Based on NIH | Can gabapentin cause hair loss, and how common is this side effect?

Gabapentin can be associated with hair loss (alopecia), but this appears to be an uncommon side effect and is generally described as infrequent or rare in official labeling. ^[1] Hair loss is listed among dermatologic adverse reactions for gabapentin, typically alongside other skin-related issues such as dry skin and increased sweating, indicating it has been observed but not commonly. ^[2]

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What the official labeling says

• Hair loss (alopecia) appears in the dermatologic adverse reactions section of multiple gabapentin package inserts. ^[1] In these listings, alopecia is categorized as “infrequent,” suggesting it occurred more than “rare” but well below common events. ^[2]
• Other skin-related reactions recorded include eczema, dry skin, urticaria (hives), and increased sweating, which helps contextualize alopecia as part of a broader dermatologic profile rather than a primary, frequent reaction. ^[2]
• Consumer-facing medication guides for gabapentin focus on more common side effects (such as dizziness and sleepiness) and do not highlight alopecia as a typical issue, reinforcing that hair loss is not among the most frequent problems. ^[3]

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How common is it?

Direct, precise incidence percentages for gabapentin-related alopecia are not provided in most standard labels, which often use qualitative terms like “infrequent” or “rare” rather than specific rates. ^[2] In epilepsy cohorts, cosmetic side effects research highlights alopecia more clearly with certain antiepileptic drugs especially valproic acid and pregabalin while gabapentin does not stand out as a leading cause of hair loss in comparative analyses. ^[4] In those studies, weight gain and alopecia were tracked across antiepileptic drugs, and alopecia was notably more common with valproic acid; pregabalin also showed higher cosmetic side-effect rates than many others, whereas gabapentin was not singled out for alopecia excess. ^[4]

Taken together, labeling evidence and comparative data suggest gabapentin-associated alopecia exists but is uncommon and less frequently reported than with some other antiepileptic agents. ^{[2] [4]}

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Possible nature of drug-induced hair loss

When hair loss occurs with medications, it most often presents as diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium), which is typically reversible after stopping or adjusting the drug. ^[5] Many triggers can cause telogen effluvium fever, major illness, stress, or childbirth so a careful assessment is needed to avoid misattributing hair loss solely to a medication. ^[6] Most drug-induced hair changes resolve once the cause is removed, although rare permanent cases can happen with some agents. ^[7]

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Practical guidance if you notice hair loss

• Do not stop gabapentin suddenly without medical advice, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal issues or symptom worsening. ^[8]
• Consider other causes: recent stressors, nutritional changes (iron, vitamin D), thyroid issues, hormonal shifts, and other medications can all contribute to shedding. A clinician can help evaluate these. ^[6]
• If gabapentin is suspected, a clinician may suggest dose adjustments, monitoring, or alternative therapies where appropriate; most drug-related telogen effluvium improves over weeks to months after addressing the trigger. ^[5]
• Supportive measures such as gentle hair care, ensuring adequate protein and micronutrient intake, and managing stress may help while the underlying cause is evaluated. ^[7]

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Summary table: Hair loss with gabapentin vs. selected antiepileptic drugs

Item	Evidence in labeling	Relative signal in comparative studies	Notes
Gabapentin	Alopecia listed as an infrequent dermatologic adverse reaction. [2]	Not highlighted as a leading cause of alopecia compared with some AEDs. [4]	Hair loss appears uncommon; labeling acknowledges occurrence without precise rates. [1]
Valproic acid	Known to cause alopecia in some patients. [4]	Alopecia more commonly reported; notable cosmetic side-effect signal. [4]	Often cited in literature for hair loss among AEDs. [4]
Pregabalin	Cosmetic side effects (including weight gain) more frequent than many AEDs. [4]	Higher overall cosmetic side-effect rate; alopecia reported in dataset. [4]	Related class; signals differ from gabapentin. [4]
Levetiracetam	Lower rate of cosmetic side effects compared to others. [4]	Minimal signal for alopecia. [4]	Useful comparator showing variability across AEDs. [4]

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Bottom line

• Gabapentin can be associated with hair loss, but it is uncommon and generally categorized as infrequent in official product labeling. ^[2]
• In broader antiepileptic drug comparisons, gabapentin does not show a prominent alopecia signal relative to drugs like valproic acid and pregabalin. ^[4]
• If hair loss occurs, it may reflect telogen effluvium, which often improves after addressing the trigger and is usually reversible. ^{[5] [7]}
• Work with a clinician to evaluate other potential causes and to consider dose changes or alternatives if gabapentin is suspected, avoiding abrupt discontinuation. ^[8]