Medications That Cause Hair Thinning

Most prescription medications have some type of side effects. These can be mild like slight nausea, drowsiness or fatigue. Some medications, however, can have dramatic side effects, like hair loss. Before prescribing any medication, ask your physician to explain the possible side effects and how you can reduce them.

Lithium

• Lithium is a prescription medicine used to treat manic conditions, like manic depression. According to Drug Information Online, it reduces the amount of sodium to muscle and nerve cells, which, in turn, reduces manic episodes. The common side effects of Lithium are thirst, weakness, restless muscles, mild nausea and fever. Lithium also has been known to affect the hair through excessive dryness or hair loss (thinning). If you experience hair loss while taking Lithium, your doctor may lower the dosage.

Prozac

• Prozac is a prescription medication that levels out unbalanced chemicals in the brain that can cause panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression. Its side effects can include cold symptoms, drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, as well as a decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm and impotence. According to Drug Information Online, Prozac is also known to cause severe hair loss. If your hair loss is extreme on Prozac, your doctor may prescribe another anti-depressant or lower your dosage of Prozac.

Yaz

• Yaz is an oral contraceptive that prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries. It also alters the lining of the uterus and cervix, which keeps the sperm from reaching the uterus and fertilizing the egg. Yaz can also be used to control moderate acne, depression, anxiety and fatigue due to premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Side effects can include vaginal itching, breast pain, changes in weight and loss of hair on the scalp or an increase in body hair. If hair loss is severe, your doctor may recommend using another method of contraception.