Antiseizure Medication-Induced Alopecia: A Literature Review

    June 2023 in “ Medicines
    Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Ana Letícia Fornari Caprara, Maritsa Casares, Holly Skinner, Umair Hamid
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    TLDR Some antiseizure medications can cause reversible hair loss, with valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine being the most common.
    The literature review discusses the adverse effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs), particularly alopecia, a common side effect leading to poor therapeutic compliance. The review found 1656 reported cases of ASM-induced alopecia, with the most frequently associated drugs being valproate (983 cases), lamotrigine (355 cases), and carbamazepine (225 cases). The hair loss seen with ASMs was diffuse and non-scarring, with telogen effluvium being the most common cause. Alopecia was reversible after ASM dose adjustment. The review concludes that alopecia should be considered a significant adverse effect of ASMs, and patients reporting hair loss with ASM therapy should be further investigated, with specialist consultation recommended.
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