Hi guys, I haven’t posted in a while. I have been getting loads of hair shedding loads I have lost about 60% of my hair. My gums are sore sand swollen. I have found out it could be the preg. I have been on 350mg daily for 10 years or so. Are there any others out there that have suffered with hair loss or swollen gums?
Tia xx
Hi - the symptoms you mention aren't side effects of Pregabalin (something I've also taken for many years) as far as I'm aware, & having checked online (with the electronic medicines compendium). I'd suggest seeing/talking to your GP about this to get their opinion/advice, as this must be very distressing.
hi, thanks for the reply. Yes it’s awful seeing my hair coming out from the root. I feel awful, so tired. I googled the cosmetic side effects of anti epileptic drugs. There are studies that say it can cause alopecia. And it’s on the FDA drug side effects list. I read it can deplete your vitamins. It may be hormonal. I’m having a blood test today. If that’s normal I will be having a full vitamin panel done. Xx
The electronic medicines compendium is what our UK Drs & pharmacists use, however, I did see that in the USA, as far as alopecia goes, it would be a very uncommon side effect ( 0.1-1%) of Pregabalin. Please see: drugs.com/sfx/pregabalin-si... looking under 'Dermatologic.'
I really still would suggest you see your GP, & only continue tapering Pregabalin with their advice.
thank you for looking, and the link.I have had a hormone blood test today I will post my results. I went through the change aged 19/20 so i know I’m low
Pregbalin may have an effect but it could also be many other things
Sometimes taking medication , and definitely having a long time health issue like Fibro can make you deficient in vitamins and minerals as the body uses or many more nutrients in healing itself and processing medication. Often even if we have a great duet and already take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement we can still be low or deficient because if the work the body is doing and just need a bit more help.
Was it the GP that suggested this and did they do any tests on you to rule other causes out?
I would suggest that you speak to them and request Vitamin B 12 , Vitamin D , Iron , Folates , Calcium and a full blood count blood tests.
Having a thyroid panel done would also be useful especially if you have been suffering from more Fatigue , Pain and weakness in general recently.
If you are deficient the can give you Vitamin B 12 injections and extra vitamin D and iron supplements to get your nutrient level up again . Low B 12 can cause Anaemia and a huge amount of other symptoms including dizziness , Fatigue , loss of coordination, increased pain , swelling , nausea , headaches and weakness and numbness in arms and legs.
You need to take Vitamin B12 with a meal with no Vitamin C in it , and take Vitamin D and Iron after your fattiest meal in a day with Orange Juice or vitamin C to help absorption
If you don't already take one a full complex vitamin and mineral supplement taken each day after the fatty meal will help many symptoms and especially things like sore gums and hair loss.
Extra Vitamin C each day is also very good for these symptoms , and having more protein ( particularly animal proteins ) in your diet help reduce the effect taking medication can have on your collagen and building stronger skin , hair and gums.
We get really dehydrated inside the body when always healing with Fibro or other illnesses and need a lot of water even when we don't feel thirsty. Dehydration will often show up in our mouth health and hair before other things. If you don't drink a lot of fluids already getting the recommended amount of water each day will have quick benefits on these things , and it can help pain too.
Try drinking unsweetened green tea , hot or iced , any flavour through the day and after meals as well as water because green tea is good at helping to ease sore gums and cleanse away bacteria stopping a possible infection if your gums are inflamed or you may have lower immunity .
Hope you feel better soon.
thank you for the in depth reply, I feel my vitamins could be depleted I’m hoping to get a full vitamin panel done. My doctor is checking my hormone levels. I went through the change aged 20. I’m on 3 tablets that could cause hair loss Preagablin, my blood pressure tablet and a beta blocker I’ve read all can cause hair loss and swollen gums. Some people take folic acid when taking preg and their hair improves. Xx
I do not know the reasons perhaps gp can do a blood test,,
at one time my hair thinned , then knotty so got the shears and removed the problem areas, my iron was low so may be that.
was watching a Raquel welch wig show other night if felt would like a different hair do, there is a hair programme on quest red was on 10pm last night, did not watch it.
gentle hugs
one time my hair became so knotty after washing it. I . A big chunk of my hair was so stuck together had to cut it out. Leaving a big bald patch. I’m having a hormone blood test today Xx
Hi the hair loss could be lacking enough protein in your diet. I found taking a concoction of different vitamins has helped. B12 is a good one. Many medicine's change how our bodies affect the vitamins. Hope this helps. I have had fybro for 14 years now.
Thanks for the reply. I’m definitely getting my vitamins checked out. Xx
I definitely get hair loss with pregabalin when I take over 75 mg.
I thought it mentioned it in the leaflet but I don't have one at the mo to
Hi, I have read it on the FDA side effect list. I’ve cut back it right back but the withdrawals are horrific. I’m taking it slow. Hopefully it will grow back. I’m taking biotin but I don’t see a difference as yet. Xx
yes, definitely go VERY slow - lyrica withdrawals are awful - I’m going down to 50mg twice a day soon from 75 and nervous…🤞I really think more options to titration down should be available.
I Hope your hair improves soon. Mine has gone awful and I never connected the two before so thanks for that 👍🏻
it’s very traumatic. I have just washed my hair. This is just from around the shower.not the comb It came out so easy the same as when I had chemotherapy aged 19. The stuff is poison ☠️
I’m sorry your going through the same. I could cry. I found a Facebook page with thousands of members Gabapentin & Pregablin withdrawal support. People on there have had loads of side effects. Especially hair loss. They say to withdraw by water titration. 5-10% a month in 3 doses. I hope this helps xx
interested to read the comments as I’ve got sore gums and hair loss and I thought it may be medication but I’m not on Pregabalin. I’m wondering now if it may be a vitamin deficiency 🤔
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