Has anyone had hair loss while on gabapentin?
Question posted by Farrah711 on 19 May 2018
Last updated on 5 September 2024 by cleo130
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23 Answers Page 2
I have been on Gabapentin for over 15 years and I have not had any hair loss. I take it for Interstitial Cystitis, but previously took Elmiron for the IC and experienced a good deal of hair loss with that drug. Good luck to you.
OMG, it just hit me tonight - yes that’s my problem!! Plus my doctor increased my dosage to them on top of it all!! Thank you so much for your post.
Hi Farrah,
I’m so sorry you're going through this! I took Gabapentin many years ago to prevent migraines. I didn’t recall why I stopped. Recently a doctor put me back on it for sciatica. Within one month, my hair started falling out and of course I then recalled that was the reason I stopped it in the first place. I have done a ton of research and while Gabapentin has not been widely studied for this side effect, anti seizure medications in general are known to cause hair loss and there is anecdotal evidence that Gabapentin does cause hair loss in some people. My hair grew back the first time but it did take a while. Your hair should grow back but I realize how upsetting the loss is. If it were me, I would see an expert in drug induced alopecia (hair loss) or at least start researching it. Good luck and keep the faith. The hair DOES grow back.
Due to opioid crisis, my pain doctor drastically decreased my pain medication. To help control my pain and neuralgia, she tripled my dosage of Gabapentin. Over the last few months, I have loss a huge amount of hair. Thank you everyone for seeking help and sharing your story. I’m embarrassed to say it, but I was relieved to see that other people have experienced hair loss from taking Gabapentin! I dreaded going to my primary care doctor next week to have tests done. I was afraid that I had some serious condition! Now, I can discuss getting off the drug. I’m also relieved to see that my hair will grow back! Thanks again!
I've been on gabapentin 20 years. Started losing hair 5 years ago. I was blaming it on gabapentin but found out atorvastatin for cholesterol is causing it
Yes I have been taking this medicine and now I am experiencing hair loss!
I been on neurotin400mg up to 800mg twice four times a day for six years and haven't lost any hair at all. Also I know like 5people who also been on gabapentin for years too and I just contacted them all and none of them had any issues losing hair and never heard anyone who did
Hi Farrah. I took Lyrica for 7-8 years and I had a horrible experience on it. One of the side effects that I had was losing my hair. I finally finished tapering off Lyrica in June last year (2017) and now I have my full head of hair back. It’s crazy what these medications can affect... from hair loss to poor eyesight to weight gain (or loss for some) to lack of lack of desire for sex and so on. I realized that the side effects far outweighed the almost no help for my problems. Take care.
Thank u so much for your reply.
Did the hair loss occur right away or after a couple of months?
Thank you so much
Hi Farrah. Sorry it’s taken me awhile to message you back. I’ve had a rough day. Slept a lot of it. I really don’t remember if I started losing hair at the beginning of taking the Lyrica... I have forgotten a lot of things these past ten years. Between the pain and the medications they have done so much damage to me, my body and my life.I don’t think l was taking it very long before I started getting all the side effects but I didn’t connect it to the Lyrica. I would have to say that I started losing my hair a few months after I started taking it; but I’m not 100% sure. Sorry I can’t be more specific. How about you? When did it start with you? Do you have other side effects too?
Sorry I meant to add that there are things that will help with getting your hair back. They have helped a lot of people. If you want any information on it just let me know and I will send you the info.
Thank u so much.
I stopped the gab at three mos when the hair loss started. One of my dogs was put on it too.
She had a square on her back where her fur stopped growing.
I stopped the in sept 2017 shedding still now in June 2018.
I had enough hair for 5 people.
I cry every day in the shower.
I would appreciate any help suggestions re my hair.
Long healthy beautiful strands.
I know what you’re going through. I miss my full head of curly hair; but I’m relieved that this side effect/withdrawal symptom can be restored. One thing that will help is rubbing rosemary essential Oil into your scalp. You can add a few drops in your shampoo too. I have heard that people have had good luck with Black Cumin Oil and Tea Tree Oil also. You can also try taking Biotin Keratin Supplements. They help with skin and nails too. Organic Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner will help to thicken your hair. I hope that this information will help you to get your beautiful hair back. xo
I am so happy u got your hair back?
I have written yr tips re the essential oils down.
Thank u so much!
I just searched the internet with the same question because I noticed a significant amount of hair loss since taking Gabapentin. I was prescribed this medication after a two-level cervical fusion 7 weeks ago and have had ongoing right arm radiculopathy. Today I decided to stop taking this medicine because it is not helping with my right arm pain and because I believe it is causing significant hair loss.
Related topics
pain, fibromyalgia, gabapentin, pain medication, hair
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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