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Does Topamax make your hair fall out?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 18, 2026

Hair loss. It's possible to have hair loss while taking Topamax. In studies, this side effect was more common in people who took the drug to treat epilepsy than to prevent migraine headaches.

How common is hair loss with Topamax?

by Drugs.com

Yes, topiramate (Topamax) has been shown to cause hair loss (alopecia) in studies, but it is not a common side effect. Hair loss has been reported in 1% to 4% of children ages 6 to 16 years of age, and in 3% to 4% of patients older than 16 years of age.

How long does it take for your hair to stop falling out after taking Topamax?

However, it is vital to speak to a doctor before stopping a drug, even if it is causing hair loss. Once a person has ceased the medication, hair can take up to 6 months to grow back. Some people may notice hair growth within 3–6 months, but it may take 12–18 months for the hair to return to normal.

Can topiramate make you lose hair?

Hair loss. Some people may have hair loss or hair thinning while taking Topamax. In one clinical study, hair loss was reported in 3% to 4% of people ages 16 years and older who took Topamax alone for epilepsy. It's not known how often this side effect may have occurred in people who took a placebo.

How can I stop my hair from falling out due to medication?

Treatment

  1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. ...
  2. Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug for men. ...
  3. Other medications. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).
22 related questions found

Why am I suddenly losing so much hair?

Possible causes of hair loss include stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions. Everyone experiences hair shedding, and it happens to each of us every day. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of this natural cycle, more on days you wash your hair.

Can fallen hair grow back?

It depends. “If a follicle has closed, disappeared, scarred, or not generated a new hair in years, then a new hair wouldn't be able to grow,” Fusco says. But if the follicle is still intact, yes, it is possible to regrow the hair—or to improve the health of the existing thinner hairs.

What vitamins does Topamax deplete?

Treatment with phenobarbital, pregabalin, primidone, or topiramate was associated with lower vitamin B12 levels compared with the entire group of patients. Vitamin B12 serum levels were higher in patients treated with valproate compared with the entire group of patients, untreated patients, and healthy controls.

Can topiramate cause permanent damage?

Most Topamax side effects aren't permanent, and go away with time. For example, fatigue (low energy) and feelings of burning or numbness in your hands and feet may go away as you continue taking Topamax.

Can I take topiramate and biotin together?

To avoid side effects, individuals taking anticonvulsants should supplement with biotin either alone or as part of a multivitamin .

Is biotin good for hair thinning?

While biotin is added to some shampoos that claim to reduce hair loss, there is no evidence that this works. Consuming foods rich in healthy vitamins and minerals will help with overall hair health. The best natural sources of biotin are meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.

What medications cause hair loss in females?

What Types of Drugs Cause Hair Loss?

  • Acne medications containing vitamin A (retinoids)
  • Antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Birth control pills.
  • Anticlotting drugs.
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs.
  • Drugs that suppress the immune system.
  • Drugs that treat breast cancer and other cancers.

Can u drink alcohol while on topiramate?

The bottom line. Topiramate and alcohol both work as depressants on your brain. People taking topiramate should avoid drinking any amount of alcohol when possible. And if you're taking the extended-release version of topiramate (Trokendi XR), you should avoid alcohol completely within 6 hours of your dose.

Will my hair grow back after taking topiramate?

Hair loss from Topamax is generally reversible. Any hair you lose while taking Topamax is expected to grow back after you stop taking the drug.

What is the average weight loss on Topamax?

All patients lost a substantial amount of weight on topiramate treatment. The average weight loss was 22 lb (10 kg; range, 8–56 lb [4–25 kg]). None of the patients discontinued topiramate because of side effects.

What are the long term side effects of topiramate?

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of topiramate. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.

Is Topamax linked to dementia?

Topamax may be associated with dementia and should be used with caution in older patients. Still, it has not been well established that Topamax can cause permanent memory loss.

What does Topamax do to your brain?

Topamax is thought to decrease abnormal excitement in the brain. Among other actions, Topamax affects the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA).

How long can you stay on Topamax?

You can usually stay on Topamax (topiramate) to help prevent your migraine headaches as long as treatment is needed and remains safe for you. You and your doctor will decide how long you stay on treatment. This will be based on how well it is working for you and any side effects you may experience.

What vitamins should not be taken with Topamax?

Interactions with Topiramate

  • Ginkgo Biloba.
  • Kava Kava.
  • Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
  • Vitamin D.
  • Vitamin H (Biotin)

Can you take vitamin D with Topamax?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Topamax and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Can you take vitamin D with topiramate?

Conclusion: A combination of topiramate and vitamin D3 might be considered safe and more effective than topiramate alone in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine.

How can I reactivate my hair follicles?

Surgical treatment such as laser therapy or a hair transplant can help revive the hair follicles. Further, if the situation is not too worse, a hair specialist can also prescribe you supplements that will fulfil the nutritional requirements of your hair follicles.

How can I stimulate my hair follicles for hair growth?

How to Stimulate Natural Hair Growth?

  1. Massage Your Scalp Frequently. ...
  2. Get Frequent Trims. ...
  3. Avoid Chemical Treatments. ...
  4. Brush Your Hair Frequently. ...
  5. Avoid Heat. ...
  6. Use Less Shampoo. ...
  7. Rinse Your Hair with Cool Water. ...
  8. Handle Wet Hair Carefully.

Can thin hair become thick again in females?

Here's the truth: You can't change the size of your hair follicles. If you were born with fine hair, it's genetics, and no product will completely alter that. Of course, there are ways to maintain your hair health, add volume, and keep it from getting any thinner.