Does Gabapentin Trigger Hair Loss?

The utilization of specific medicines can result in hair loss in some individuals. Right here, we are going to talk about one such drug referred to as gabapentin. Fairly a number of individuals have been complaining that gabapentin causes hair loss. If you’re questioning in regards to the impact of gabapentin on hair development and well being, you’re on the proper place. Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug used to treatment neurotic problems like seizures. On this article, we are going to discuss gabapentin, its results on hair, and suggestions for managing its unwanted side effects. Learn on.

In This Article

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin (GBP) is an antiepileptic drug. It’s used to deal with seizures and neuropathic ache. It’s structurally just like gamma‐aminobutyric acid or GABA, a neurotransmitter (1), (2). This drugs works on the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate ache. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism of this drug is but unknown. The U.S. FDA approves gabapentin for treating circumstances like (3):

Partial seizures
Nerve ache
Spinal twine damage
Shingles
Diabetic neuropathy
Fibromyalgia
Stressed legs syndrome

It’s obtainable as both generic treatment or branded as Neurontin and Gralise(3). Like a number of different medicines, gabapentin additionally has some unwanted side effects, and one in every of them is hair loss.

Does Gabapentin Trigger Hair Loss?

Sure. Just a few research point out that gabapentin could trigger hair loss. Nevertheless, additional analysis is required to determine if it’s a widespread facet impact. Though alopecia is an occasional facet impact of antiepileptic brokers, there are solely two instances reported for gabapentin.

A case research involving a 28-year-old lady discovered that gabapentin induced vital hair loss. The girl reported hair loss after every week of taking 1800 mg/day dose of gabapentin (2).

One other research additionally noticed hair loss and alopecia in three sufferers after six months of beginning remedy (4). In each instances, hair fall stopped after discontinuing gabapentin.

Nevertheless, additional case research are required to find out the extent of hair loss induced by gabapentin. Like another drug-induced hair loss, gabapentin-induced hair loss can be reversible.

Does Hair Develop Again After Stopping Gabapentin?

Sure. It’s possible that after you cease taking the drug, hair development could resume.

There are solely two situations the place the researchers indicated that gabapentin-induced hair development might resume as soon as the treatment is discontinued. Quite the opposite, one other assessment means that gabapentin could result in everlasting hair loss (1). The manufacturing firm doesn’t record this long-term facet impact.

Not one of the research are conclusive, and additional analysis is required to confirm whether or not or not gabapentin-induced hair loss is reversible.

Gabapentin utilization may trigger different unwanted side effects. Scroll right down to study extra.

What Are The Different Facet Results Of Gabapentin?

In line with the very fact sheet supplied by the FDA, a number of the widespread unwanted side effects of gabapentin are (3):

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Blurry or double imaginative and prescient
Coordination and focus points
Swelling of the arms, legs, and ft
Fatigue (2)
Nausea and vomiting (2)

FDA additionally warns about some extreme unwanted side effects of gabapentin if taken with different medicines like opioids or medication that suppress the CNS (3). The unwanted side effects embrace:

Confusion or disorientation
Uncommon dizziness or lightheadedness
Excessive sleepiness
Unresponsiveness
Bluish-colored or tinted pores and skin, particularly on the lips, fingers, and toes

Alert: Gabapentin can be linked to melancholy, suicidal ideation, and aggressive conduct (5).

If you’re taking gabapentin and are experiencing any of the unwanted side effects, seek the advice of your physician instantly.

Gabapentin is an FDA-approved prescription drugs used to deal with varied nerve-related issues, together with epilepsy and neuropathic ache. This drug acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to deal with ache. Just a few research have discovered a correlation between gabapentin and hair loss, however additional analysis is required to verify the connection. In the event you discover hair loss whereas utilizing this drugs, discuss to your physician. The FDA additionally advises that gabapentin could work together with different medicines similar to opioids or CNS depressants and trigger critical unwanted side effects. Due to this fact, at all times use it below the supervision of a physician.

Steadily Requested Questions

Does gabapentin present up in hair follicles?

Probably. In line with anecdotal proof, it’s uncommon to check for gabapentin within the follicles, however it’s doable to search out the compound as much as 90 days after publicity.

Can I’ve a glass of wine whereas on gabapentin?

No. You need to keep away from consuming alcohol whereas on gabapentin as it could result in adversarial results.

Is it OK to take gabapentin and tylenol collectively?

Probably. Whereas there are not any identified interactions between gabapentin and tylenol, it is suggested to seek the advice of your physician earlier than taking them collectively.

Key Takeaways

Hair development could resume when you cease taking Gabapentin.
FDA states that Gabapentin may cause coordination and focus points, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
You should seek the advice of the physician should you expertise the unwanted side effects of Gabapentin.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified info from peer-reviewed and tutorial analysis papers, reputed organizations, analysis establishments, and medical associations to make sure accuracy and relevance. Take a look at our editorial coverage for additional particulars.

Gabapentin: An replace of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in epilepsy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263084/
Alopecia Related to Gabapentin within the Remedy of Neuropathic Ache
https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(08)00650-7/fulltext
FDA warns about critical respiration issues with seizure and nerve ache medicines gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)
https://www.fda.gov/medication/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-serious-breathing-problems-seizure-and-nerve-pain-medicines-gabapentin-neurontin
A Postmarketing Surveillance Examine of Gabapentin as Add‐on Remedy for 3,100 Sufferers in England
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1528-1157.2002.01702.x
Gabapentin-related suicide: Fable or reality?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213802/

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Annie Jangam

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content author. She enjoys dissecting complicated scientific research and shuffling via the scientific jargon to make… extra