Adolescent's Hair Loss Due to Levetiracetam

July 2018 in “ Journal of pediatric epilepsy ”

Rola S. Hamd, Dana Hasbini

levetiracetam antiepileptic drugs hair loss

Studysummary This case report describes a 13-year-old girl with epilepsy who experienced hair loss within two months of starting levetiracetam, marking it as the first report of this side effect in this age group.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

A 13-year-old girl with epilepsy experienced hair loss within 2 months of starting levetiracetam, an antiepileptic drug. This case was notable as it was the first reported instance of levetiracetam-induced hair loss in this age group. Hair loss is a known side effect of various medications, including some antiepileptic drugs.

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Research cited in this study

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research Cosmetic Side Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs in Adults With Epilepsy

46 citations , December 2014 in “Epilepsy & behavior”

This study found that weight gain and alopecia were the most common cosmetic side effects of AEDs, with valproic acid and pregabalin being particularly associated with these effects.

research Hair Loss with Levetiracetam in Five Patients with Epilepsy

13 citations , November 2013 in “Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy”

This study reports that hair loss may be a rare side effect of levetiracetam in epilepsy patients and appears reversible upon dose reduction or cessation.

research Can Zinc Depletion Play a Role in Levetiracetam-Induced Hair Loss? Considerations from a Case Study

5 citations , August 2013 in “Epilepsy & Behavior”

research The Influence of Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine Treatment on Serum Biotin and Zinc Levels and on Biotinidase Activity

21 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of child neurology”

This study found that while serum zinc levels were lower in children treated with valproic acid or carbamazepine than in healthy controls, zinc, biotin, and biotinidase enzyme activity remained within normal ranges and unaffected by these treatments.

research Alopecia in Association with Lamotrigine Use

13 citations , July 2010 in “Drug safety”

This study examined reports in VigiBase and found that alopecia was frequently associated with lamotrigine use, potentially affecting treatment adherence and patient health outcomes.

research The Influence of Valproic Acid Treatment on Hair and Serum Zinc Levels and Serum Biotinidase Activity

36 citations , October 2008 in “European journal of paediatric neurology”

This study found that pediatric patients on valproic acid may experience hair loss due to reduced zinc and biotinidase levels within the first 3 months, with zinc depletion continuing to contribute by the 6th month.

research Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies

38 citations , November 2005 in “Epilepsia”

This study discusses levetiracetam's role as an alternative treatment for idiopathic generalized epilepsies, highlighting its potential effectiveness, especially for patients unsuitable for valproate.

research Hair Loss in Psychopharmacology

79 citations , January 2000 in “Annals of Clinical Psychiatry”

This review discusses the potential for mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and some antipsychotic and antianxiety drugs to induce alopecia and reports no clinical results.