Hair Loss as a Side Effect of Lamotrigine Treatment
July 2006
in “
American Journal of Psychiatry
”
TLDR Lamotrigine can cause hair loss.
A 63-year-old woman with bipolar disorder experienced increased hair loss 2-3 weeks after starting lamotrigine treatment, which was confirmed by a trichogram showing increased telogen and dystrophic hair. The hair loss, primarily around the temporal bone, ceased after discontinuing lamotrigine, suggesting a causal link. This case was notable as it was the first to report a direct connection between lamotrigine and alopecia, highlighting the need for awareness of this rare side effect among patients and clinicians.