Hair Loss Due to Medications

Many medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Medications such as anti-depressants and blood pressure medications can cause hair loss.

Hair Loss as a Side Effect

• All medications, prescription and over-the-counter, may have side effects. Hair loss is a common side effect of many different medications. If you are losing your hair due to a side effect of a certain medication, talk with your doctor about changing your prescription.

Medications That Cause Hair Loss

• Anti-depressants are common medications that can cause hair loss. Anti-depressants in the SSRI category (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) are thought to cause hair loss more so than others. Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are well-known anti-depressants in the SSRI category, according to www.quickcare.org. Accutane, a drug for severe acne, is another medication that has a common side effect of hair loss. Other medicines that can cause hair loss include certain blood-thinners, seizure medications, gout medications, blood pressure medicines, cholesterol medications, thyroid medications, oral contraceptives high in progestins, anti-inflammatory medicines and chemotherapy.

Prevention/Solution

• Hair loss due to medication may be preventable if you research the medication before use. If you find out that the medication you are prescribed has hair loss listed as a side effect, it is probably wise to seek out an alternative drug.

Treatment

• If you are experiencing hair loss due to medications, the good news is that you know what the cause is and it is likely easily fixed. An alternative prescription or medication may be just the thing you need for relief of your side effect. If hair does not regrow after discontinuing the medication, further treatment may be necessary.

Further Treatment Options

• Further treatment options can include hair loss shampoos, conditioners, treatments, vitamins and supplements. A severe case of hair loss due to medications may require a hair transplant if hair does not regrow on its own or with minimal assistance. If you need further treatment options, speak with your doctor about which option is best for you.