Does Opiate Use Cause Hair Loss?

[fakeplstctrees]

I am taking Percocet daily, as prescribed by my doctor. I have read that opiate use can cause hair loss. Is there any truth to this? If so, will the use of Rogaine and Proscar prevent loss caused by the opiate use?

[RCWest]

I've never seen opiate use cause hairloss. They are one of the class of drugs that is usually safe from hair loss. If you were on something real strong that took your appetite and you couldn't eat, then you may lose hair, but then that would really be diet related hair loss. Usually anti depressants and seizure meds are the big culprits that cause hair loss.

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

I have not heard of any correlation betwwn opiate use and hair loss. That does not mean that it is not possible. Excessive use of any medication on a long term basis can make unusual things happen to certain patients. I would not expect Propecia or Rogaine to stop hair loss caused by medication side effects.