List of Antidepressants That Cause Hair Loss
Antidepressants are prescription-based medications used to treat depression and anxiety.
They have a lot of benefits, like making one emotionally stable, but they also come with a few side effects.
Some common side effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, weight gain, wooziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and emotional blunting.
Hair loss is also one of the rare side effects of antidepressants.
It is temporary, but in a few cases, antidepressants may result in Alopecia or permanent hair loss.
According to a study published in Psychiatry, the side effects of antidepressants are experienced by roughly 40% of the users, with about 25% being very troublesome.
Read the article below to understand more about hair loss as a side effect of antidepressants.
Why do antidepressants cause hair loss?
Antidepressants can cause hair shedding, which is known as Telogen Effluvium.
Drugs, trauma, and stress can sometimes cause abnormality in the hair growth cycle, leading the hairs in the resting phase to fall out.
When hair follicles that would typically be growing prematurely enter the resting phase, the Telogen phase of hair growth, hair loss begins.
Fortunately, this type of hair loss is not permanent.
The hair starts growing again six months after the medication is discontinued.
List of antidepressants that cause hair loss
Hair loss caused by antidepressants is rare, but any antidepressant might still cause it.
Some antidepressants are more prone to causing hair loss.
Antidepressants that can cause hair loss are:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor), and Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
According to research by International Clinical Psychopharmacology, it was found that Bupropion by the brand Wellbutrin had the highest risk of hair loss compared to other antidepressants.
Fluoxetine and paroxetine had the lowest risk of hair loss.
How to treat hair loss caused by antidepressants?
Hair loss caused by antidepressants is reversible.
Discontinuing the medication or changing it can help in decreasing hair loss.
Once the medication is discontinued, hair growth can be seen within three to six months.
Returning to its original state can take up to twelve to eighteen months.
Some of the tips that can help with hair loss include
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet full of nutrients like vitamins, Omega-3, and Biotins can help in hair growth.
You should include fruits and vegetables rich in protein, Biotin, and vitamins to help with hair growth.
Try to have food like berries, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, etc., in your diet regularly.
Take dietary supplements
Nutritional supplements can help in hair growth.
Take these supplements to have healthier hair and prevent hair loss:
- Vitamin B complex
- Biotin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment.
It comes in liquid, foam, and the prescription-needed oral form.
It helps in increasing blood circulation in the hair follicles, which helps in stimulating hair growth.
But after using it consistently, the results can be visible after four to six months.
| Medicines with Minoxidil | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Hair4u 2% | $6.60/unit |
| Hair4u 5% | $20.54/unit |
| Tugain Solution 10 | $43.65/unit |
It might take some time, but you should be consistent and consult your doctor before stopping this treatment.
Takeaway
Hair loss is an uncommon side effect of antidepressants.
It is caused by antidepressants and is temporary.
Hair growth can be seen three to six months after discontinuing the antidepressant.
Maintaining a balanced diet, taking supplements, and using Minoxidil and Finasteride can help treat hair loss after taking antidepressants.
Always consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss after taking antidepressants to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which antidepressant does not cause hair loss?
Any antidepressant can cause hair loss, but some antidepressants, like Bupropion, have a higher risk of causing hair loss, whereas Fluoxetine and paroxetine have the lowest risk of hair loss. Hair loss caused by antidepressants is temporary, and hair will grow back once the medication is discontinued.
How can I prevent hair loss while taking antidepressants?
Reducing the dosage or switching to a different brand of antidepressant can help prevent hair loss. If it persists, you should contact a specialist who might suggest treatments like Minoxidil.
Which antidepressant is most likely to cause hair loss?
Antidepressants like Bupropion have the highest risk of causing hair loss; some other antidepressants that can cause hair loss include – fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor).
Is antidepressant hair loss permanent?
No. Hair loss caused by antidepressants is not permanent. If the medication is discontinued, hair growth can be visible from three to six months, but it might take at least 12 to 18 months to return to normal.
Will hair grow back after stopping antidepressants?
Yes, hair will grow back after stopping the antidepressants. Hair fall caused by antidepressants is temporary, and hair growth is visible three to six months after stopping the antidepressant. It takes 12 to 18 months for the hair to return to its original state.
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