Antiseizure Medication-Induced Alopecia: A Literature Review

June 2023 in “ Medicines ”

Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Ana Letícia Fornari Caprara, Maritsa Casares, Holly Skinner, Umair Hamid

alopecia antiseizure medications valproate lamotrigine carbamazepine telogen effluvium diffuse hair loss non-scarring alopecia hair loss ASMs

Studysummary This review identified alopecia as a significant cosmetic side effect of antiseizure medications, particularly with valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine, noting that hair loss often improves after dose adjustment.

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

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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