Does Oxcarbazepine 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 Oxcarbazepine cause hair loss?
Oxcarbazepine is not commonly associated with hair loss. In fact, it is listed as one of the rare side effects of this medication and those who do experience it only lose a small amount of hair as this side effect is not severe with Oxcarbazepine.
If you’re experiencing this side effect and you’re concerned about your hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider. Although it is not likely for Oxcarbazepine to severely affect your hair, it could affect some people more than others.
It’s best to ask your doctor or pharmacist about this and don’t make any changes either in your dose or the frequency of drug administration without your doctor’s approval.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the effects of Oxcarbazepine on hair growth. Some studies suggest that hair loss can be a rare side effect of taking Oxcarbazepine, but the exact frequency and extent of this side effect are not well-established.
Several other antipsychotics are associated with hair loss, like Carbamazepine and Lacosamide, which can trigger alopecia in some patients (1,2). However, Oxcarbazepine is not associated with these side effects and it is not commonly reported.
If you are concerned about hair loss or any other side effects while on Oxcarbazepine, I recommend discussing it with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your symptoms.
What side effects are common with Oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine may not commonly cause hair loss, but it is associated with some side effects. These include (3,4):
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Nausea
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Unsteadiness or coordination problems
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Tremor
- Abnormal gait or difficulty walking
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Weight gain
- Skin rash or allergic reactions
- Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood)
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or persistent side effects while taking Oxcarbazepine, it’s essential to seek medical attention and consult with your healthcare provider.
Final words
To sum up, Oxcarbazepine does not commonly cause hair loss. However, people are different and can respond differently to medications. If you are experiencing hair loss, please talk to your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Kohno Y, Ishii A, Shoji S. [A case of hair loss induced by carbamazepine]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2004 Jun;44(6):379-81. Japanese. PMID: 15293764. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15293764/
2.-
Mercke Y, Sheng H, Khan T, Lippmann S. Hair loss in psychopharmacology. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Mar;12(1):35-42. doi: 10.1023/a:1009074926921. PMID: 10798824. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10798824/
3.-
Preuss CV, Randhawa G, Wy TJP, Saadabadi A. Oxcarbazepine. 2023 Mar 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493938. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482313/
4.-
National Library of Medicine. Oxcarbazepine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601245.html
