Starting Lamictal (afraid of hair loss; did this happen to you?)

I take a few meds including Geodon and Remeron but had to decrease Geodon recently b/c it gave me akathesia. Fortunately, I haven't had akathesia at the lower dose but my mood has gone downhill. I am starting Lamictal tomorrow, which I took for awhile several years ago. It was helpful but caused major hair loss. My doctor says it can be great for bipolar depression and I really need a boost, so I'm trying it again. I've taken meds more than once before and had different side effects each time so I'm remaining hopeful that I won't experience much hair loss this time. I am prepared to take hair supplements like biotin if I need to...But just wondering what your experiences have been with Lamictal? It seems like it's great for many people. Also, the plan is to taper off of Remeron as I taper up on Lamictal b/c it's caused a lot of weight gain. I don't know what's worse: weight gain or hair loss!

I took Lamictal for a long time with no hair loss. But, like you, I gained a lot of weight on Remeron.

I have a psychiatrist named Dr. G****.

I take Biotin for hair loss caused by Lamictal. It's pretty terrible without it. I've been told that prenatal vitamins help too but I haven't needed to try them as Biotin work really well.

I experienced hair loss on Lamictal. I chose to drop the medication after about 3 months. I had tapered up to 200mg. For me, it wasn't helping my depression - actually made it worse BECAUSE of the hair loss. Since I've stopped it, my hair loss has slowed down significantly. I still shed more than normal, but it's probably stress since I've been in a depressive episode for a few months. Not everyone has the hair loss side effect on Lamictal, and I've seen that a lot of people take it and say it is very helpful. Some have said that the hair loss stops over time. I've researched that it's helpful to start vitamins BEFORE the hair loss begins, and since you have to titrate Lamictal slowly, that may work very well for you this time. Find one that includes Zinc and Selenium, and not one with a massive dose of Vitamin A as too much can also contribute to hair loss. Probably Biotin as well. Someone on here has recommended Centrum Silver. I take Nature Made for Her at the moment and while I still have some hair loss, my hairdresser said she sees a lot of new growth too! Wishing you the best of luck. All these meds and their side effects get on my last nerve! (And that's a huge understatement!) Hugs to you, and let us know how it goes.

I was on 400 mg for years and had no hair issues whatsoever.

Thank you!

Have you had your thyroid checked? Thyroid issues can cause hair loss as well as mood disturbance.

I take 300mg Lamictal and have not had hair loss. A month ago I started taking biotin because my nails were so damaged from gel polish. The biotin has definitely strengthened my nails, so it probably is helpful for hair, too.