Does Trokendi XR cause hair loss?

Yes, topiramate, the active ingredient in Trokendi XR has been shown to cause hair loss (alopecia) in clinical studies, but it is not a common side effect. Alopecia with immediate-release topiramate has been reported in 1% to 4% of children ages 6 to 16 years of age, and in 3% to 4% of patients older than 16 years of age. Higher doses of topiramate (400 mg/day) led to higher rates of hair loss than lower doses (50 mg/day).

Data evaluating side effects with Trokendi XR were gathered from previous studies evaluating immediate-release topiramate. It is expected that Trokendi XR would produce a similar side effect profile as immediate-release topiramate, as reported by the manufacturer in the product label.

What is Trokendi XR approved for?

Trokendi XR is an extended-release (long-acting) oral capsule that is taken once-a-day to help prevent seizures in certain forms of epilepsy in patients 6 years of age and older and for migraine prevention in patients 12 years and older.

For seizure prevention in patients 6 years and older, Trokendi XR is used as initial monotherapy (as the only medicine) for the treatment of partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is also used with other medicines for the treatment of partial-onset, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients 6 years of age and older.

Which side effects occur most commonly?

Trokendi XR can have a number of common side effects when used for either epilepsy or migraine headache prevention. Some of the more common side effects include:

In epilepsy: (incidence ≥ 10% and more frequent than placebo or low-dose topiramate)

• paresthesia (unusual feeling of the skin, such as burning, numbness, tingling, or “pin-and-needles”)
• anorexia (lack or loss of appetite)
• weight loss
• speech disorders or related speech problem
• fatigue and somnolence (drowsiness)
• dizziness
• nervousness
• mental slowing, slowed reflexes
• vision change
• fever

In migraine: (incidence ≥5% and more frequent than placebo):

• paresthesia
• anorexia
• weight loss
• difficulty with memory
• altered taste
• diarrhea
• hypoesthesia (a decrease in sensations such as the feeling of touch or temperature)
• nausea
• pain in stomach area
• upper respiratory tract infection

Trokendi XR also has a number of more serious warnings, precautions and side effects.

• View more side effects (in detail)

Related questions

• How does Trokendi XR help with weight loss?
• Are Topamax and Trokendi XR the same thing?
• When is the best time of day to take Trokendi XR?

Who makes Trokendi XR?

Trokendi XR is made by Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Immediate-release topiramate is available as a generic option, but Trokendi XR is not yet available generically. Immediate-release generic topiramate is manufactured by several different companies.

Trokendi XR comes as extended-release capsules in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg.

This is not all the information you need to know about Trokendi XR (topiramate extended-release) for safe and effective use. Review the full patient information for Trokendi XR and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.