Does Gabapentin cause Hair loss?

If you are taking Gabapentin and noticing hair loss, then you must be wondering, does Gabapentin Cause hair loss? 

Gabapentin was introduced in 1994 as an antiepileptic drug and is structurally similar to GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid). Even though the use of this anticonvulsant is considered safe, hair loss is a notable side effect. 

But hair fall isn't a serious or fetal adverse effect, so why discuss it? 

The look of a person plays a key role in their lives, and hair loss can notably influence the appearance of a person. Thus, it is essential to address the topic of hair loss as a potential side effect of Gabapentin or Neurontin. 

In this blog, we have tried to cover hair fall induced by this anticonvulsant and ways to prevent and treat it. 

Gabapentin And Hair Loss- An Overview 

Gabapentin is an FDA-approved anticonvulsant drug that is used in the treatment of epileptic seizures, nerve pain, and restless leg syndrome. Gabapentin for anxiety and bipolar disorder is also prescribed widely in the United Kingdom and the United States for off-label uses.

According to a report published in the year 2017, it is the tenth most prescribed medicine in the United States [1].

Now let us have a look at how drugs induce hair loss.

Medication can cause hair loss by affecting the normal scalp hair growth cycle. 

Hair loss caused by medication can be of two types-

• Telogen Effluvium- This is one of the most common forms of drug-induced hair loss and appears within 2 to 4 months after starting the medication. Such people shed 30 to 70% more hair than normal. 

• Anagen Effluvium- This kind of hair loss occurs in the phase where the hair grows.  It is often seen in a few days to a few weeks after taking the medication. 

It is important to note that Gabapentin may not always be solely responsible for hair fall. Other external factors such as infection, hormonal imbalance, injury, heredity, age, and cosmetic products, along with this anticonvulsant, can result in hair fall. 

Can Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, Gabapentin causes Hair loss, but it is not experienced by everyone taking the medication. As with most drug-induced hair fall, Gabapentin also causes hair loss by affecting the normal cycle of hair growth on the scalp. 

Hair loss or disorder associated with Gabapentin is also mentioned in labeling records of the FDA from 2010. A study by B Chen published on Epilepsy & Behavior in 2015 suggests hair loss as a potential side effect of Gabapentin [2]. 

A postmarketing Surveillance Study of Gabapentin in England carried out on 3,100 patients reported three cases of hair loss and one case of alopecia after 6 months of starting the treatment [3]. 

Is Hair Loss From Gabapentin Permanent?

According to an article published in 2011, hair loss can be a lasting condition in patients [4]. 

How Long Does It Take Gabapentin To Cause Hair Loss?

There is no conclusive answer to this question, as hair loss is noticed at different time frames after taking the anticonvulsant. It depends on factors such as the metabolism, other ongoing treatments, and the existing health condition of the person. However, based on a few studies, it would be safe to say that hair loss from Gabapentin can be noticed between 1 week to 6 months of taking the treatment.

Hair Regrowth After Gabapentin

There are few clinical studies indicating the reversal or regrowth of hair after Gabapentin. However, Hair loss can be reversed by stopping the course of medicine. 

A 28 years old woman taking Gabapentin 1800 mg per day for mild burning sensation was reported to experience significant hair loss after a week.  The anticonvulsant resulted in hair conditions-

• Patchy areas of alopecia among normal hair growth. 

• Prevalent hair falls in the parietal and frontal regions of the head. 

A significant reduction in hair loss was noticed two months after halting the administration of the drug. And gradually, hair regrowth was observed [5]. 

How Is Drug-Induced Hair Loss Treated?

Studies show that using medications such as minoxidil (Rogaine) improves hair regain by enhancing the blood flow to the hair follicles. This helps in boosting new hair growth by improving the nutrient delivery to the hair. However, the time required to regrow the hair loss due to this anticonvulsant may vary depending on the person. In most cases, a significant improvement is observed within 3 months to 6 months after stopping this anticonvulsant. 

Clinical Studies: Does Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?

The hair loss that is induced by medication is termed drug-induced hair loss or drug-induced alopecia. 

A phase IV clinical study of the FDA evaluating Gabapentin and hair loss suggests that hair fall is more common in women above 60 years with 1 to 6 months of treatment [6]. 

The study indicates that about 1.58% of patients taking Gabapentin experience hair loss. The above graph represents the number of people experiencing hair loss from the anticonvulsant. 

How To Identify Gabapentin Hair Loss?

To identify Hair fall induced by Gabapentin, you must look after the following signs.

• Visible shedding in the comb or just an overall’’ loss of volume.

• Decreasing scalp coverage

• Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes

• Weakening or receding temples

• Dull-looking hair

• Widening part-line or changes in hair color.

Does Neurontin Cause Hair Loss? 

Neurontin or Gabasign 600 mg, the brand medication of Gabapentin, shows similar effects as its generic version. Thus, hair loss is also associated with the use of Neurontin and Gabasign. 

Other Medications Linked To Alopecia

There are a few medicines other than Gabapentin that are linked to hair loss; some of them are mentioned below.

• Blood pressure medications

• Chemotherapy

• Blood thinners ( anticoagulants)

• Birth control pills

• Vitamin A, retinol, retinoids

• Antidepressants 

Other Side Effects Of Gabapentin

According to the FDA, some of the common side effects of Gabapentin are Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, blurry or double vision, swelling of hands, legs, and feet, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. 

FDA also warns about severe side effects of Gabapentin if coadministered with other medicine like opioids and drugs that suppress the Central Nervous System. The side effects include confusion or disorientation, extreme sleepiness, unresponsiveness, extreme sleepiness, bluish-colored or tinted skin, and unusual dizziness or lightheadedness.

Does Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss? Our Final Verdict 

Gabapentin induced hair fall is quite rare, but if it occurs,  it can be reversed once you stop taking the medication. However, this is contradicted by a few studies that indicate that the condition is long-lasting. 

Even after discontinuing the medication, if the hair fall persists, it is advised to consult a doctor and find out the root cause of the hair loss.