Topiramate-Induced Hair Loss: Case Report

Abstract

Hair loss is a common adverse effect of antiepileptic drugs, especially in association with valproic acid and carbamazepine. The development of hair loss with newer antiepileptic drug therapy is relatively rare. We present a 15-year-old girl with frontal lobe epilepsy who developed hair loss after two months of topiramate adjunctive therapy. The hair loss was reversible upon discontinuation of topiramate, but recurred after reintroduction of the drug. Hair loss should be considered an adverse effect in topiramate adjunctive therapy. It may have significant cosmetic impact and psychosocial relevance, especially in children and young adults.

DERMATOLOGY + PSYCHOSOMATICS – the First Three Years

“…The special relevance of hair for Iranian people is described as well. By emphasizing the necessity to combine different therapeutic approaches and to integrate psychotherapy into the treatment, the authors agree with Chuang et al [2002] from Taiwan: Hair loss as an adverse side effect of antiepileptic therapy may be treated by taking into account its psychosocial strains. The educational article by Höring and Gieler [2002] completes this issue.…”

Antiseizure Medication-Induced Alopecia: A Literature Review

“…The hair loss was reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. There was a recurrence of alopecia after the TPM rechallenge [ 71 ]. Another case report demonstrated hair loss that started after three months of starting TPM at a dosage of 50 mg/day for migraine headaches.…”