Topamax and hair loss?

[sassi]

I've noticed, lately, that I've been losing a lot more hair than normal. I was wondering if this was a side effect of the topamax (on topamirate). I've lost about 20 lbs since I started the medication, I went from 153 to 130-132 or so. I'm also 5'8", I used to weigh 115 after a pretty nasty surgery and I finally gained that weight back but now I'm back down again. I don't mind weight loss but I mind my hair starting to thin out more than normal. I already have fine hair, I don't really need to start losing hair again.

I'm on 100 mgs so I don't really understand. Food doesn't taste overly bad, it doesn't taste that great anymore. I have this metallic, minty taste in my mouth so the only things that taste remotely good are spicy things which I try to eat over other things just to keep my weight up but I still... eh, I really don't want to be losing any hair. I started to notice it when I was combing my hair in the morning and it's only gotten more excessive since then. Aside from the topamax not killing my seizures, I'm pretty annoyed about the hair loss. Quite inconvenient.

If anyone has any insight on this that'd be absolutely wonderful! I'm just pretty much at my wits end seeing so much of my hair in the sink after I brush it.

 

[cadsgj]

After looking up several links that talk about drug side effects, none of them showed hair loss to be one of them...BUT that does not mean that it is not. I would suggest going to the (or a) family doctor and talking to him/her. I know my family doctor has a couple very detailed books he would look in if he did not have an answer for me which he knew with certainty.

I know the first time I went to my present family doctor, my problem was not overly normal for him and to get answers for me he went and checked a couple books for an answer. When he came back he was direct in telling me he checked out these books, he gave me the answers he came up with and stated he would contact another doctor for a second opinion. So in the ten years I have been seeing him, I have had a good deal of respect for him.

Anyhow, just my opinion here for you. Wish I had a known answer I could just give you...

 

[Nakamova]

Rapid or excessive weight loss can cause hair loss as well. Thyroid issues can too. You might want to check in with your regular doc to make sure there aren't other health issues playing a role.

 

[sassi]

I'll make an appointment with my GP. I don't feel like it's a thyroid issue as I don't really have any of the symptoms (they're all coinciding with the medication side effects and such) but I do think I just need to get a general check-up just to see where I'm at. I'm taking all my multivitamins and stuff so... I dunno.

Yay more doctor visits... Just what I always wanted. And I have to get settled in with a new GP, too, since my other GP left to spend time with her family. I understand her situation but I don't like having to get used to a new GP.