TLDR Levetiracetam may cause hair loss, which can potentially reverse with lower doses or stopping the drug.
The document described a study involving five epilepsy patients who experienced hair loss after beginning treatment with levetiracetam (LEV). The group consisted of four females and one male, with varying types of epilepsy. Hair loss was observed within two months of starting LEV, with three patients on monotherapy and two on combination therapy. Despite the side effect, none stopped LEV treatment, though one had their dose lowered. The study concluded that hair loss is a possible but rare side effect of LEV, which may be reversible with dose reduction or discontinuation. It emphasized the importance of awareness among patients and clinicians regarding this side effect and the consideration of dose adjustments or alternative treatments if necessary.
Cited in this study
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17 citations
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January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Pharmacology” High levels of the seizure medication sodium valproate can cause hair loss.
21 citations
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June 2011 in “Journal of child neurology” Valproic acid and carbamazepine do not change biotin or biotinidase levels but may lower zinc levels, still within normal range.
13 citations
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August 2010 in “Drug safety” Lamotrigine may cause hair loss, affecting treatment compliance and health.
36 citations
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September 2009 in “European journal of paediatric neurology” Valproic acid treatment may cause temporary hair loss due to reduced zinc and biotinidase levels, which tend to normalize after 6 months.
16 citations
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January 2005 in “Acta dermato-venereologica” Two people lost a lot of hair because of epilepsy drugs, but their hair grew back after changing medication.
7 citations
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October 1997 in “Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry” Two patients with epilepsy experienced hair loss after taking the drug carbamazepine.
147 citations
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April 1994 in “Drug Safety” Some drugs can cause hair loss or increase hair growth, but these effects are usually reversible when the drug is stopped.
13 citations
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February 2014 in “Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy” Levetiracetam may cause hair loss, which can potentially reverse with lower doses or stopping the drug.
