Stop hair loss from common medications
There’s no question that there are numerous medications that cause hair loss.
The real trouble comes in deciding if your hair loss is the result of the medications you are taking, or if it is being caused by any other number of issues or complications.
The good news is, the time you spend tracing the problem will take you one step closer to a return to a head of thick, healthy hair.
More good news? When it comes to hair loss caused by medications, the problems usually falls into a few main categories which we have detailed below.
Medications That Cause Hair Loss: The Common Culprits
Hormonal medications
The relationship between hormones and hair loss is a close one. Too many hormones, too few hormones — any kind of imbalance can cause hair loss. Women particularly are at risk, with most women seeing increased hair loss by the time they turn 50.
For many women, though, hair loss starts much earlier and for many is a life-long struggle.
Birth control pills are commonly linked to hair loss in women. The trouble is that no two women are alike. Starting the birth control pill can cause hair loss for some women, and for others, can actually help to reduce the amount of hair that is lost.
Antidepressant medications
In the past 20 years, antidepressants have become along the most commonly prescribed medications in North American. Few people realize though that antidepressants are linked to hair loss. Which, in reality, probably only increases depression, given the emotional impact and stress that results from taking medications that cause hair loss.
A vicious cycle, indeed.
The link between Zoloft and hair loss is clear, as is the relationship between Wellbutrin and hair loss. In the case of Wellbutrin, less than 1% of patients who take the medication are likely to experience hair loss. For Zoloft, the number of people who experience hair loss are estimated at between .1 and 1%. The same figures hold true for Paxil users, and for Celexa as well.
You can learn more about Zoloft and hair loss here.
Anticonvulsive medications
Anticonvulsive medications commonly prescribed for migraines, epilepsy and bipolar disorders are linked to hair loss. Depakote hair loss is reported fairly commonly by epileptics and others who are taking this antiseizure medication. In fact, close to 25% of patients taking this drug will find that this is one of the many medications that cause hair loss.
Thyroid medications
Thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, are commonly linked to hair loss. This is largely because of the thyroid’s role in regulating hormones. Ironically, some of the treatments for thyroid problems can actually cause hair loss as well. Synthroid is a medication that’s commonly used for hypothyroidism. And while these are among the medications the cause hair loss in some patients, many physicians aren’t aware of the link. So, if you are taking Synthroid, and your hair loss has worsened or hasn’t improved significantly, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Heart medications
Hair loss is a fairly common side effect of heart medications. Medications that are designed to help treat high blood pressure are among the most common culprits. Called anti-hypertensives, this category of heart medications includes diuretics, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers.
The link between atenolol and hair loss is well established. Others include metoprolol, timolol, propanolol and others.
More About Meds
If you suspect the you are taking medications that cause hair loss, be sure to talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist. You can also check out www.emedtv.com. They have a comprehensive search function online that’s very helpful in researching which medications might be contributing to hair loss.
