Medically Reviewed by Dr Ali, FRCP (Edinburgh), FRCP (London), MBBS, MRCS, LRCP, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP
If you're taking antidepressants and noticing hair shedding, it’s possible that the medication is contributing to this issue. Although hair loss is an uncommon side effect, it does affect a small group of people.
If you’ve recently started an antidepressant or switched to a different one, your hair loss may be related to this change. Studies suggest that antidepressants can interfere with the hair growth cycle, leading to a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium.
Hair Loss from Antidepressants
Telogen effluvium is a condition where hair prematurely enters the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle, causing excessive shedding. This type of hair loss can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Certain medications, like antidepressants
- Childbirth
- Significant emotional stress
- Surgery or high fever
- Chronic medical conditions
- Nutritional deficiencies or weight loss
Luckily, telogen effluvium is typically temporary. The shedding usually stops once the underlying cause is addressed.
How to Manage Hair Loss from Antidepressants
If you suspect your antidepressant is causing hair loss, the most effective way to stop it would be to discontinue the medication. However, do not stop taking your antidepressant without consulting your doctor.
Suddenly halting the medication can result in withdrawal symptoms or the return of mental health symptoms. Talk to your doctor about potential solutions, including switching to a different medication that might not cause hair loss.
What If I Need to Stay on My Medication?
If you're prescribed antidepressants for a serious mental health condition, stopping or switching medications may not be an option. However, there are other approaches you can consider to minimize hair loss:
- 1. Switching Medications - Sometimes, simply switching to a different formulation or brand of the same antidepressant may help reduce hair loss. Some brands may have different doses or absorption rates, which could be affecting your hair. Additionally, your hair loss may resolve once your body adjusts to the new medication.
- 2. Reducing Your Dose - In some cases, reducing the dose of your antidepressant can minimize hair loss. Always consult your doctor before adjusting your dose. Abruptly changing your dosage can have negative effects on both your mental and physical health. A gradual tapering, supervised by your doctor, may help reduce hair loss while still maintaining your mental health.
- 3. Stress Management - Stress itself can also contribute to hair loss. Both physical and emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, similar to antidepressant-related shedding. Discuss stress management strategies with your doctor to integrate them into your current mental health treatment plan.
- 4. Nutritional Support - A balanced diet is crucial for healthy hair growth. Make sure you’re getting essential nutrients such as zinc, biotin, and iron. If you're unable to get sufficient nutrients through food alone, supplements may help. Iron deficiency, in particular, is known to contribute to hair loss. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements to avoid potential interactions with your medication.
- 5. Topical Treatments - Over-the-counter topical treatments, such as Minoxidil, are often used to help promote hair regrowth. There is also some evidence suggesting that natural topical treatments like caffeine shampoo or thyme oil may help with telogen effluvium, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
- 6. Adjust Your Hair Care Routine - To prevent hair breakage, use gentle hair care products and avoid harsh chemical treatments. Skip heat styling when possible, as excessive heat can damage hair and worsen hair loss.
Which Antidepressants Can Cause Hair Loss?
Some antidepressants are more likely to cause hair loss than others. Here’s a list of common antidepressants that have been linked to hair shedding:
- Fluoxetine: A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine may cause hair loss in some cases.
- Sertraline: Another SSRI, sertraline,can also be linked to hair loss.
- Other SSRIs: Escitalopram and fluvoxamine can contribute to hair loss, though it’s more common with fluoxetine and sertraline.
- Duloxetine: This serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for anxiety and depression can sometimes cause thinning hair.
- Other SNRIs: Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine, used for major depression, can also lead to hair loss.
- Lamotrigine: Typically prescribed for epilepsy or bipolar disorder, hair loss due to lamotrigine is rare but significant for some individuals.
- Bupropion: Often used for smoking cessation and depression, bupropion has one of the highest reported rates of hair loss among antidepressants.
If you’re experiencing hair loss and are concerned it may be related to your antidepressant, speak to your doctor about potential solutions.
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