Cosmetic Adverse Effects of Antiseizure Medications: A Systematic Review

    May 2021 in “ Seizure ”
    Ali A. Asadi‐Pooya, Marzieh Rostaminejad, Zahra Zeraatpisheh, Nafiseh Mirzaei Damabi
    TLDR Some antiseizure medications can cause cosmetic problems like hair loss, excessive hair growth, acne, and gum overgrowth.
    This systematic review examined the cosmetic adverse effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs), focusing on hair loss, hirsutism, acne, and gingival hyperplasia. The review included 127 studies from an initial pool of 3,938. The most robust evidence pointed to phenytoin causing gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, and acne, and valproate causing hair loss and hirsutism. However, other ASMs were also implicated in these adverse effects. The findings highlight the need for physicians to consider these significant cosmetic side effects, which can impact patients' facial attractiveness, quality of life, and emotional state.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    16 / 16 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 3 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community Spironolactone or bicalutamide prescription

      in Treatment  4 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about someone seeking a doctor in the EU who prescribes spironolactone or bicalutamide for female pattern hair loss, as they are having difficulty finding treatment options beyond Minoxidil in Austria. They are asking for recommendations and are open to direct messages for assistance.

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  53 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community Coegin Pharma to release Follicopeptide (FOL005) by Q2 2025

      in Treatment  118 upvotes 3 months ago
      Follicopeptide (FOL005) by Coegin Pharma will launch as a cosmetic hair growth treatment by Q2 2025, showing similar efficacy to finasteride. Users discuss the benefits and skepticism of releasing hair loss treatments as cosmetics rather than drugs.

      community DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

      in Update  35 upvotes 5 years ago
      The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

      community I am having Success with RU58841 and 1mm Derma Roller

      in Microneedling  19 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user reported success with RU58841 and a 1mm derma roller for hair regrowth, noting significant improvement in hair density and reduced scalp visibility. They also mentioned using minoxidil and black castor oil in the past, with mixed results.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results