Does Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that can only be bought with a prescription.
It treats conditions like seizures and nerve damage caused by Herpes zoster, like Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN).
Since 2004, Gabapentin has been available as a generic drug.
It is also sold under the names Gralise and Neurontin in the United States.
A report from 2017 says that 64 million prescriptions for Gabapentin were written in the United States. This makes it the tenth most common drug.
Alopecia can affect just your scalp or the whole body, and it can last for a short or long time.
It can be caused by genes, hormone changes, medical conditions, or the natural process of getting older.
Losing hair on the head can happen to anyone, but it happens more often to men.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an oral anticonvulsant and antiepileptic medicine.
It treats symptoms of everything from shingles to restless leg syndrome.
However, it primarily treats seizures by calming down abnormal brain activity.
It is also sometimes used to treat diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by diabetes that can cause pain or discomfort.
It’s a long-acting capsule that must be taken at regular intervals.
It is essential to keep the conditions from returning. If a dose is missed, it can lead to problems.
Does Gabapentin cause hair loss?
Drug-induced hair loss or Alopecia is when a drug’s side effects cause hair loss.
Some signs of using Gabapentin could make you lose your hair.
Studies from 2009 and 2011 say that hair loss might be a long-term effect of taking Gabapentin.
A study from 2015 showed that hair loss is one of the side effects of antiepileptic drugs.
Gabapentin, on the other hand, is used to treat Epilepsy, but it wasn’t included in the study.
So, there are signs that Gabapentin might cause hair loss, but not enough research has been done to say for sure.
Side effects of Gabapentin
There are times when some medicines can cause side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of Gabapentin that might go away once your body gets used to it are:
- Blurred vision
- Delusions
- Trembling or shaking
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Lower back pain
- Hoarseness
- Lack or loss of strength
- Edema of the hands, feet, or lower legs
- Side pain
Although these side effects are not so severe and go away with time. But if it continues for a longer duration, consult your doctor.
How to treat drug-induced hair loss?
After you stop taking medicine, your hair will likely grow back on its own.
Before taking any medicine, talk to your doctor about it to ensure it will work for you.
Moreover, your diet should contain all the essential nutrients required for normal functioning.
A balanced diet should combine fruits, vegetables, and other essential food sources.
If you plan to take supplements, you are paired with a balanced diet when food sources cannot fulfill the nutrient requirement.
These supplements of specific vitamins for hair loss and minerals and a balanced diet can replenish your daily nutritional needs.
Always ask your doctor before consuming supplements and follow their instructions about the use and dosage.
Conclusion
Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) is a potent drug often prescribed to treat several conditions.
It is effective in treating these conditions.
It can also cause side effects, such as hair loss, which you should talk to your doctor about before and during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gabapentin cause weight gain or hair loss?
Gabapentin can make some people lose their hair, gain weight, have trouble remembering things, and even become dependent. It is not addictive as other drugs like Methamphetamine or Cocaine. But taking it more than prescribed is not suitable for health.
What is the most common side effect of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin often causes people to feel dizzy and sleepy. Some other possible side effects are gaining weight and having trouble moving. You may feel drowsy once you start taking medicine.
What drugs make your hair fall out?
Hair loss is a relatively rare side effect. Still, various medications may cause it. Some are antidepressants, beta-blockers, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, and certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
What are the adverse effects of taking Gabapentin?
Some side effects are blurred vision, delusions, trembling or shaking, cold or flu-like symptoms, lower back pain, and hoarseness.
What should I avoid while taking Gabapentin?
When you start taking Gabapentin, strong painkillers like morphine can make you feel tired and dizzy. You should also avoid antidepressants like fluoxetine or amitriptyline.
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