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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tiggywinkle on July 28, 2005, at 19:27:44
Hi There!
What are you all doing for hair loss associated with the use of Topomax? I am currently taking 300mg. a day for migraines and have been for almost 4 years with tremendous success having been a sufferer for nearly 10 years. However, my once very thick hair has consistently been coming out in droves over this same period I have noticed not always in clumps, but nevertheless coming out.
I am considering discontinuing the use of Topomax due to this side effect. I have read all the threads on the various treatments of prevention with the use of biotin and other minerals and vitamins and their dosages and have been taking good probiotic sources of these, but not for so long that I can measure an effect.
I was curious as to any success stories to vitamin and or mineral usage and dosage amounts and a timeline on these from you as a gauge on whether or not I should proceed with Topomax or consider an alternative to the headache dilemma. I do not care to pursue the wig industry at this time...giggles!
Yours Truly,
tiggywinkle :-)
Posted by med_empowered on July 29, 2005, at 0:40:31
In reply to Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by tiggywinkle on July 28, 2005, at 19:27:44
hi! For hairloss related to anticonvulsants (Depakote does this to people, too) alot of times docs recommend supplemental zince, selenium, and sometimes higher-than-usual B-complex, with an emphasis on folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, and PABA. This could help...using a good daily multi-vitamin (any brand will do, just make sure its thorough) can help as well, since it can prevent a drug-induced deficiency. Good luck!
Posted by tiggywinkle on July 29, 2005, at 6:28:16
In reply to Re: Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by med_empowered on July 29, 2005, at 0:40:31
Thanks for our input! I will certainly try! Does the hair usually grow back with these increased vitamins and minerals? Thanks again.
Posted by med_empowered on July 29, 2005, at 11:18:13
In reply to Re: Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by tiggywinkle on July 29, 2005, at 6:28:16
hi! I dont really know how often hair does or doesn't grow back on this kind of mineral supplementation...I dont think there have been any really good studies on the matter, so its impossible to know. At this point, I think it would be understandable if you opted for a different treatment for your migraines...I just mentioned the mineral thing in case you'd prefer to stay with Topomax.
Posted by tiggywinkle on July 29, 2005, at 12:04:51
In reply to Re: Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by med_empowered on July 29, 2005, at 11:18:13
Thank you for your input. I think I will need to drop the Topomax and press on to new, more natural remedies at this time in my life. God Bless.
Posted by Phillipa on July 29, 2005, at 18:34:09
In reply to Re: Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by tiggywinkle on July 29, 2005, at 12:04:51
In my opinion only I'd stop this med and try something like Imitrex unless you're on an SSRI. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by headachequeen on August 9, 2005, at 17:19:02
In reply to Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by tiggywinkle on July 28, 2005, at 19:27:44
> Hi There!
>
> What are you all doing for hair loss associated with the use of Topomax? I am currently taking 300mg. a day for migraines and have been for almost 4 years with tremendous success having been a sufferer for nearly 10 years. However, my once very thick hair has consistently been coming out in droves over this same period I have noticed not always in clumps, but nevertheless coming out.
>
> I am considering discontinuing the use of Topomax due to this side effect. I have read all the threads on the various treatments of prevention with the use of biotin and other minerals and vitamins and their dosages and have been taking good probiotic sources of these, but not for so long that I can measure an effect.
>
> I was curious as to any success stories to vitamin and or mineral usage and dosage amounts and a timeline on these from you as a gauge on whether or not I should proceed with Topomax or consider an alternative to the headache dilemma. I do not care to pursue the wig industry at this time...giggles!
>
> Yours Truly,
> tiggywinkle :-)
Hi
You mention hair loss associated with Topomax
How much topomax are you taking and how long has the hair loss been noticeable...kat
Posted by tiggywinkle on August 9, 2005, at 19:33:39
In reply to Re: Topomax and massive hair loss » tiggywinkle, posted by headachequeen on August 9, 2005, at 17:19:02
I am currently (was) taking 300mg. a day . The hair loss has been noticeable this last year. We(my doctor and I) have also found out that Topomax interferes with my thyroid function so that it appears to have influenced a low thyroid condition in me which will contribute to hair loss.
I have stopped it altogether and prefer naturals anyway for remedies if at all possible. Unfortunately, the moment I ceased the pill a headache ensued and lasted 3 days complete with vomitting. But, now I seem to be fine.
As my blood indicated, the Topomax is problematic to my thyroid hence, I will never take it again. It has too many side-effects for me anyway.
I hope you are not experiencing any difficulty with it.
Kind Regards,
Darden
Posted by headachequeen on August 9, 2005, at 20:27:01
In reply to Re: Topomax and massive hair loss, posted by tiggywinkle on August 9, 2005, at 19:33:39
> I am currently (was) taking 300mg. a day . The hair loss has been noticeable this last year. We(my doctor and I) have also found out that Topomax interferes with my thyroid function so that it appears to have influenced a low thyroid condition in me which will contribute to hair loss.
>
> I have stopped it altogether and prefer naturals anyway for remedies if at all possible. Unfortunately, the moment I ceased the pill a headache ensued and lasted 3 days complete with vomitting. But, now I seem to be fine.
>
> As my blood indicated, the Topomax is problematic to my thyroid hence, I will never take it again. It has too many side-effects for me anyway.
>
> I hope you are not experiencing any difficulty with it.
>
> Kind Regards,
> DardenI have been going through the topomax archives as my computer and the boards have not been communicating of late and found your post;
I take 600 mg of topomax, half in the morning and half in the evening (epilepsy and migraine control)I have been using it for almost three years, thus far with no real side effect issues. I did have some problems when I was taking tegretol, but since it and I went our separate ways I have found that I have better control over seizure activity and have lost the side effects (nausea and dry brittle hair etc) that started when I started taking tegretol.
With the tegretol I had to take other meds to fight the nausea and vertigo...
However I keep checking on other people's reactions to topomax as a readiness check ...kat
This is the end of the thread.
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