Does Gabapentin 300 mg cause hair loss?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Does Gabapentin 300 mg cause hair loss?
Gabapentin is not that commonly associated with hair loss, no matter what the dose is. However, hair loss is still listed as a rare side effect and it is a possibility.
The exact mechanism through which Gabapentin affects hair growth in some people is not fully known and there are very few cases reported of extreme hair loss.
However, if you’re noticing your hair getting thinner on Gabapentin or they’re falling off uncontrollably, talk to your healthcare provider.
If Gabapentin is the one solely responsible for this side effect, your healthcare provider may reduce your dose to help your body adjust and it will surely work. However, Gabapentin is not an easy medication and it doesn’t work well for everyone.
If your hair loss persists even after dose reduction, your doctor may switch you to another medication. Make sure you don’t take matters into your own hands and properly follow your doctor’s directions.
The incidence of hair loss with Gabapentin
Research suggests that the incidence of hair loss with Gabapentin is around 1% or less. The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood. However, it is believed that Gabapentin may disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or shedding (1,2).
It is important to note that not everyone who takes Gabapentin will experience hair loss. Other factors, such as individual sensitivity or pre-existing conditions, may contribute to the occurrence of this side effect.
What to do if you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Gabapentin?
If you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Gabapentin, If you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Gabapentin. Although it is not a common side effect, some people may report it.
Your healthcare provider may perform tests to rule out other potential causes of hair loss and determine the appropriate course of action.
They may consider adjusting your medication dosage, switching to an alternative medication, or exploring other potential underlying causes of your hair loss (3).
In the meantime, it can be helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress levels.
Taking care of your hair and scalp by using gentle hair care products, avoiding harsh treatments, and practising good hair hygiene can also be beneficial.
If necessary, your healthcare provider may refer you to a dermatologist or a specialist in hair loss for further evaluation and management of your condition.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Eker HE, Cok OY, Aribogan A. Alopecia associated with gabapentin in the treatment of neuropathic pain. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009 Mar;37(3):e5-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.09.001. PMID: 19268809. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19268809/
2.-
Beydoun A, Uthman BM, Sackellares JC. Gabapentin: pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. Clin Neuropharmacol. 1995 Dec;18(6):469-81. PMID: 8681309. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8681309/
3.-
Yasaei R, Katta S, Saadabadi A. Gabapentin. 2022 Dec 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29630280. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228
