A variety of serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to cause hair loss, though this side effect is generally rare.
Serotonin can be transformed into melatonin in human skin. As melatonin is involved in hair growth cycling, SSRIs might interfere with the delicate balance between hair growth and shedding (Slominski et al., 2005).
DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss.
One is to reduce your dose, which may be enough to allow your hair to regrow. Another option is to switch to a different brand or the generic version of your medication, as it may be an inactive ingredient, rather than the drug itself, that is causing your hair loss.
the SSRI most commonly reported in the literature to cause hair loss was fluoxetine, followed by sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine and paroxetine.
Other antidepressants had a lower risk of hair loss with fluoxetine (brand name Prozac; see Important Safety Information) and paroxetine (brand name Paxil, Brisdelle; see Important Safety Information) showing the lowest risk.
Lower estrogen and progesterone levels: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate hair growth, which is why pregnant women—who are producing extra levels of these hormones—tend to experience thickening hair during their pregnancy.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Sertraline is a potent antidepressant which inhibits the serotonin reuptake from the presynaptic terminals selectively. The reason for hair loss could not be elucidated completely. Psychotropic drugs are usually considered to lead to hair loss through influencing the telogen phase of hair follicle.
Truth is, hair loss is a sertraline side effect — but it's very rare. Keep reading to learn more about sertraline and other antidepressants, why they sometimes can lead to hair loss and how you can treat that hair loss if it does happen to you.
Awareness of this potential rare side effect of escitalopram is important, as it allows for early recognition of medication-related adverse side effects. Although the risk of hair loss associated with escitalopram is generally rare, physicians should routinely inquire about hair loss in patients taking escitalopram.
We're happy to tell them that hair loss from antidepressants is not permanent. People usually recover their original hair pattern once the medication is discontinued. In most cases, hair growth returns to its previous state once the medication that causes hair loss is stopped.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that mediated satisfaction, happiness and optimism. Serotonin levels are reduced in depression, and most modern anti-depressant drugs, known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), act by increasing the amount of serotonin available to brain cells.
Despite being largely safe, in rare cases it can cause hair loss. In a study conducted by Kivrak et. al (2015), an extended analysis of a 21 year old patient showed Sertraline induced hair loss to be an unusual, yet problematic, side effect.
Can thin hair become thicker again? A person cannot change the texture of their hair. However, the hair may grow back after chemotherapy or pregnancy, for example.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
Your sudden shedding could be caused by telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss that is typically temporary and happens after a stressful or traumatic event, physical or emotional stress, changes in weight, pregnancy, illness, medication, or dietary changes, explains New York City–based dermatologist Marisa Garshick, ...
Hormone therapy
If hormone imbalances due to menopause, for example, cause hair loss, doctors may recommend some form of hormone therapy to correct them. Some possible treatments include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy for either estrogen or progesterone.
While estrogen can help thin hair, it cannot completely reverse facial and body hair growth.
Low progesterone and estrogen are also often to blame for thinning hair during menopause. Hair loss from menopausal hormone deficiencies can take many forms. Most women notice thinning throughout their scalps, which may be visible when you part your hair or you might notice a thinner pony tail.
The hair loss can stop when you stop taking the medication; however, this can take up to 6 months to reverse. It is important to talk to your GP before stopping any medication to ensure it is safe to do so.
Stress and hair loss don't have to be permanent. And if you get your stress under control, your hair might grow back. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your hair, talk to your doctor.
Yes. Hair loss due to stress is usually reversible. Once you get your stress levels under control, you may be able to reverse stress alopecia. In about 6-9 months, your hair could grow back to its normal fullness without any treatment, especially in the case of telogen effluvium.