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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Migraines

I am a 40 year old female who has been taking topamax for 11 months for severe migraines (75mg 2x daily). I noticed 2 months ago my hair started to fall out in a few clumps here and there. Now I have really noticed how thin and brittle it has become. Since then I have started on a serious regimen of vitamins, ie: b12, biotin, iron, folic acid, selenium, vitamin c, all b vitamins, and I m also taking silica and using biotine shampoo and conditioner. My neurologist is sending me to see a dermatologist as a precautionary measure but agrees the topamax is to blame. Other than that, the other small side effects I seemed to have experienced along the way have disappeared and am hoping this too shall pass. My question is, am I being foolish in thinking so, or should I get off this medication completely? I am trying to take the right supplements to hopefully promote healthy hair growth, or at least stop it from falling out. Thank you
Mon, 19 Dec 2022
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hi,

Yes. Topiramate may cause hair loss. Since you're losing hair in bulk, causing physical and mental stress, it's a good idea to switch to other safer medicines like Propranolol and magnesium supplements for migraine prevention. Mental stress due to hair loss is going to make your migraine go worse.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Abhishek Juneja, Neurologist
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Suggest Treatment For Severe Migraines

Hi, Yes. Topiramate may cause hair loss. Since you re losing hair in bulk, causing physical and mental stress, it s a good idea to switch to other safer medicines like Propranolol and magnesium supplements for migraine prevention. Mental stress due to hair loss is going to make your migraine go worse. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Abhishek Juneja, Neurologist