Medications Like Zoloft Can Increase Hair Loss
The issue of Zoloft hair loss has emerged relatively recently, as this prescription drug has grown in popularity. Prescribed as a solution to depression and other mental health disorders, in some cases Zoloft is causing problems that only exacerbate anxiety.
Experts estimate that hair loss that can be attributed to Zoloft use occurs in between .1 and 1% of patients. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that number is much higher.
Few people are comfortable talking about hair loss, and the same reluctance to talk about their problem is seen in people being treated for depression. Getting a realistic idea of the number of people experiencing hair loss after taking Zoloft is difficult, indeed.
Sold as Zoloft and Lustral, Sertraline hydrochloride is one of a class of SSRI – selective seritonin reuptake inhibitors. In use commonly since 1991, today it is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the United States of America. Close to 30 million prescriptions for Zoloft were written in just one year alone.
Zoloft is also used to treat anxiety, panic and obsessive compulsive disorders.
Experiencing hair loss, but not taking Zoloft? Check out other medications that can cause hair loss here.
Who Can Expect To Experience Hair Loss from Zoloft?
Your experience with medications that cause hair loss will depend largely on how sensitive you are to medications. Drug manufacturers suggest that Zoloft users experience hair loss when the medication dosage is too high, but this isn’t always the case.
Generally speaking, the lower the dose of Zoloft, the less your chance of experiencing hair loss.
Experts suggest that hair loss related to medications like Zoloft and other antidepressants can be very difficult to identify. They suggest medication-related hair loss is most likely to take place over the course of several weeks or even months, rather than occurring suddenly. But because of the number of factors that can result in hair loss – and the fact that at least 1 in 2 people are genetically predisposed to hair loss – can make a definitive “medications that cause hair loss” diagnosis a difficult one to make.
Many, many factors can affect hair loss. Your diet, stress levels, heredity and others can be contributors to hair loss. In addition, our hair naturally goes through cycles — times when we shed more hair, times when we tend to hold on to our hair. Paying attention is important, so you can help get to the factors that are ultimately causing your hair loss.
The good news is that hair loss caused by Zoloft is generally considered temporary. Stopping the medication will eliminate the hair loss in many cases.
Unfortunately, for those who are already genetically predisposed to hair loss, Zoloft-induced hair loss can be permanent. The impact depends largely on an individual’s unique chemistry, genetic background and their response to the medication.
It’s important to act quickly if you think Zoloft is causing you to lose your hair. Pay attention to how much hair you are losing through the day. If it’s excessive — say, more than 100 hairs per day — be sure to bring this up with your doctor.
With hair loss, earlier intervention is a key to improved results.
What To Do With Medications That Cause Hair Loss
It’s important to remember that you should never discontinue any prescription depression medication on your own, or cold turkey. You need to taper off the medication, under supervision, to avoid serious side effects.
If you think you are experiencing hair loss as a result of taking Zoloft, and are considering stopping or reducing your Zoloft dosage, this link is very useful.
The ultimate irony with depression medications like Zoloft is that they can end up causing conditions like excessive hair loss that can dramatically increase symptoms of depression and anxiety.
If you think you are experiencing Zoloft hair loss, talk to your doctor ASAP. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medication that will treat your depression and anxiety without putting you at increased risk for hair loss.
