Does Lamictal 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 Lamictal cause hair loss?
Lamictal is not usually associated with hair loss as a side effect, but it can affect some people. Studies have indicated that Lamictal may cause an inevitable adverse effect in some people which is quite toxic in nature and is known as epidermal necrolysis.
It is a painful condition in which the drug causes toxicity in your epidermal or skin cells and the skin may start to peel off. This side effect is associated with hair loss or Alopecia, because of its toxic effects on your skin.
Other than that, hair loss on Lamictal is not that commonly reported. Even if it does affect some people, it is usually reversible and people may begin to recover once their bodies are adjusted to the medication. Lamictal is most commonly known for other side effects like nausea, upset stomach, and some psychological side effects.
Make sure you report your side effects to your healthcare provider right away. Do not change the dose or frequency without your doctor’s approval and don’t discontinue Lamictal abruptly.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the effects of Lamictal on hair growth. However, some case reports show such cases. A 2010 case report involved 337 patients from 19 countries who were suspected of developing hair loss (alopecia) due to the use of Lamotrigine (1).
The patients’ ages ranged from 5 months to 84 years, with most of them being under 40 years old. The majority of the patients were females (272 out of 337). In most cases (291 out of 337), Lamotrigine was the only drug suspected to be causing hair loss.
Other antiepileptic drugs were commonly reported alongside Lamotrigine. Hair loss was reported as the only side effect for 217 patients.
In 11 patients, the hair loss stopped after discontinuing Lamotrigine. However, one patient experienced a recurrence of hair loss when Lamotrigine was reintroduced. Several other cases of alopecia are also reported (2).
Is hair loss on Lamictal reversible?
Research suggests that in some cases, hair loss caused by Lamictal may improve or reverse after discontinuing the medication. However, this may vary from person to person. It’s important to note that hair regrowth can take time, and results may not be immediate.
How to get rid of Lamictal-induced hair loss?
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting rid of Lamictal-induced hair loss. Your doctor may consider several options, which could include:
- Adjusting the Dosage: If the hair loss is believed to be related to the dose of Lamictal, your healthcare provider may consider lowering the dosage or exploring alternative treatment options.
- Switching Medications: In some cases, your healthcare provider may suggest switching to a different medication that may have a lower risk of causing hair loss.
- Supplementing with Biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin that is sometimes used to promote hair health. Your healthcare provider may recommend supplementing with biotin to support hair growth.
- Supporting Hair Health: Maintaining overall hair health is important. This can involve following a balanced diet, practising good hair care habits, and avoiding harsh treatments or styles that may further damage the hair.
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References
1.-
Tengstrand M, Star K, van Puijenbroek EP, Hill R. Alopecia in association with lamotrigine use: an analysis of individual case safety reports in a global database. Drug Saf. 2010 Aug 1;33(8):653-8. doi: 10.2165/11536190-000000000-00000. PMID: 20635823. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20635823/
2.-
Solmi M, Tamiello GI, Manuli G. Lamotrigine Induces Hair Loss in a Patient With Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder. Am J Ther. 2017 Sep/Oct;24(5):e611-e612. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000586. PMID: 28346304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28346304/
