Antidepressants and Hair Loss: What’s the Connection?

Hair loss is one uncommon side effect of some antidepressant medications that isn’t well understood by scientists.

Antidepressants are medications medical professionals use to treat mental health conditions, such as:

• depression
• anxiety
• mood disorders

Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals in your brain that affect mood and emotions. While these medications are effective for many people, they can come with a range of side effects. Specific side effects depend on the antidepressant, but common side effects include:

• digestive issues, like nausea or diarrhea
• weight changes
• changes in sleep habits
• sexual problems

Other side effects of antidepressants are less common and less well-known. One such side effect is hair loss.

Here, we’ll explore the connection between antidepressants and hair loss. We discuss its causes, which antidepressants cause this side effect, and hair loss treatment and prevention techniques.

Why do some antidepressants cause hair loss?

Hair loss from antidepressants is not very common but can be very distressing.

The type of hair loss most commonly caused by antidepressants is called telogen effluvium. It happens when hair prematurely enters the hair growth cycle’s resting, or telogen, phase. As a result, the number of hair follicles growing hair decreases.

Experts don’t fully understand the exact mechanism behind this, but antidepressants can potentially disrupt the hair growth cycle. Physiological stress that antidepressants can place on your body can trigger telogen effluvium. This form of hair loss is usually temporary, and hair growth typically resumes once the body adjusts to the medication. Sometimes, you might need to stop or switch medications to prevent hair loss.

List of antidepressants that cause hair loss

Certain types of antidepressants are more likely to cause hair loss than others. Here’s a list of some of the medications that can cause hair loss

• Fluoxetine (Prozac): Prozac is one of the most common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s also one of the most common SSRIs to cause hair loss. According to a 2022 review, 38% of people taking Prozac experienced some degree of hair loss.
• Sertraline (Zoloft): Zoloft is another SSRI that can sometimes cause hair loss. In the same 2022 publication, about 28% of people taking Zoloft had this side effect.
• Other SSRIs: SSRIs, like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), can also cause hair loss, but it’s not as common as with Prozac or Zoloft. In the 2022 review mentioned above, paroxetine had the lowest frequency of hair loss (less than 6%).
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Medical professionals often prescribe Wellbutrin for depression and to help people quit smoking. According to a 2018 study, it has some of the highest rates of hair loss among antidepressants.
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal): People take Lamictal for bipolar disorder or epilepsy. According to a 2023 review, although not very common, hair loss caused by Lamictal is significant enough to make some people stop taking it.
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It’s used for depression, anxiety, and certain types of pain. It can sometimes cause thinning hair.
• Other SNRIs: Venlafaxine (Effexor) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla) can sometimes cause hair loss. People take them to treat major depression.

Is hair loss from antidepressant use reversible?

Hair loss caused by antidepressants is usually reversible. Once you stop or switch the medication, your hair growth typically reverts to its typical cycle. However, this can take several months. During this time, new hair growth might be slow, so patience is key.

Keep in mind that discontinuing antidepressants abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and a return of your mental health condition’s symptoms. Always consult your prescribing healthcare professional before stopping any medication. They can guide you through the process and suggest alternative treatments that might not have the same side effects.

Can you prevent or stop hair loss from antidepressants?

Let’s discuss some steps you can take to prevent or treat hair loss due to antidepressants.

• Switching medications: If one antidepressant causes hair loss, your doctor might recommend switching to another that doesn’t have this side effect. They can help you taper off the current medication safely.
• Nutritional support: Sticking to a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support healthy hair growth. Nutrients, like biotin, zinc, and iron, are particularly important for hair health.
• Stress management: Stress can exacerbate hair loss. Finding ways to relax and reduce stress can positively impact both your mental health and hair health.
• Topical treatments: Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, like minoxidil (Rogaine), can promote hair growth.
• Supplements: Taking vitamins and other supplements that promote hair growth might help. However, be sure to discuss any supplements with your prescribing healthcare professional to ensure they won’t interact with your medication or pose other risks.

Antidepressants that don’t cause hair loss

Medication side effects depend on the individual, and it’s difficult to find a medication that will never cause hair loss in anyone. However, according to a 2018 study of over 1 million people, paroxetine had the lowest risk for hair loss. But it’s important to note this medication carries other, more serious risks, like serotonin syndrome.

How to care for your hair while taking antidepressants

Taking good care of your hair while on antidepressants can help minimize hair loss and promote healthy growth. Here are some hair care tips:

• use mild shampoos and conditioners
• avoid harsh chemicals and heated styling tools
• use sulfate-free and paraben-free products to reduce scalp irritation
• trim your hair regularly to prevent breakage
• massage your scalp to help increase blood circulation
• maintain a healthy lifestyle, including:
  • eating a balanced diet
  • getting regular exercise
  • keeping a consistent sleep schedule
  • drinking enough water

‍ What are antidepressants and how do they work?

Antidepressants are medications prescribed to treat depression and other mood disorders. They‍ work by balancing chemicals in the‌ brain called neurotransmitters, which help improve mood, emotions, and other mental health symptoms. ‌Common types include SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, and MAOIs.

Can antidepressants cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss can ⁢be a‌ side effect of some antidepressants, although ⁤it is relatively uncommon. This condition is often referred to as drug-induced‌ alopecia. The hair loss is typically temporary and may resolve after discontinuing the medication or adjusting the dose.

Why ​do antidepressants⁢ cause hair loss?

The exact‌ reason why antidepressants cause hair loss is not⁣ fully understood. It is thought that these medications might disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, triggering hair to prematurely enter the shedding phase. Stress on the body, changes in hormone⁣ levels, and individual genetic‍ factors may also play a role.

Which antidepressants are most⁤ likely to cause hair loss?

While​ any antidepressant can‍ potentially cause hair loss, ‌some reports suggest that older tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline or nortriptyline) may have a higher⁢ association. ​However, cases have been reported with SSRIs and SNRIs as well. The risk can vary widely from person to person.

How soon after starting antidepressants does hair loss occur?

Hair loss ⁤due to antidepressants typically occurs⁤ within a few months of starting the medication. The timing can vary, ‌with some people experiencing ⁣hair loss within weeks, while for others, it may take several months.

Is the hair loss caused by antidepressants permanent?

In most cases, the hair loss ​caused by antidepressants is ‌not ⁤permanent. Once the medication is stopped or switched, or the dosage is adjusted, hair growth generally resumes, and​ hair loss diminishes over time.

What should I do if I experience hair loss‍ while taking antidepressants?

If you notice​ hair loss while taking antidepressants, consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose or switch ‍you to a different ‌medication. It’s important not to stop or alter your medication without professional guidance, ⁤as this can worsen depression⁤ symptoms.

Are there ⁤ways to ​minimize hair loss while on antidepressants?

To help minimize hair loss while taking antidepressants, maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, manage stress levels, and avoid​ harsh hair treatments. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of supplements that might aid hair health, such as biotin or zinc.

Will switching antidepressants help reduce hair loss?

Switching antidepressants may help reduce hair loss for some⁣ individuals. Your healthcare ‍provider ⁤can help evaluate the risks and benefits of changing medications based on your specific symptoms and side effects. They can guide you through ⁤a safe ⁢transition ⁢if necessary.

Can hair loss⁤ be a sign of other underlying conditions?

Yes, hair loss⁤ can be a sign of other underlying conditions, such as thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies,​ or autoimmune diseases. It’s ‍important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare‍ provider, who may recommend further evaluation or tests to rule ⁢out other causes.

Takeaway

Antidepressants can be lifesaving for people dealing with mental health issues, but they sometimes come with side effects, like hair loss. If you’re worried about hair loss from antidepressants, be sure to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and finding a balance between the two is key.