Does Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?
Gabapentin is a medication often prescribed for nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety. If you have recently started taking gabapentin and noticed your hair thinning or [...]
Read MoreDoes Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?
Medically reviewed by Abhijit Bhattacharyya | MD, PhD, MBA, Tufts University School of Medicine - Miami, Florida on November 13th, 2025.
Gabapentin is a medication often prescribed for nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety. If you have recently started taking gabapentin and noticed your hair thinning or falling out, you might wonder if the medication is the cause. Hair loss can be worrying, especially when it happens unexpectedly. This article will help you understand whether gabapentin causes hair loss, why it might happen, and what you can do about it.
What Is Gabapentin and How Does It Work?
Gabapentin is a drug that affects the nervous system. Doctors prescribe it to treat conditions like epilepsy, nerve pain from shingles or diabetes, and sometimes restless leg syndrome. It works by calming overactive nerves, which helps reduce pain or seizures. Originally developed to treat epilepsy, gabapentin has gained recognition for its effectiveness in managing neuropathic pain, which can be particularly challenging for patients. The drug is often used in conjunction with other medications to enhance its therapeutic effects, providing a multi-faceted approach to pain management.
Because it acts on the nervous system, gabapentin can cause side effects. Common ones include dizziness, tiredness, and swelling. However, the impact of gabapentin on individuals can vary widely. Some patients may experience significant relief from their symptoms, while others might struggle with side effects that can affect their daily lives. But what about hair loss? Let’s explore this next. Interestingly, while hair loss is not commonly listed as a side effect, anecdotal reports suggest that some individuals have experienced thinning hair or increased shedding after starting treatment. This phenomenon raises questions about the complex interactions between medications and individual biology, highlighting the importance of monitoring and discussing any changes with a healthcare provider.
Can Gabapentin Cause Hair Loss?
What the Research Says
Hair loss is not a common side effect listed for gabapentin. Most medical sources and patient reports do not mention hair loss as a direct result of taking this medication. However, some people have reported hair thinning or shedding after starting gabapentin, but these cases are rare. It's crucial to approach such reports with caution, as individual experiences can vary widely based on numerous factors, including genetics and overall health.
It’s important to remember that hair loss can happen for many reasons, including stress, illness, or other medications. Sometimes, a new medication might seem like the cause when it is actually unrelated. The psychological impact of starting a new treatment can also play a role; anxiety about potential side effects may exacerbate the perception of hair loss, leading to a cycle of stress that further contributes to the issue.
Possible Reasons for Hair Loss While Taking Gabapentin
Stress and Illness: Starting a new medication or dealing with a health condition can cause stress, which may lead to temporary hair loss. This phenomenon, known as telogen effluvium, can occur when the body undergoes significant changes, prompting hair follicles to enter a resting phase.
Other Medications: If you are taking other drugs alongside gabapentin, they might be the cause of hair loss. Certain medications, such as those for blood pressure or acne, are more commonly associated with hair thinning, and their interaction with gabapentin could amplify this effect.
Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies can cause hair thinning. For instance, low iron levels or vitamin D deficiency are known to impact hair health, and if gabapentin is prescribed during a time when these issues are present, it might appear as though the medication is the culprit.
In some rare cases, gabapentin might indirectly contribute to hair loss by affecting your body’s balance or causing side effects that stress your system. For example, if gabapentin leads to weight gain or changes in appetite, this could affect nutritional intake and, consequently, hair health. The medication can sometimes cause sedation or fatigue, which may reduce overall physical activity and impact circulation, potentially influencing hair growth.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider the psychological aspects of hair loss. The emotional toll of experiencing changes in appearance can lead to anxiety or depression, which in turn can exacerbate hair loss. This creates a complex interplay between medication effects, emotional health, and physical symptoms, making it challenging to pinpoint a single cause. Consulting with healthcare providers can help clarify these relationships and guide individuals toward effective management strategies.
What to Do If You Notice Hair Loss on Gabapentin
Check for Other Causes
Before blaming gabapentin, consider other factors that could be causing hair loss. Have you experienced more stress lately? Are you taking other medications? Have you changed your diet or lifestyle? Sometimes, hair loss is temporary and linked to these factors.
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If hair loss continues or worsens, it is important to speak with a doctor. They can help figure out the cause and suggest solutions. You can get expert advice quickly and conveniently through telehealth services like Doctronic.ai. Doctronic offers video visits with real doctors 24/7, so you can discuss your symptoms without waiting weeks for an appointment.
Do Not Stop Medication Without Guidance
Never stop taking gabapentin without talking to your healthcare provider first. Suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition. Your doctor can help you find the best way to manage side effects or switch medications if needed.
How Telehealth Can Help You Manage Medication Side Effects
Convenient Access to Medical Advice
Telehealth platforms like Doctronic.ai make it easy to get medical advice from home. If you notice hair loss or other side effects, you can quickly connect with a doctor who understands your medical history and can provide personalized recommendations.
Affordable and Fast Care
Doctronic offers telehealth visits for less than $40, available anytime in all 50 states. This means you can get help when you need it, without expensive or long waits. Doctors on Doctronic can review your medications, suggest tests if needed, and help you decide the next steps.
Other Common Side Effects of Gabapentin
While hair loss is not commonly linked to gabapentin, it is helpful to know the typical side effects. These include:
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Fatigue or sleepiness
Swelling in hands or feet
Blurred vision
Weight gain
If you experience any side effects that concern you, reach out to a healthcare provider. Telehealth services like Doctronic can help you understand and manage these symptoms.
Tips to Support Healthy Hair While on Medication
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals supports hair health. Nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and biotin are important for strong hair. If you suspect a deficiency, your doctor can order blood tests to check.
Manage Stress
Stress can cause hair to fall out more than usual. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, or hobbies you enjoy to keep stress levels down.
Be Gentle with Your Hair
Avoid harsh treatments like frequent coloring, heat styling, or tight hairstyles that pull on your hair. Use mild shampoos and conditioners to keep your scalp healthy.
When to Seek Medical Help for Hair Loss
Hair loss is common and often temporary, but certain signs mean you should see a doctor right away:
Sudden or patchy hair loss
Hair loss accompanied by itching, redness, or pain on the scalp
Hair loss that lasts more than a few months
Other symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or skin changes
Using telehealth services like Doctronic makes it easy to get expert advice quickly. You can have a video visit from home and get a clear plan to address your hair loss and any other health concerns.
Understanding Your Medication and Health
Gabapentin is a helpful medication for many people, and hair loss is not a common side effect. If you experience hair thinning, it is important to look at all possible causes and talk to a healthcare provider. Telehealth services like Doctronic.ai offer fast, affordable access to doctors who can help you understand your symptoms and make the best decisions for your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, hair loss is not a common side effect of gabapentin. Most people do not experience hair thinning from this medication.
Do not stop gabapentin without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems. Your doctor can help you find the best approach.
Stress, other medications, nutritional deficiencies, and health conditions can all cause hair loss. It is important to consider these factors.
Telehealth services like Doctronic provide quick access to doctors who can review your medications, answer questions, and recommend next steps from home.
Often, hair loss caused by medication or stress is temporary. Hair usually grows back once the cause is addressed.