Can Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Potential Link
Is Lamictal hair loss a thing? We have answers.
Lamictal® is the brand name for lamotrigine, a drug prescribed to treat epilepsy (as an anticonvulsant to prevent seizures) and bipolar disorder (as an antidepressant). Whether you’ve seen it mentioned on online forums or are noticing changes in your own hairline, you may be wondering, Does Lamictal cause hair loss? The short answer is yes and no.
Here, we’ll talk about the indirect link between Lamictal and hair loss and what you can do about it.
The Link Between Lamictal and Hair Loss
Is one of the lamotrigine side effects hair loss? Lamotrigine has several known side effects, but hair loss isn’t listed as a primary or common side effect of the drug in clinical trials.
However, that doesn’t mean hair loss while taking Lamictal isn’t possible — some older research has linked alopecia (the clinical term for hair loss) to Lamictal.
Here are some reasons you may experience hair loss while taking lamotrigine:
Telogen effluvium
Folate metabolism
Side effects from other medications
Keep scrolling for more detailed insight into these possible explanations.
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Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is hair loss caused by stress, illness, injury, or a “shock” to the system — it can sometimes be triggered by a new medication.
While Lamictal isn’t usually thought of as a medication that causes hair loss, research from 2017 suggests there’s at least one known case report of lamotrigine causing telogen effluvium in a patient with bipolar disorder.
Telogen effluvium is when as much as 70 percent of hair enters the telogen phase at once — that’s the resting stage of the hair cycle. (Typically, about 10 to 15 percent of hair is in this phase at a given time). This causes a lot of hair to shed at once, usually a few months after the triggering illness or event.
Folate Metabolism
Folate is a B vitamin that helps the body in many ways, including supporting cell division and red blood cell formation. Research shows that folate deficiency is associated with hair loss and premature greying. But what does this have to do with Lamictal?
Well, some research shows that anticonvulsants (also called antiepileptic drugs) like lamotrigine are associated with reduced folate serum levels. The thought is that medication can disrupt the natural metabolism of folate — but not all research supports this.
Some older studies show that anticonvulsants like lamotrigine actually aren’t associated with lower serum levels of folic acid in humans — though these medications do seem to reduce folate levels in vitro (studies done in a test tube).
More research is needed to figure out whether Lamictal reduces folate levels. If it does, the medication could contribute to hair loss.
Other Medications
Many people living with epilepsy or bipolar disorder are on multiple medications, and drug-induced hair loss can occur. Other medications sometimes used alongside Lamictal are more well-known to cause hair loss.
So while you might think you’re experiencing Lamictal hair loss, it can be hard to isolate lamotrigine as the sole cause of excess shedding.
Specifically, anticonvulsants like valproic acid (Depakote®) and trimethadione (Tridione®) have been linked to hair loss. Some research shows that up to nine percent of those taking valproic acid medication report hair loss to some degree as a side effect.
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Managing Lamotrigine-Induced Hair Loss
Is lamotrigine hair loss reversible? Probably. The good news is that telogen effluvium usually resolves on its own once the underlying cause (like stress or illness) has passed. In the case of medication-induced telogen effluvium, your body may adapt without you needing to stop the medication.
Having said that, there are also steps you can take to manage hair loss you suspect is caused by lamotrigine, which we’ll outline below.
Try Minoxidil Hair Loss Medication
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, meaning it helps bring blood flow to the scalp. The exact way it works (its mechanism of action) isn’t entirely understood. But this topical medication also seems to prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. It can help with telogen effluvium and other types of hair loss, like alopecia areata and anagen effluvium.
Topical minoxidil is available without a prescription — we offer minoxidil foam and liquid minoxidil solution.
Oral minoxidil requires a prescription (it’s currently only FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure). But it might be a good option for some people, especially those who have trouble with the upkeep of a topical product.
Minoxidil chews are available on the Hims platform following a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare professional.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating various foods rich in nutrients won’t help you magically grow a thick head of hair — but it can help with overall hair health. Aim for a diet rich in vitamins, biotin, zinc, selenium, protein, and healthy fat.
For more tips and specific foods to eat, check out our guide to the best foods for hair growth.
Check In With Your Healthcare Provider
It’s always a good idea to check in with a dermatologist or another healthcare professional if you suspect your medication is causing hair loss or other unusual side effects.
Your provider may provide a corticosteroid for some cases of telogen effluvium. But no matter the cause of your hair loss, they can help you figure out the best treatment.
Consider Prescription Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by preventing DHT (short for dihydrotestosterone), a male hormone that causes genetic hair loss, from getting into the hair follicle.
While finasteride isn’t a first-line defence against telogen effluvium, it can definitely be helpful for hair loss caused by hormonal changes.
Use Hair Products and Supplements That Promote Healthy Growth
Certain hair care products can make your hair appear more full, and some contain ingredients (like saw palmetto) that can help block the effects of DHT.
Like finasteride, saw palmetto can be a good option if you think male pattern baldness may be at play. Our saw palmetto shampoo can help thicken hair.
You could also try biotin supplements — our Biotin Builder Gummies pair biotin (vitamin B7) with other ingredients that support hair health, including vitamins B12, B6, D, and folic acid (a synthetic form of folate).
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Is Hair Loss a Side Effect of Lamotrigine Treatment? The Takeaway
Wondering if one of lamotrigine’s side effects is hair loss? Here’s the TL;DR on Lamictal hair loss:
Does Lamictal cause hair loss? Lamictal and hair loss may not be directly linked, but factors like telogen effluvium, folate metabolism, or other medications can contribute to shedding. If you’re experiencing hair loss, understanding these potential connections can help you identify the cause.
Managing medication-related hair loss often involves making lifestyle adjustments or using treatments like minoxidil. Consult a healthcare professional to discuss possible solutions tailored to your specific situation.
Don’t ignore changes in your hair health. If you suspect Lamictal is affecting your hair, contact your provider for medical advice. They can suggest alternative medications or complementary treatments to address the issue effectively.
If you’re interested in finding a hair loss treatment to help slow hair loss or hair thinning and promote regrowth, try our free online hair loss assessment. This quick virtual evaluation can help narrow down your treatment options and connect you with a healthcare provider who can assist with the next steps.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.