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.
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