was a listed side effect..i don’t think i would have taken topamax..i too believe that it was not worth it and it should have been a choice for me to make..you can also change your diet for migraines. once i did that or if you find those triggers and elminate them, like mine was soda..i now rarely have them..and the topamax did not garantee migraine relief
thanks tricia
I have been taking Topamax 50mg twice a day for about a year now and used to have really thick hair. I have noticed over the year my hair falling out quite a bit in my brush and in the shower and all over the bathroom floor. Recently, I have been alarmed at how thin my ponytail has become and at how brittle my hair is. It is so depressing!! The Topamax works very well for my headaches but I hadn’t noticed hair loss listed as one of the side effects when I started taking the med. I decided to go on-line and see if anyone else has had this problem and I must say I am alarmed at all the entries!
The most alarming thing here seems to be that when the med is stopped, no one is noticing their hair growing back! Also for a lot of these people they are having to make a choice between hair loss and feeling good and that really sucks!! I think the drug company should be the one to answer these questions and should take some responsibility in this matter!!
i have been on topamax for 7 months now. prior to taking Topamax i was already concerned about my hair thinning and obviously migraines which i thought were due to the birth control pill i was taking. i stopped the pill and started the topamax. no migraines but defnite hair thinning.So incredibly stressful that now I’m having panic attacks over it that the Dr. wants me to take Wellbutrin along with this. ANOTHER drug that causes hair loss, are you kidding me???? I am stopping topamax cold turkey today after reading this. PLEASE tell me someone out there that your hair has grown back after going off this drug…I am now refusing the Wellbutrin and maybe only going to take xanax for infrequent panic attacks. I find that if I do get a headache maxalt works best anyway at the onset. If I had had any idea this could happen, even with the lovely weight loss I would have said no way.I have seen general thinning, not clumping but now I’m really freaked out by these stories…..will it grow back? has anyone seen any improvement after stopping this drug?
I took 25 mg of Topomax for one week. I had abdominal pain, very dry eyes, and hair loss. While the hair loss was not huge, I am concerned because it came out by the root. This is concerning because I am worried that there are more that will come out too.
Patricia, I, too am African American with very long hair, less than one inch above my behind, below the waist. Long hair doesn’t grow to this length overnight, so even if the hair starts to grow back, it will take a while to reach the length of the rest of the hair. I pray that permanent damage hasn’t been done. My neurologist told me that the worst side effects were tingling of the lips, hands, and feet. Had I not stumbled upon this, I would not have known that this was a possibility. I’m very scared about what I will find on my pillow, in my hair brush, and ultimately in the mirror. I’m hoping that one week (4 days) hasn’t done too much damage.
Patricia–what’s the latest on your end?
Well, I was on Topamax over a year ago. I lost 30 pounds and half my hair. I was freaking out. I ordered Rogaine, but that only increased the amount I was losing everyday. My pony tail went from full to super thin. When a friend of mine who was in med school looked the drug up in a drug book she found it has been linked to hair loss. My Dr. did not know about this side effect. He advised me that if I felt it was severe enough I should consider stopping it.
So here I am almost two years later my hair is great and full and shiney, but my migraines are out of control again. The Topamax helped with my migraines and that is why I am considering going back on it. Has anyone found a wa around the hairloss maybe with supplements or vitamines?
I will say to all of you wondering your hair will grow back. It took almost 3 months for me to start seeing it and my hair dresser told me he could see the areas with new growth. It just takes time to fully recover.
I have been on Topamax now for almost a year and have seen a rapid increase in hair loss within the last 4 months. My hair has always been thick and curly, now it is thin fuzzy and lifeless. I stopped coloring my hair thinking this may aid in the growing out processes. I just made the link to my hair loss with Topamax today, I am very upset with the drug companies for this seems to be a major side effect, after reading MULTIPLE blogs on this topic, but yet it is no where listed on the side effects of Topamax.
I plan to call my doctor tomorrow morning to find another medicine to keep my migraines at bay, if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them.
In regards to hair growth, I was able to maintain my hair thickeness a little better, for I do not lose chunks, and when I use this product it appears to feel more lively and full. It is called Neem Hair Lotion by Dr. Hauschka. You can purchase this online or at Whole Foods.
Good luck everyone with the hair growth! I plan to do somemore research to find more techniques to aid in the growth of my hair, if I find something that works, I will write again.
Julie – did you use anything special to help your hair grow back? I am in need to get my hair health again! My hair was one of my greatest attributes.
To everyone who has listed any comments about the hair loss and Topamax. I was prescribed this a couple of years ago and once I was prescribed this as a remedy for unknown seizures and migraines I did my research as always because the doc was experimenting to figure out what would help and I found out a lot of things about this-like certain possible damage to your body and also affected your birth control, including hair loss. I immediately asked for something else. My new neurologist prescribed Nortriptyline HCL 10 mcg cap-one in the evening before bed and I take Fioricet prn when I am at work and have a migraine and Tylenol won’t cut it for me. This regimen is working out pretty well for me. But always check to see if you are a candidate for this treatment. Hope you all find what will be right for you-living with migraines can control your life, remember you can control your migraines-so far I am.
Hi Everyone
I have been on Topamax for almost 2 years and have noticed many of the same side effects as have been reported in earliers posts. Some including memory loss, word finding problems, memory retention and most noticeable – hair loss. It is freaking me out. I was not aware at the time of taking this drug that there was hair loss nor was I told anywhere that it could possibly be permanent. A lot of people on this site are mentioning that their hair is not growing back. I am majorly upset over this. I am a young person and you can see my scalp in several areas. Massive amounts of hair come out in the shower and it is not encouraging to hear that people are not experiencing hair growth when they stop using topamax. Has anyone thought of a class action lawsuit? Is this possible?
I took the topamax a few years ago and yes I did notice brittle, thin, dry hair. My hair kept getting shorter and shorter because it was so damaged. It took maybe 6 months before I noticed but I continued for my migraines for over a year. Once I stopped taking the medication, my hair took forever to get back to normal. Probably a year. I also lost 40 pounds which was great! Another problem I had was my ears would not pop. I had to see a ear Dr. and be put on Xanax? That was worse than the hair loss! While I have recently had a baby and been off the medications by seeing a chiropractor (which was great) I am now back on Topamax for migraines. I can’t afford the chiropractor and need help to lose the baby weight. Yes, I realize I will lose some hair but I also know it will grow back and it is worth it. I was able to keep the weight off when I stopped taking it before and my hair did grow back fine. Hope this helps :)
I was on Topamax to decrease my migraines for 6 weeks total…I only made it up to 50mg. At week 3 my hair started falling out. I too have very long thick hair and never before would any come out..( I know a small amount is normal for people with long hair.) But this hair loss was far from normal. At 6 weeks I saw my doctor who too brushed off hair loss as a common side effect but promtly said “let’s try something else.” She has given me a script for Zonegran to try. I told her that I wanted my hair to stop falling out first before I try it so that I don’t assume that it is the new med. if in fact it takes awhile for the Topamax to stop making my hair fall out. I have been off of it for over a week and still having major hair loss. Just know that if you are reading this and experiencing the same hair loss from Topamax that you are not alone:))))
Hi. I’ve been on Topamax since last September and am becoming increasingly concerned about the hair loss. I noticed more strands on the bathroom floor where my hair is frequently combed. That began about 6 months ago I guess. I had thick enough hair for me to think it was probably not ever going to be noticeable. Well it hit me like a ton of bricks lately because although I haven’t seen more on the floor, in teh shower, in the brush, on my hands…my hair has gone so noticeably thin over the last 3 weeks. WHY?! Where did it go? It’s a nightmare. I can see my scalp where my hair parts from all the different layers. My bangs have suddenly disappeared so I’m trying to brush the middle of my hair forward. (odd, right?) The bottom of my hair is thin like my two toddlers, my scalp is itchy and I am afraid to scratch thinking that it is causing the hair to fall out. Now I see that people like to commonly say “i lost 50% of my hair” and I have never seen anything more specific than that or a number other than “50”! I would love to here more personal experiences from people other than “a clump of hair came out”. What is a clump of hair to you? 10 strands at a time, or more like 40-50? And what is a bald spot when speaking about women? When I think of a man, it’s several inches. We’re talking about women so I’m curious if you’re dealing with something that massive or if it’s not even half an inch.
I don’t have bald spots yet, but I feel like i’m on my way there in the very front where my bangs are …were. :-(. And I would say I’ve shed about 35% of my hair so for, not half of it. That see excessive to say – but I could totally be heading there. I’m weaning off and will be taking a biotin supplement to help regrowth at the root and scalp and may also try nioxin 3 days a week.
I will add that I have been bad about missing doeses. I’ve never heard anyong talk about their routines with taking the meds on time, etc.
I have suffered horrible migraines for many years. My migraines have finally been under control by taking Maxalt at the first sign of one. This is the only medication that has worked. I have been on Trazadone at night and Xanax for panic attacks. My health has been good and consistent. I had hair loss from Lexapro..so my doctor did the combination of Trazadone (aids with sleep too) and Xanaz…all was perfect.
Had to see a different doctor per the insurance company…wanted me to taper off Trazadone (don’t know why as it’s not a high dose) and try Topamax…INSTANT HAIR LOSS…I am already thin and was Anorexic when younger..don’t GET IT why he would try this medication…well, now my hair has fallen out..super stressed…having migraines and panic attacks…I have gone off the Topamax and will never take it again! Why do these docs. “practice” on you…all was perfect and now I’m freaking out again…ugh! Not one word about it causing hair loss and when I looked up the drug because Lexapro did the same thing…there was no warning…I am not a happy camper. Thank goodness it’s only been a few weeks but I am VERY happy to find out that I am not alone.
For anyone suffering from Migraines…Maxalt is a miracle…my girlfriend has tried everything too and this one works for her and Relapax. Better to take 1 pill and have your migraine disappear then to be bald..that alone will cause migraines.
Good luck to all and happy hair growth to everyone!!!!
I have been on Topomax for about one year. I have been dealing with military doctors. Which is not always a bad thing, but my husband is in Iraq and I am just the hypochodriac spouse who is stressed out. My hair is now falling out in huge clumps and breaking and brittle and I have so many of the symptoms described above. And of course I used to have very very thick hair. I still have it long (kind of) and I have never ever dyed my hair. I go in to the doctor crying and begging for answers. And I get nothing but a suggestion to go to counseling. I finally decided to do some research on my own and found this. This is such a relief because I knew I was not crazy. I also keep my hair and take pictures of my scalp. I was also told “Maybe you are just going bald.” No, I cannot except that. Pattern baldness is not something that runs in my family on either side and I am not willing to sit back and accept “maybe you are just going bald”. I feel cheated out of appropriate health care and hurt and angry. And now, after finding this site, actually a little hopeful that maybe I have an answer. Not a cure, it doesn’t sound like, but at least maybe an answer…
I was on Topamax back in I wanna say 2005 for about 4 to 6 months and noticed my hair falling out at a rapid rate, I stopped because of that and it was messing w/my eyes big time, it scared me. To this day 9.17.09 I’m still seeing my hair fall out and it’s very thin. (fortunately I had super thick hair). No baldness in my family or thinning hair. I quit the drug for the reason that when I started it about 2½ months afterwards my hair started to fall out. I even went to a dermatologist and mentioned the RX. They gave me biotin which makes it grow faster but doesn’t stop it from falling out. I’m to young to be bald and femal.e
HI HAIRLOSS COMRADES
I WAS PUT ON TOPAMAX FOR SZEISURES AND MIGRAINES-ABOUT 10-15 PER MONTH -ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO.I WAS 41 AND HAD FINE BUT LOTS OF FULL SILKY HAIR.FIRST I WAS ON 25 MG TOPAMAX-BUT IT DID NOT DO MUCH FOR ME-EXCEPT THAT I HAD A SZEISURE AS SOON AS I HAD FASED OUT MY OLD MEDICATION.MY NEUROLOGIST JUST TOLD ME TO UP IT TO 100 MG AND WHEN I ASKED HIM ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS -HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS APPROVED AS WIGHT LOSS MEDICATION AND RARELY DO PEOPLE HAVE GLAUCOMA.SO I HAD TO GET MY EYES CHECKED 2 MONTH AFTER I STARTED .ONCE I WAS FINE I CONTINUED.AFTER THE SECOND SEIZURE ,I STOPPED GOING TO THE NEUROLOGIST AND PUT MYSELF BACK ON MY OLD ,BUT WORKING MYSOLINE FOR SZEISURES -BUT I CONTINUED THE TOPAMAX,SINCE I LOVED THAT I COULD EAT ANYTHING WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT-AND ACTUALLY DROPPED FROM 116 TO 108LBS.DURING THAT TIME ABOUT 6 MONTH INTO THE TOPMAX -I WENT THROUGH A LOT OF STRESS WITH MY BOYFRIEND AND ALSO MY PERIOD STARTED TO GET VERY IRREGULAR.SO WHEN I NOTICED THE TERRIBLE ITCHING ON MY SCALP AND THE EXTRA HAIR LOSS-I ATTRIBUTED THAT TO STRESS AND EARLY MENOPAUSE.BUT THE HAIR KEPT DROPPING AT AN ALARMING AND INCREASING RATE.I WENT TO MY GENERAL PRACTITIONER ,AND HAD ALL TYPES OF BLOOD TEST DONE,BUT ALL CAME OUT FINE.I WAS BEING TOLD ITS MENOPAUSE ,THAT CAUSED MY HAIRLOSS.I WAS IN A STATE OF PPERMANENT DEPRESSION,SINCE MY GOLDEN FULL HAIR ,WHICH WAS 4 INCHES PAST MY SHOLDER, WENT FROM 2 FOLL BRAIDS TO ONE PONYTAIL -THE SIZE OF HALF A BRAID.IT LOOKED LIKE A SKINNY RAT TAIL AND I ENDED UP CUTTING IT TO CHIN LENGTH TO MAKE IT LOOK THICKER.I TOOK ALL TYPES OF VITAMINS AND TOPIC SOLUTIONS WITH NO RESULTS.FINALLY LAST MAY I HAD A BRAINSTORM AND THOUGHT ABOUT WHEN MY HAIR FELL OUT AND THAT THE ONY CHANGE IN MY LIFE WAS THE TAKING OF TOPAMAX-I ENTERED “topamax and hairloss” INTO THE PC AND BINGO!!!!!
HERE WE ARE!!!! COUNTLESS WOMEN ALL AGES ,JUST LIKE ME ARE BALDING WITH THEIR SCALP SHOWING AND HAIR BRAKING OFF-ALL BECAUSE THE MAJOR -DEVESTATING TO WOMEN -SIDE EFFECT OF HAIRLOSS WAS WITHHELD TO THEM.I FAZED OUT THE TOPAMAX OF 100 MG IN 6 WEEKS AND STILL MY HAIR IS BRITTLE AND I KEEP LOOSING.I NOW HAVE EXTENTIONS AND A BAG OF OTHER CLIP ON HAIR-JUST TO MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A WOMAN.IT TAKES FOR EVER TO STYLE IT SO,THAT WHAT HAIR I HAVE COVERS THE AREAS WHERE THERE IS SCALP SHOWING-AND I AM SO DEPRESSED,I CANT LOOK AT OLD PICS OF ME WITHOUT CRYING.I GAVE AWAY ALL MY HAIRCLIPS AND BARRETTS ,SINCE THEY ONLY WORK WITH FULL HAIR.
CANT WE ALL GET TOGETHER AND FORM A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TO THE COMPANY THAT MAKES THIS HORROR DRUG??
WILL ANY OF MY HAIR GROW BACK? ITS BEEN 6 MONTH SINCE I STOPPED TAKING THE DRUG!!
HOW LONG -IF AT ALL,BEFORE I MIGHT SEE NEW HAIR?
ARE THERE ANY LAWJERS ,WHO MIGHT READ THIS AND WOULD CONSIDER A SUIT?
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYBODY ,WHOSE HAIR REALLY CAME BACK -I TOOK THIS HORROR MEDICATION FOT 4 YEARS!!!!
YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AT IRIECATS@CORALWAVE.COM
THANKS AND TO ALL WHO READ THIS -BETTER A FEW POUNDS EXTRA BUT WITH HAIR– ITS NOT WORTH IT!!!!
IRIE
Hi. My story is the same as the rest on list. I stopped taking Topamax a month and a half ago, but my hair is still falling out in clumps. There is no sign of new regrowth either. The same thing happened when I took a beta-blocker for migraines, but the hairloss stopped and the hair grew back in a couple of months.
When will the hairloss stop and when will it start to grow back?!! Please, I need some good news!
I took Topamax for 9 months and began losing hair at an alarming rate. Thought it might be a vitamin deficiency so I increased those. After trying several changes I was getting very frightened, but I was also getting agitated and feeling suicidal as well, so I stopped taking it. I now feel much better emotionally but after a month, the alopecia has barely subsided and my vision is still very blurry. It was only two days ago that I learned about the connection between Topamax and the alopecia, but I am confident that eventually my hair will begin growing back…pretty sure…I hope…maybe?
I stopped using Topomax for ……I don’t remember (memory-loss side effect….haha)
But at any rate, I started eating walnuts and pumkin seeds and biotin and a herb called ‘horse tail’.,Also Ecrinal which you can buy at Shoppers Drugmart….it has horse tail in it.
So my hair is growing back. I am tempted to take the meds again because of weight loss.
I just had a rude awakening with this drug and found this as well as other sites once I typed in topmax and hair loss. Like everyone else I was unaware of the consequences of this drug and am horrified by what I’m now faced with. Had I been informed of all the side effects, I would have made other choices and asked to have been given some other medication. It’s enough to have to deal with the migraines and the toll they take on one’s life and to add this on top is just too much. It may seem petty to someone (a mfr) who may think that it would be a no brainer,but when you are already suffering…is it too much to ask for one little thing like your “hair”!
I took Topomax for over a year and I lost 25 pounds in the first 3 months of taking it. I loved the weight loss and the good sleep I got while taking Topomax but as the doctor increased the dose (because it didn’t seem to work as well after a few months) I began having severe confusion and major lack of focus. The doctor asked me (go figure) how many mgs I was taking and when I said 200 he said “no wonder you’re having memory and focus issues.” We reduced the dose and eventually I quit taking it because it just wasn’t doing anything anymore. I didn’t notice hair loss until going off of the Topomax for over a year and then starting it again. About 2 weeks into the new prescription I began to see hair loss. I quit taking it right away and my hair grew back in no time (possibly thicker than it was prior to ever taking Topomax).
Second round of topomax now for migraine control. Both times amazing relief of migraines. Second time however my once thick lush hair is falling out in daily – seems to be a recurring theme here. Initially I thought it was related to removal of a brain tumor/cranioplasty/surgical scar, but now I believe that not to be the case.
SA – has the walnuts pumkin seeds, biotin horsetail and Ecrinal helped? what volumnes do I need to comsume? should I plant pumkins in the garden this spring? (feeble attempt at humor) how long after you stopped the topomax? how much topomax were you taking and for how long? did you taper off? or?
IRIE – agreed, someone should be accountable! are you in Canada/US?
I am reading these posts and am about to cry. I have had thinning hair for some time now and couldn’t figure it out. I cannot even wear my hair in a ponytail, we should file a class action suit for emotional distress. How did this drug get approved!
Thank God I found this website! I have been freaking out trying to figure out why my hair is all falling out and now I know why…TOPAMAX!!!
I started taking Topamax for migraines in Aug 09 and didn’t start noticing the hair loss until about 3 months ago but it is considerable!! I am completely freaking out!!! My hair has always been my favorite attribute about myself (strawberry-blonde, long & naturally curly) and now it is so thin and lifeless.
I started on 50mg and was quickly bumped up to 100mg. I went from about 140 lbs to about 117 -120 which I do love (who does love some weight loss??) and went through all the tingling and confusion during the first few months like most of you did as well. All that past within the first few months. Up until I started noticing the hair loss, I loved my Topamax! I went from 7-10 migraines a month to 2-3. But now I am scared out of my mind! I have never experienced anything like this!
My hair stylist & pharmacist both told me that it would take at least 3 months to start seeing new growth after ceasing the medication which I haven’t actually done yet. My doctor has weaned me down from 100mg per day to 50mg. But the hair loss is still horrendous so I think that I just want to quit altogether. My question for all those who have stopped Topamax is did you gain all the weight that you lost back???? That would suck since I have gotten rid of my old wardrobe and have bought all new! But I guess it would be a small price to pay to have a full head of hair again!
Thanks for the advice! Much luck to us all!
Go to fda.gov and report this! Going to Ortho-McNeil’s website will do no good. All pharmaceutical companies are required to report side effects TO the FDA. They don’t always do this accurately (go figure). I’m having massive hairloss due to Topamax. I was taken off of it months ago and it is still falling out by the handfuls.
I can’t believe this. I finally have some answers. I have had long thick blonde hair all my life. Started taking Topomax a year and a half ago for terrible migranes. I never put the connection of why my hair was falling out. Now I have lost almost 50% of my hair and its fine and straw like. My hair dresser even commented to me, what’s going on with your hair, are you stressed out? I cringed and stopped going for haircuts. I love living without headaches, but I want my hair back. I’m going to my doctor this month and discuss my options. Thank you guys so much, I think this company should have disclosed this along with the memory loss and confusion.
I have been on Topamax since August for Bipolar Disorder. I’ve recently been increased to 200mg daily. I also take Lamictal (200mg), Lexapro (10mg) and a prescribed folic acid supplement Deplin (7.5mg).
After a few weeks, I noticed hair loss. It became worse during late November. I had also noticed that I had not been eating well. When I spoke to my doctor, she told me that in most cases, it’s not the drug that directly causes the hair loss. Because Topamax causes loss of appetite, many people do not realize they are becoming malnourished. That’s what causes the hair loss. An indication of this is when someone looses more than 20lbs in the first 3 months of taking the drug.
So I’ve put together a time table for consuming instant breakfast drinks, if I just can’t eat. I’ll even drink Ensure if I have to. Anything to make sure I get the nutrition I need. I also make sure to take my vitamins. I take a multi-vitamin in the morning, calcium (2 required a day, one morning/one night), triple omega (2 required a day, one morning/one night), a selenium supplement in the morning (great for help with hair growth) and a B complex at night.
I also use voluming shampoo and conditioner that contain silk and wheat proteins. STAY AWAY FROM VO5!!! That stuff can be used to polish silverware. It will destroy already brittle hair! I also was my scalp very gently, massaging it to increase blood flow. There is no need to scrub hair below the shoulders. Just let the shampoo rinse through so you don’t snap any strands.
My hair loss has already begun to decrease, and I’m this happened as I INCREASED my dose.
It’s about nutrition from the inside out. It can be done, it just takes time.
I truly understand the suffering. My hair is to my waist. The strands are fine, but I had a TON of hair. When it started to fall out, I was devastated. I hope this information gives some hope to others and helps a bit.
unfortunately, I too have almost lost all my hair from topamax- topiramate. I found this site after taking this for 6 months and now my beautiful hair is still falling out weeks after I stopped taking this.
my doctor did not tell me about this side effect. I would have thought twice about starting it for migraines.
I did know about the weight loss, kidney stones and change in taste of food.
I could handle those- going bald- NO WAY!
I have been taking supplements such as Biotin and NuHair for over a month. my hair continues to fall out – what is left.
I filed a report to FDA today
there has to be a better medication that this.
consumers should be warned that the risk of extreme hairloss IS significant w this medication!!!!!
I have a rare blood disorder, and was prescribed topamax for pain. I also take two low dose blood pressure pills for heart failure. So when the texture of my hair started changing I blamed it on the bp meds. But my heart Dr. says the dose is too low to cause any problems with my hair. Then it started falling out. And I bought biotin today and decided to make sure I could take it with topamax and that’s how I stumbled on this blog. And now I am so mad . I’ll be calling everyone I can in the morn. The only reason I’m waiting for tomorrow is today is Sunday.
I was prescribed Topamax for seizure control. Was up to 600mg per day. Lost too much weight but my thick hair was falling out rapidly also. Very depressing. Dr reduced Topamax gradually until I was totally off of it. Hair loss continued and maybe seemed even worse than when I was taking the Topamax. About 6 months after being Topamax-free, my hair loss has stopped completely. Seemed it was almost instantly. Hope this helps those of you who are suffering hair loss from Topamax.
I USED TO TAKE TOPAMAX AND I TOO EXPERIENCED HAIR LOSS. IT WILL CONTINUE FOR ABOUT 8-12 MONTHS AFTER YOU STOP USING IT. THIS INFORMATION IS POSTED ON A TOPMAZ HAIR LOSS SITE. SO WHEN YOU STOP TAKING TOPAMAX, IT WILL TAKE TIME BUT THE HAIR WILL COME BACK.
Im am sick, everyone has the same bad news. Add me to the Topomax hair loss club. I am so angry about it. The doctor thought that she was helping me to keep me from having to use so much migraine medicine. And prescribed Topomax. I loved it felt normal for a time close to 8 months and then the huge hairloss. It is everywhere I cant touch it without it falling out. My hair was very thick past my bra strap. Its what people usually complimented me. Now my hair looks and feels like burnt straw and is so thin that you can see through it. Have been off a month and it is still falling out horribly. Im so depressed about it. How can this be prescribed without the doctor giving you the CHOICE if you want to be somewhat migraine free or have your hair. I would have chosen my HAIR. Im so angry with the doctor and the company! Im sorry for all of us! Best Wishes to all victims!
Hey Dawn, Im sorry you had to join the topamax hair loss club. My name is elaine, I had made the #17 entry up above, and I just happened to read the blog again since i made that entry years ago..I totally understand how you feel but i hope that saying your hair will grow back, most definitely, but will just take time. Since my last entry I had my 2nd baby in 2010 and decided to get back on topamax since it worked so well the 1st time. Unfortunately it didnt even help at all and the consequence of course i started losing my hair again (in addition already losing hair from the pregnancy). After saying that you’d think i’m bald already but im not =) However, yes my hair is thinner than normal but I do see new hair growing since i started losing the hair back in late Aug. But just like Tabby said, it just takes time and it sucks to say that because as females since majority of us cherish our hair. I’m still trying to figure out what meds help for my chronic migraines still and what really sucks is that we have to take our chances with whatever meds are out there if we want some help =\ Since my first baby in 2007, i’ve probably gone thru 6 or 7 different meds…my next one is actually botox. Of course im skepical and pretty nervous about the needles but whatever helps i’ll try it.
This is my first time writing on a thread, but I am simply panicked.
I’m an athletic 43-year-old woman whose been taking Topamax for about 8 years. (I used to take 400mg per day and weaned myself down to 50mg per day a year or two ago.)
About a month ago, however, I noticed the hair around my forehead thinning. But today I’ve noticed that the hairline has RECEDED. When I go to rub my forehead, hair is just gone from where it used to be (like the hairline marched back about a quarter inch overnight and you can see the empty pores from where my hair used to grow). My appetite has also left in the last day or so, which made me think of Topamax. (I am also under a lot of stress and sad. But unfortunately, I feel that way often.) Coincidentally, I increased the Topamax to 100mg about a month ago.
So I HOPE Topamax is the reason for this hair loss and that my hair will grow back!! (I just figured this out tonight.)
I’m wondering if any of the women who’ve experienced the hair loss have had a receding hairline. This is the last thing I was expecting after being on the drug for so many years, especially after I took the maximum dosage in the past.
If I get some sleep tonight, it’ll only be because the stories everyone shared. Thank you.
Wow I cannot believe there are so many with hair loss as a result of taking Topomax. I was on it for 7 months and had great success in controlling the migraines! I noticed I was forgettiing things a lot and even slurred words. I was also noticing my hair getting very dry and I was loosing it too! Because of these side effects I went off of it last July. I still have dry thin hair and am having bouts of painful red scalp. It feels like my head is on fire sometimes. I have gone to several doctors and they all try to convince me it could not be the medicine! I’ve even had a scalp biopsy. It has been a year since I quit topomax but am still suffering with thin dry hair! I just pray I will get better before I’m bald! I am sorry for all of you that are suffering hair loss like me! But I am greatful for your comments because I feel as though all of these problems Were a result of the topomax! Has anyone found any remedys besides biotin to help with their hair. I have to say I have been on magnesium supplements 2 x a day and have continued to do better with the migraines! I know it seems too easy…but I was told for several months to try it, I finally did and it really works! Good luck to everyone who is suffering!
I was taking 50+ mg a day of Topomax for about 3 months when I noticed my hair falling out at exponential rates as well! It was so alarming I weened myself off of the Topomax to take my chances with the migraines. I have the Implanon birth control method and prior to Topomax I never had any issues with my hair. Needless to say… 6 months later after stopping Topomax, my hair is falling out faster and in more substantial amounts than ever before and my scalp is VERY sensitive. It seems as though it is sore on a regular basis and I generally always wear my hair down so it can’t be from my care. Dr. Should be doing more studies on this drug.
Aside from the hair loss.. I was very lethargic and slow minded, had a sinus infect that causes my nose to bleed on the daily, I had terrible mood swings, my vision would become fogged and still hasn’t improved.
I have been taking Topamax for about 15 yrs. It’s great for migraines but now I see that it is the reason for my hair loss and receding hair line. It is scary . No one told me. BNloodwork was negative. Eating super healthy has helped with migraines, I am reducing Topamax. Thanks to all for your comments. Rogaine, Biotin has helped.
Thanks to all. I have taken Topamax for 15 yrs and my hair is thinning and I have a receding hair line. Eating healthy has helped for migraines and I am cutting down on Topamax.
Hi everyone
I am relieved and distressed at the same time to find these comments! I’ve taken Topamax for two and a half years for migraine prevention at a dosage of 50 mg daily.
Hair loss began around that time but only when shampooing and combing out the hair–never rely came out when my hair was dry. Hairdresser recommended Biotin which I began then and never improved the situation. I never made the connection to Topomax til recently as I assumed it was stress.
Over the past 9 months to a year it has gotten REALLY BAD with huge amounts of hair coming out in the comb/brush after shampooing. I’ve noticed very thin balding areas along the hairline and my hair in general is about half as thick as it used to be. I cry as I pull clumps of wet strands from my hair before blow drying. I can feel my scalp so easily through my thin hair.
My hairdresser recommended a nutritional supplement called HairRevive which I have been taking for 2 months now — wet hair still comes out but it has all the proper nutrients needed for hair loss and regrowth so I don’t want to stop it as I am still in the process of weaning off the Topamax.
The hairdresser said it has cured many other clients from hair loss and restored growth. Obviously they were not taking Topamax.
My dermatologist recommended Rogaine, but the insert on that said it would not work if the hair loss cause is due to a medicine.
Looks like all we can do is take nutritional supplements for hair loss, get off the T, and wait out a year for regrowth. May have to buy a wig in the interim.
IF ANYONE KNOWS ABOUT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TEGARDING THIS DEVASTATING SIDE EFFECT AND HOW I CAN BECOME INVOLVED IN IT, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT
ggibson001@dc.rr.com.
OR CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF PRODUCTS THAT HELP OR HOW LONG IT TOOK YOU FOR YOUR HAIR TO BE RESTORED TO NORMAL AFTER STOPPING TOPAMAX.
THANK YOU!
Hello All,
Since my last post, I have made some important discoveries! After suffering for 2-3 years with hair loss I can now happily say it has STOPPED!
I had first assumed it was stress, then the Topomax after reading this blog. However, about the same time as I began the Topimax for migraines, I switched from Synthroid for hypothyroidism to Natural Dessicated Thyroid meds from a compounding pharmacy.
Since my last post, I tapered off the Topimax AND AT THE SANE TIME saw a new endocrinologist who switched me back off the natural thyroid to Tirosint, a prescription med. The doctor told me I should start seeing improvement in hair loss within 2 weeks. I did! Not only that but now the hair loss is 95% gone!
She also told me that my Ferritin levels in my labwork were low,indicating I was not storing iron properly. This, she said could definitely cause hair loss! So I now have an appt with a hematologist to correct that issue.
I doubt that stopping the Topamax would result in such a quick resolution to the hair loss issue after reading all the posts on this blog.
Maybe it was a combination of all these factors, but know this, people: check your thyroid meds and levels as well as your Ferritin levels!!! These may be the culprits for you!
Thought I’d pass along this important info!
Good luck to everyone suffering this affliction!
Gail
I have a complicated history and lately have had a neverending unexplainable headache. Neurologist suggested Topamax in case it was related to increased intracranial hypertension or some sort of complex migraine. Tried all the other migrained drugs and they didn’t work. First thing doc mentioned was the hair loss, I don’t care so long as this drug can get rid of the headache. My hair is Merida from the movie “Brave”. The other problems she brought up like word finding and concentration I already have problems on my temporal lobe from multiple surgeries there. This is day 6 and haven’t noticed any side effects she said except for immediate loss of appetite. I only eat cos my mom gives me a look if I don’t. On the last three days I noticed about 20 hours after/4 hours before taking the 25 that my scalp, underarm, eyebrows and pubic areas get really really itchy. Since these are the areas that grow hair I’m wondering if this is relate to the hair loss thing. I noticed a lot of you only started experiencing it between 2-10months after starting the drug though. Did anyone get it so soon after starting? And did it ever get so bad as 100%? I see a lot of people say they lose 50% but did it ever cause 100% total baldness?
i started topmax about 4 months ago , the dr told me it was the best drug to take for weight loss! however by auguest my hair was faling out so bad strands every where , by sept,1 2014 i stoped this disguisting drug well now my hair is so short still falling out looks like a brillo pad . iam only 36 years old i look so bad i cry everyday i where a hat everyday.iam a hair stylist on top of it all and it looks so bad for me, i dont want to leave my house . it has not grown back at all it is so short it is maybe an inch off my scalp . iam so upset how dare i even listen to this dr, but again you think there doctors so you trust them! well i called n told them right away i was told oh we never heard topmax causes hair loss! REALLY!!! of course there gonna say that to protect there ass! i have 2 babies it kills me everyday that i look like a ugly rat! its not worth it
everyone run eat right stay away from alot of carbs! these doctors no nothing cause if they did why would they put us on thismeds knowing how bad the side affects are what doctor does that! iam sure it will grow back but its gonna take years i cant even put exstentions in my hair i have nothing to cover over them to hide the kertain bonding!! i look like a brillo thank you TOPMAX!!! stay far away from it!!!
I started topmax Dec 2015 for migraines first time in twelve yes that I was suffering migraines at 15 out of 30 days a month. I felt like my Dr found a miracle drug. I have been bragging for months. Little did I know that it was gonna turn into a nightmare. I take two tablets two times a day. But now I am decreasing and getting ready to get off asap. I am losing my hair. I’m am suffering from itching and burning of the scalp
P along with hair loss. I also have spent alot of money on treatments shampoos and vitamins. Had blood work and nothing is wrong. No hair is coming back just continuing to fall out. I am now looking into non surgical procedure. This is a nightmare. I now have headaches from this street and don’t have to worry about the weight I loss cause right now I to depressed to even eat. My miracle drug has turned into nightmare
This is all freaking me out so much. I’m 18 and have been on topamax since I was around 14 or 15. February of last year j started noticing hairloss but did nothing and thought nothing. In the summer it began to get really bad so I saw a dermatologist who did a biopsy that came back as telogen effluvium. So after hearing that I figured it would stop within 6months (remembering it already started in feb) it is now a year later and j have almost no hair. I had the thickest head of hair in school everyone loved it and now I have nothing. I went to tons of Drs who said it was not medicine and that it was just happening, all my bloodwork was negative I was tested for everything possible. Finally I started reading about topomax and decided that could be the cause. So I went in the hospital for a week a month ago and got right off topamax and right onto zonogram. My hair is falling out faster and more than ever after being taken off the topomax. It’s insane. The Drs told me it would take 3-4 months to stop after coming off of it but with what I’m reading on here it doesn’t seem that way. I’m absolutely terrified I want my hair back. Does anyone have ANY good news that their hair eventually stopped coming out after taking the drug? And Also was anyone on it for years before they started noticing hairloss? If anyone has anything to say please please email me ariella042@gmail.com I’m so desperate.
I have been taking T for a little under a year and noticed my hair falling out real bad the past 4 mnths…… I am so upset… Why wont it stop and why weren’t we warned…… I hope a law suit happens….. please let me know if there is one riverabros5@comcast.net
Testosterone causes hair loss in men with the genes for hair loss
I have been on the drug since May and my hair is constantly falling out. We need to report it to the makers. There has to be a lawyer somewhere that will listen.
I have been on topamax for 20 years and now wear wigs. I am completely heart broken. I had lovely hair. I was put on Topamax for a off label use for mood disorder. Where I could of been put on so many different other medications. So very sad. I am 47 and have to wear wigs to look pretty. I stopped taking this medication (cold turkey) six months ago with no problem at all and have noticed no change so far.
I had a man a while back who did Scalp Micropigmentation after he took off his hair piece. He went to the office and everyone commented that he should have shaved his head years ago because he looked good showing off all of that ‘nice hair’ (it was really the scalp micropigmentation as he had a Class 7 balding pattern but looked like a man with a fully shaved head of hair after he has the SMP done. (see here: https://scalpmicropigmentation.com/bold-shaved-look/)