drug induced hairloss

[mag39]

I was just wondering if anybody has a little information on drug induced hairloss. I went on zoloft about 5 years ago, and after about 3 weeks on the medication I noticed that my hair started falling out around the hairline and on top of my head. I went off of zoloft and have been off of it for 5 years now. Every so often it seems that my hariline is recieding back on the left side and on top of my head seems to be a little lighter, not really sure though. could that medication have started mpb. right now the docotor started me on propecia just in case. I also spoke with a hair transplant surgeon, and he said that he never heard of medication that could cause your hair to fall out. He says that it's mpb and that the medication might of erritated the mpb. Any information about my situation would be appericated. I am thinking of getting my hairline restored and what ever fell out on top of my head or at least try to thicken it up a little bit.

[Dr. Bernardino Arocha]

mag39,

This is an important blog, as there are many drugs that can cause hair loss in the different stages of the hair cycle. The most commonly prescribed drugs that can cause hair loss include: Captopril and Enalapril, Dicumarol, Heparin, and Warfarin, Carbamazepine, Mephenytoin, Phenytoin, and Valproate, Atenolol, Lavetalol, Metoprolol, Propanolol and Timolol, Bromocritine, Verapamil, Cholestyramine, Clofibrate, Nicotinic Acid , Cimetidine , Levodopa , Lithium , Nitrofurantoin , Ibuprofen , Isotretinoin , Aminosalicyclic Acid and BCP’s. However, it is important to realize that still the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is still pattern hair loss arising from inherited patterns of hair that are miniaturized under the influence of hormones or their metabolites.

[mag39]

So, I am going to assume that you think that even though the medication started the hair loss it is still considered mpb?

[RCWest]

If you are predetermined to have MPB during your lifetime, then certain meds can trigger it. I am on Carbamazepine and Atenolol, which Dr. Arocha lists as having side effects of hairloss, but it hasn't bothered me. Hairloss as a side effect of those two medications is under 2%.

 

Zoloft and other antidepressants have a higher chance of hairloss for some reason.

[mag39]

Well, then maybe that whats happened when I took that zoloft. The hair I lost never grew back although I do see some single hairs and small groups of hair come in every once in a while where there is no hair in the front part of my hairline. so, I guess it would be a good Idea to stay on propecia and see what happens. I guess I'll have to look forward to a hair transplant soon to replace what I lost that won't grow back from that damn zoloft. I was doing pretty good before that medication. I had a nice thick head of hair. I still have plenty on my head, it's just a little diffuse on top, and you can see it under bright lights. don't like that.

[Dr. Bernardino Arocha]

mag39,

It is impossible for me to render an opinion without the benefit of seeing you. I was just answering part of your question. Good luck.