Does Vimpat 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 Vimpat cause hair loss?
Vimpat is not associated with hair loss as a side effect. It was not reported in the clinical trials. However, some people may experience hair loss to some extent, but such cases are extremely rare.
Vimpat is used for the management and treatment of epileptic seizures and antiepileptics like Sodium Valproate are associated with hair loss more commonly than Vimpat and other anticonvulsants like Gabapentin (1,2).
If you’re losing hair and think Vimpat is causing this side effect, talk to your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will determine the best possible way to prevent this side effect and if indeed Vimpat is causing hair loss, your doctor will make sure that the medication is safe for future treatment.
However, continue using Vimpat with your doctor’s approval. If your doctor thinks you can do well on some other medication, he/she will take care of it.
What side effects are common with Vimapt?
Vimpat, although it may not cause hair loss, is associated with a number of side effects. These include (3,4):
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Double vision
- Unsteadiness or problems with coordination
- Tremor
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia
- Difficulty with memory or concentration
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Serious and rare side effects
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Mood changes or depression
- Worsening of seizures
- Irregular heartbeat or changes in heart rhythm
- Severe skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain)
- Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)
These side effects are rare, but they require immediate medical attention if they occur. It is important to remember that this list is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. If you are experiencing hair loss on this medication, please reach out to your doctor.
Your doctor may reduce your dose a little to help your body adjust to the medication. However, make sure you do not make any changes to your prescription on your own or split Vimpat tablets in half.
Final words
To sum up, Vimpat is not commonly associated with hair loss as a side effect. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, please reach out to your doctor. There could be other factors contributing to it and your drug might have nothing to do with it.
Your doctor will properly evaluate your symptoms and prescribe you the best possible medications, if necessary, to reverse your hair loss. Just make sure you don’t stop taking Vimpat without your doctor’s approval.
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References
1.-
Subbarao BS, Silverman A, Eapen BC. Seizure Medications. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489165. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482269/
2.-
Kakunje A, Prabhu A, Sindhu Priya ES, Karkal R, Kumar P, Gupta N, Rahyanath PK. Valproate: It’s Effects on Hair. Int J Trichology. 2018 Jul-Aug;10(4):150-153. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_10_18. PMID: 30386073; PMCID: PMC6192236. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30386073/
3.-
Li J, Sun M, Wang X. The adverse-effect profile of lacosamide. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2020 Feb;19(2):131-138. doi: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1713089. Epub 2020 Jan 15. PMID: 31914330. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31914330/
4.-
National Library of Medicine. Lacosamide: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609028.html
