If you’re taking gabapentin and you notice that your hair is thinning, the drug may be to blame. Though it’s uncommon, hair loss is a side effect that can occur with a number of medications, including gabapentin.

According to some studies, gabapentin may be to blame for hair loss. Even though it is not frequently experienced, hair loss is a side effect of gabapentin.

Here’s a look at why it happens and how to combat drug-induced hair loss.

What is Gabapentin?

Put simply, gabapentin is an oral prescription antiepileptic and anti-seizure medication.

In order to prevent episodes of the various conditions it treats, this extended-release capsule must be taken at regular, uninterrupted intervals, and problems can arise if a dose is missed.

More broadly, gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat symptoms of everything from shingles to restless leg syndrome, but its main use is treating seizures by “decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.”

It’s also sometimes used to treat a condition called diabetic neuropathy, which is a pain or discomfort experienced by people who have diabetes-based nerve damage.

Does Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?

Alopecia (hair loss) is a rare side effect of gabapentin, despite being less common.

The opposite outcome, known as hirsutism, and dermatological conditions like eczema and dry skin can also occur as a result of it. Other antiepileptic drugs have a higher likelihood of hair loss than gabapentin

Side Effects of Gabapentin

Memory loss, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, heartburn, increased appetite, weight gain, unwanted eye movements, unsteadiness, double or blurred vision, swelling of the extremities, back or joint pain, fever—the full list is here, but you get the idea.

Any of these symptoms should be discussed with your doctor, but you need to get help right away if you also experience a rash, itching, hoarseness, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes, difficulty breathing, or any other of the following symptoms.

Please read the entire list if you are currently taking this medication.

Could some of those things have side effects on your hair? Well, yes.

Will Hair Grow Back After Neurontin Use?

The good news is that hair grew after taking Neurontin, according to researchers who wrote a 2009 letter. According to some theories, patients who continued taking this medication eventually stopped experiencing hair loss and started growing it back.

When you stop taking the drug, drug-induced hair loss typically comes to an end and is reversed. On an individual basis, however, the time it takes for hair to grow back after taking gabapentin.

Your health and safety should always come first, so if you notice any unpleasant or unintended side effects while taking medication, contact your doctor right away. If you keep your discomfort to yourself, you run the risk of developing some serious or potentially fatal issues in the future.

How is Gabapentin-induced Hair Loss Treated?

Drug-induced alopecia is typically only temporary. Your hair will begin to grow again once you stop taking the offending medication, and everything returns to normal. If you want to grow your hair more quickly, read our guide.

Drugs that stimulate hair growth may be necessary for patients who continue to lose hair despite stopping their medication.

To treat this condition, your doctor might advise finasteride or minoxidil.

Or, you can take their natural alternatives to effectively combat hair loss without the side effects (with consultation).

Do not try any remedies you find without prior consultation. They might affect how other medications you’re taking work.

The typical working time for a safe hair growth solution is three to six months.

Ask your pharmacist about the possibility of drug interactions if you are taking any other medications.

Summary

A very helpful medication called gabapentin aids in the seizure control of millions of people each year. Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, can be treated with its aid., chronic pain). Similar to any other drug, gabapentin has numerous side effects, including potential hair loss.

Hopefully, this article about gabapentin and hair loss helped you appreciate the relationship between gabapentin and hair loss.

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