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blackcat521
New Member

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 13

Posted 6/28/2005 8:58 AM (GMT -6)

I am currently taking 2000 mg of depakote a day. I have been having hair loss, much more than normal. I can see my hairline receding. I noticed one of the side effects is hair loss. I asked my neurologists nurse about it and they called me today and told me the only thing they could do would be to change my medication and try topamax. I asked her if there was just something I could take to counter balance the hair loss, she said no, he would change the meds. Anyone here have this problem??? Please let me know. I would appreciate any input!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleep Apnea

Hypothyroidism

Insulin Resistance

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

Anemia

Epilepsy

Daisy9980
Veteran Member

Date Joined Sep 2004
Total Posts : 775

Posted 6/28/2005 12:10 PM (GMT -6)

HI. I experienced great hair loss when I started Keppra back in September. My neuro said it wasn't too common with the Keppra. I started taking Biotin that is a supplement from the vitamin shop. It is supposed to promote hair growth in the scalp. I would check that out. I also put on 20 pounds from the Kep. Neuro said that wasn't normal either. I didn't want to switch from Kep to Topamax, cause I did have seizure control . And ultimately that was most important to me. Good luck with your decision. I would go to the vitamin shop and check out alternatives first before switching med. Take care

I see hypothyroidism in your siggy, maybe that is contributing to your hair loss in addition to the depakote...just a thought. Tracy

blackcat521
New Member

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 13

Posted 6/28/2005 2:33 PM (GMT -6)

Thank you for making me think about the hypothyroidism. I mean I knew I had it, but hadn't thought about checking it. I called my endocrinologist and he is ordering a blood test so I can definitely rule that out before doing anything else. Thanks again!!!

Christie

Sleep Apnea

Hypothyroidism

Insulin Resistance

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

Anemia

Epilepsy

kayakmom
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jul 2003
Total Posts : 585

Posted 6/28/2005 3:46 PM (GMT -6)

Christie, I Hope you can find something to help. It is so hard to deal with hair falling out like that when you need that medication.

Good idea to check on a thyroid thing going on! Hope you can figure it out....

Tracy, do you still have the problems with Keppra or did they ease in time? My daughter has problems with thinning hair on Zonegran. Just curious if it ever gets better...

Hang in there!! Ginny

whiskey girl
New Member

Date Joined Jun 2005
Total Posts : 6

Posted 6/28/2005 8:01 PM (GMT -6)

I had this problem on epival

whiskey girl

Daisy9980
Veteran Member

Date Joined Sep 2004
Total Posts : 775

Posted 6/29/2005 6:55 PM (GMT -6)

Basically I think that when I started taking it for the first three months my hair was coming out alot. Now I don't think it is shedding as much as it was. I don't know Ginny, it is so tough. I have alot of trouble with the weight issue and hair with the keppra. But it has keep TCs away so I stick with it.

And that is why I thought about the thyroid thing in your sig. I learned in school about it and my Keppra effects my thyroid levels (hypo) and that caused alot of weight gain and hair loss. The Keppra effected me in strange ways, but I refuse to take another drug to fix another drugs problem

Take care guys Tracy

Stella Marie
Forum Moderator

Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 602

Posted 6/30/2005 2:01 PM (GMT -6)

I worked with Depakote in clinical research trials so I am very familiar with it's associated hair loss. The phormaceutical company explained to me that want you are experiencing is hair breakage and not actual loss or damage to the hair follicle or root. People usually experience this after taking Depakote for several weeks. The breakage does resolve in 3 - 6 months. It was also explained to me that Depakote bonds with certain minerals and creates a depletion/interaction with zinc and selenium within the body. A recommendation was that patients taking Depakote should take a good multivitamin like Centrum Silver that contain additional zinc and selemium. This will help reduce but not necessarily elimnate the breakage. In my experience, after about 6 months the hair breakage does indeed stop. I have never had anyone develop an actual bald patch - but it was always described as thinning or hairs found in the shower or bottom of the sink. How this information is helpful

You never have to grow up....

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stox4pat
Regular Member

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 214

Posted 7/6/2005 5:03 PM (GMT -6)

Hi. I am really sorry about your hair loss. I was on Depakote (5000 mgs) for over 20 years. Prior to that I had long thick hair. Then i started slowly losing my hair. It was very thin and was difficult to see growth. I am a female and it was important to me that I had nice hair, however seizure control was MUCH more important, as I am sure you will agree. So, I continued the Depakote and just "lived" with the side effects. Eventually, I started having seizures again and my Neuro tried so many different meds I cannot even count. Needless to say I am now taking Keppra and am completely controlled, and have no side effects that I am aware of. I have been on the Keppra for 3 years now. So, I believe it to be the Depakote. My husband is a physician and goes to all my appointments with me and he also agrees. I will say that if I didnt start having seizures again, I would have stuck with the Depakote. I consider it a "wonder drug". Besides my seizure control, it also helped my headaches and my depression. I have grand mals and I am 43 and have been having them since age 12. I hope this helped and best of luck.

Peace and sunshine,

Patti

sarahshel
New Member

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted Yesterday 12:48 PM (GMT -6)

I switched from Topomax to Keppra last month b/c the Topomax was making my migraines worse. I haven't had a seizure in almost a year and wanted to go off everything but the doctors wouldn't let me. As soon as I ramped up my dosage of Keppra I started noticing that my hair was falling out. It's starting to make me have panic attacks. Does anyone know if I stop the Keppra that my hair will stop falling out? And if so, how long does it take? I can't live with this side effect.

stox4pat
Regular Member

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 214

Posted Yesterday 6:17 PM (GMT -6)

Hi ladies (I am assuming we are all ladies). That said, I have an idea for all of us..Topamax, Keppra and Depakote users. I have colitis along with Epilepsy..grand mal seizures. With my colitis, I have chronic watery diarreha (so sorry to be gross, but it is my world!) Anyway, because of the loss of water in my colon and explosive diarreh, I amSO lucky to be Anemic also...lucky me..LOL! My General Practice Doctor put me on prenatal vitamins w/iron. Ladies, my hair, nails,etc are thick and long and strong! Now, if u have insurance get the prescription ones (Natafort w/iron). I tried the over-the-counter ones and they did nothing. If u have any questions or concerns, please feel free to either post, or my email is in my profile. I am more than happy to help. We are all friends.

I am here for all of you...peace and love,

Patti ;~)

Epilepsy (31 years) Depakote (250mg x 5per day) Keppra (300mg x 2 per day), Valium-myolclonic jerks PRN/as neeed

Colitis (5years) Donnatal, Entocort EC 3mg (3 a day, started 7/14/05)

Infertility (20 years)

Migraines/daily headaches (5 years) Fioricet w/Codeine

Depression (4ever) Effexor 150mg take for Bi-Polar and Depression

Bi-Polar (2-4 years) Depakote and Effexor 150mg

Leg cramps/Restless leg syndrome (3 years) Neurontin 300mg 1per day

connie222
New Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 1

Posted 1/14/2006 6:53 PM (GMT -6)

i am also taking depakote and am having major hair loss i am taking 1500 mg a day and would like to know how to get my hair back help

marcycat
New Member

Date Joined Jun 2006
Total Posts : 1

Posted 6/4/2006 9:46 AM (GMT -6)

Hi all,

I have been having simular problems as all of you. I have been diagnosed with epilepsy at age 33. I have had two grand mal seizures in the past two years. After the second one last November (2005) they put me on lamictal. I have felt fine with the drug other than the fact that my hair is receding and coming out in clumps in the shower. It makes me want to cry. The doctor put me on a trial run of Topamax. It has been a week and I feel so naucious and sick. I looked up on the web and it too has hair loss as a side effect. Ugh. I see that some of you have had luck with keppra and prescriptioned pre natal vitamins. I will give that a try. I hate this

ALEX111
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 8/4/2007 1:12 AM (GMT -6)

Reason for Edit

This post breaks Rule #4. (http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=46&m=106997) Please email me if you have any questions

Post Edited By Moderator (djdaz_1985) : 8/5/2007 2:18:38 PM (GMT-6)

Wendy6126
New Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 10

Posted 8/5/2007 5:34 AM (GMT -6)

Hey,
This hair loss thing is terrible, i asked my doctors so many times if my siezer meds cause this and was told no. Was on Dilantin for almost 10 yrs then they switched me to Keppra about 4 yrs ago . My hair is like straw, my finger and toe nails seem to almost shatter so brittle. Thought it had to be from these meds cause didnt have the problem before, also have gained about 50 lbs after starting the Keppra . Docs all say this is just getting older gaining weight. Have been on thyroid meds (Hypo thyroid) for about 15 yrs . Also was wondering if anyone ever noticed that when they go to dentist novicane does not work. When I was on Dilantin novicane would not work , Had a nurse tell me many yrs later when they were going to use novicane to do endoscope I almost freaked out that it wouldnt deaden it. She said that happens a lot and they would use something diff. and I was so relieved. On Keppra this does not seem to be problem.

elizleigh
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2007
Total Posts : 15

Posted 9/12/2007 10:00 AM (GMT -6)

I have been on Topamax since I was diagnosed with epilepsy back in July and since then my hair has been falling out in clumps. I have bald patches in the back and sides of my head. I was also just recently put on Lamictal so now I'm really scared. I started taking 5mg of biotin as well as using Nioxin shampoo as soon as I started noticing the shedding. I think it may have worked as the shedding slowed. I stopped the Nioxin as I was sick of spending the money. As soon as I stopped, I noticed the shedding start immediately again... I'll be making a trip to the salong this week...

I've had my thyroid checked and it came back perfectly fine so we know it's the medication causing it.

Diagnosed w/ Hypertension 2003, Depression 2006, Epilepsy 7/2007

Topamax 100 mg

Lamictal 200 mg

Cymbalta 30 mg

Diovan 160 mg

odzer
New Member

Date Joined Oct 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 10/11/2007 11:11 AM (GMT -6)

Daisy I have a question did the biotin do you any good. My mother is facing a similar problem with Keppra and she was just started on Biotin. She is taking 2.5 mg daily of biotin and she is on 500 mg Keppra. Please share if you are doing well with your hair loss problem.

elizleigh
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2007
Total Posts : 15

Posted 10/18/2007 1:19 PM (GMT -6)

Stella Marie said...
I worked with Depakote in clinical research trials so I am very familiar with it's associated hair loss. The phormaceutical company explained to me that want you are experiencing is hair breakage and not actual loss or damage to the hair follicle or root. People usually experience this after taking Depakote for several weeks. The breakage does resolve in 3 - 6 months. It was also explained to me that Depakote bonds with certain minerals and creates a depletion/interaction with zinc and selenium within the body. A recommendation was that patients taking Depakote should take a good multivitamin like Centrum Silver that contain additional zinc and selemium. This will help reduce but not necessarily elimnate the breakage. In my experience, after about 6 months the hair breakage does indeed stop. I have never had anyone develop an actual bald patch - but it was always described as thinning or hairs found in the shower or bottom of the sink. How this information is helpful

Stella Marie,

Do you know if this zink & selenium depletion/interaction goes for other drugs such as Topamax and Lamictal as well as Depakote? Your post was so interesting and informative and brings so much to light.

Thanks,
Beth

30 years old, Diagnosed w/ Hypertension 2003, Depression 2006, Epilepsy 7/2007

Topamax 100 mg

Soon to be up to Lamictal 200 mg

Cymbalta 30 mg

Diovan 160 mg

missmm
New Member

Date Joined Oct 2007
Total Posts : 10

Posted 10/18/2007 1:41 PM (GMT -6)

Hello All,
I was placed on Keppra and Warfarin after I had a stroke and seizures as a result of taking birth control pills in May 2007. My doctor just took me off of the Keppra since I have been seizure free for 5 months. While taking these meds I experienced significant hair loss and thinning. Nothing I did seemed to help. I used biotin and calcium. My hair continued to fall out. Does anyone know how long I can expect this to continue now that the keppra has been discontinued (thank God)? My doctor is 100% sure my storke was caused by birth control and my hair loss is definitley from the medication.
Thanks,
MM

djdaz_1985
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 2408

Posted 10/19/2007 4:47 AM (GMT -6)

Hi there,

Keppra is a very fast acting drug and hence, it disappears as quick as it goes in. Generally I would say about a week (Although some people say as quickly as 48 hours) to be completely out of your system, although your hair may take longer than that to repair itself. The hair itself (as Stella Marie has said) can take 3-6 months. I am pretty sure that this is from the point where the drug is out of your system.

Darren

Everyone has a guardian angel. They help pick you up when you fall, comfort you through your times of need and help you appreciate the times when things are going well.

Moderator - Epilepsy Forum

Co-Moderator - Depression Forum

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sweetnlow12483
New Member

Date Joined Oct 2007
Total Posts : 2

Posted 10/31/2007 11:33 AM (GMT -6)

I was on Keppra for a little over a year and stopped in July. During the time when Iwas taking the medicine I gained 20lbs and experienced a good amount of hair loss. I have since lost the weight but am still experiencing the hairloss. It's really starting to scare me. I use to have really thick hair. Yesterday I picked up some Biotin. I hope this works. And I hope that Darren is right about the 3-6 months. Is there anything else I can do to help facilitate the healing process?

BethAnne0724
New Member

Date Joined Dec 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 12/25/2007 12:52 AM (GMT -6)

I am a Mom of a 10 year old born at 24 weeks gestation. She has had numerous medical issues and just began having seizures last March. She started keppra in August and now is losing a significant amount of hair. Gracie gets her meds through her g-tube. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do besides changing meds? The keppra has worked well in that she hasn't had any seizure activity since August after six weeks of hell going to the ER and ending up on a vent in the PICU. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Another Day
Veteran Member

Date Joined Mar 2007
Total Posts : 1055

Posted 12/25/2007 6:49 PM (GMT -6)

Bethanne,

I want to welcome you to HealingWell. I do take Keppra and have had some hair loss, obviously not to the degree that your Gracie has. Darren, the moderator of this site will probably be coming around in a few hours and may have some suggestions. He really knows quite a bit about epilepsy. Other than that, all I can suggest is that you get in touch with Gracie's neurologist and I know you hate to go through a medication change, especially when the Keppra is working for her.

Good luck!

Carla

Moderator, Allergies/Asthma

Help support the forums so we can support you: http://www.healingwell.com/donate

Epilepsy, asthma, GERD, depression, hypothyroidism, tinnitus

ivy77
New Member

Date Joined Dec 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 12/30/2007 11:47 PM (GMT -6)

Hi, I just started 200 mg of zonegran a few months ago and have thinning hair and sore muscles and joints. I am not sure if it is the medicine but i never had these problems before. i also take 400 mg of lamictal. Maybe mixing them. I don't know. I feel it might be the zonegran. I went to my primary doctor and had blood work done and it was all normal, which leads me to believe it's the medicine.

kayakmom said...
Christie, I Hope you can find something to help. It is so hard to deal with hair falling out like that when you need that medication.

Good idea to check on a thyroid thing going on! Hope you can figure it out....

Tracy, do you still have the problems with Keppra or did they ease in time? My daughter has problems with thinning hair on Zonegran. Just curious if it ever gets better...

Hang in there!! Ginny

missmm
New Member

Date Joined Oct 2007
Total Posts : 10

Posted 1/5/2008 11:13 AM (GMT -6)

Hi Darren,
I wanted to let you know you were right about the decrease in hair loss after I stopped taking keppra. Thankfully, my seizures have stopped (its been 8 months now) and I am off all of my medication. My hair started growing back normally and the thinning stopped around one month after I stopped taking Keppra. Taking biotin and calcium didn't seem to help my hair loss at all for those of you who have tried these vitamins.
missm

djdaz_1985
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 2408

Posted 1/7/2008 6:04 AM (GMT -6)

Thats great news... thanks for the update!

Everyone has a guardian angel. They help pick you up when you fall, comfort you through your times of need and help you appreciate the times when things are going well.

Moderator - Epilepsy Forum

Co-Moderator - Depression Forum

Help support the forums so we can support you: http://www.healingwell.com/donate

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