Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss [And How To Deal With It]

Highlights 

• Hair loss is a side effect of many medications, such as chemotherapy, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs.

• Hair loss from medication is often temporary and reversible after stopping or adjusting medication.

• Don’t stop taking the medication causing hair loss without consulting your healthcare provider. 

• Topical treatments like minoxidil and prescription medications like finasteride can help stimulate hair growth and slow down further loss.

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Hair loss affects more than how you look — it can deeply impact your self-esteem and overall well-being. Some men are quick to blame hair loss on genetics and aging but are unaware that common medications can silently contribute to hair thinning.

Understand the type of hair loss you have and its potential medication triggers, and you may be able to take steps to mitigate this frustrating side effect and restore your confidence.

Types of Hair Loss From Medication

Medication can cause different types of hair loss, often known as drug-induced hair loss, or drug-induced alopecia. The two main types are:

• Telogen effluvium. This occurs when hair in the resting phase sheds, typically due to medications like antidepressants or blood thinners. 
• Anagen effluvium. This happens when hair in the growing phase falls out, often caused by chemotherapy drugs. 

Most drug-induced hair loss is temporary; your hair loss is likely to stop after stopping medication. Understanding the type of hair loss you have and the medication that’s causing it can help you to find the best solution for managing the issue.

Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss

Certain medications are linked to hair loss. These include:

Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs are well-known for causing hair loss, a side effect that is often severe but typically temporary. Drugs like adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil target rapidly dividing cancer cells. In the process, they also attack hair follicles, which causes hair loss.

Hair loss usually begins a few days to weeks after starting chemotherapy and becomes noticeable within the first few months of treatment. There’s no guaranteed way to prevent this, but you can use cooling gaps and avoid heat-based style tools to help reduce the impact.

Fortunately, hair typically begins to regrow within the first three months of finishing treatment, though some patients report changes in the color and texture of their new hair.

Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers

Medications for depression and mood disorders, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), valproic acid (Depakote), and lithium can sometimes cause hair loss. The exact mechanism behind this isn’t known, but it’s likely they disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to telogen effluvium.

This type of hair loss is usually mild to moderate and reversible with adjustments to your medication — but never stop or change the dosage of these medications without consulting your healthcare provider. They can help you to safely manage this side effect without compromising your mental health.

Blood Pressure Medications

Certain blood pressure medications can cause hair loss. The most common culprits include beta-blockers like metoprolol (Lopressor) and propranolol (Inderal), and ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Prinivil) and enalapril (Vasotec). These drugs can disrupt normal hair follicle function, leading to hair thinning and shedding.

The severity of hair loss can range from mild to moderate, but it’s often reversible. Most patients notice hair regrowth shortly after having their blood pressure medication adjusted or changed. Your healthcare provider can help you to explore alternative treatments or adjustments if you notice significant hair loss while taking these medications.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are medications that help prevent blood clots. Some anticoagulants, like heparin and warfarin (Coumadin), can cause hair loss. The exact cause is unclear, but most affected patients experience telogen effluvium.

It usually takes several weeks into treatment for hair loss to begin. Some patients don’t notice hair loss until they’ve taken anticoagulants for several years. This hair loss is typically mild to moderate and is often reversible.

It’s dangerous to stop taking anticoagulants without consulting your healthcare provider. Talk to your provider about potential alternatives or adjustments to your medication if you’re worried about hair loss while taking anticoagulants.

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Some medications that lower cholesterol, like simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor), are linked to hair loss. Although we’re not entirely sure why, it’s believed these drugs affect the health of hair follicles. Interestingly, high cholesterol itself can cause hair loss.

The good news is that hair loss from these medications is usually mild and might get better if you stop taking them — but don’t stop them without talking to your healthcare provider.

Autoimmune Drugs

Certain medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can trigger hair loss. This is most common with immune-suppressing drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide (Arava). By dampening the immune response, these drugs can inadvertently affect hair growth and lead to hair shedding.

This hair loss can be mild to moderate and is usually reversible. Most patients will notice hair regrowth within a few months after stopping or adjusting their medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for reducing or reversing hair loss from immunosuppressants without compromising your health.

Anticonvulsants and Seizure Medications

Anticonvulsants and seizure medications like valproic acid (Depakote) and trimethadione (Tridione) can sometimes cause hair loss. These drugs might disrupt normal hair growth cycles, leading to increased shedding.

The impact can vary, ranging from mild to moderate, but hair growth typically resumes after you stop taking the medication. If you notice hair loss while on anticonvulsants, talk to your healthcare provider for advice on managing this side effect effectively.

Acne Medications

Acne medications containing vitamin A (retinoids), like isotretinoin (Accutane), can cause hair thinning. Oral retinoids cause skin cell turnover, potentially impacting hair follicles and causing temporary hair loss.

This usually reverses after you stop or lower treatment. If hair loss becomes severe, discuss adjusting or discontinuing the medication with your healthcare provider.

Hormonal Therapies

Hormone therapies like testosterone, anabolic steroids, and oral contraceptives can trigger hair loss. These medications disturb the hormonal balance that controls hair growth, potentially leading to conditions like androgenetic alopecia.

Hair loss from these therapies can vary from mild to severe. Hair loss may become permanent, especially with long-term medication use. Your risk for permanent hair loss depends on the medication and your personal risk factors, so it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage this side effect.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Drugs

Certain antimicrobial and antifungal drugs can contribute to hair loss by interfering with hair follicle function. This is most likely to cause temporary hair shedding. This type of hair loss usually resolves once you stop taking the medication.

Weight Loss Drugs

Weight loss drugs like phentermine can lead to hair thinning. These medications might disrupt nutritional balance or hormone levels, which can impact your hair health. Typically, the hair loss is mild and reversible once the medication is discontinued.

Some people using weight loss drugs have reported hair loss, but this could be due to factors like nutrient deficiencies or other health conditions. If you experience hair loss while on these medications, work with your healthcare provider to address any underlying issues and explore potential solutions.

How to Deal with Hair Loss From Medications

Dealing with medication-induced hair loss can be tough, but you have options to get your hair growth back on track.

Hair Growth Shampoos

One option is to incorporate hair growth shampoos into your routine. Look for products containing ingredients like biotin and keratin, which can strengthen existing hair and promote regrowth.

Topical Treatments

Consider topical treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine), which can stimulate hair growth and slow down further loss. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging their function and growth.

Prescription Hair Loss Medications

If you prefer an oral medication option, a prescription medication like finasteride (Propecia) may be your best bet. Finasteride works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair thinning and loss. Even better, Propecia begins working as soon as you start taking it.

Tackle Hair Loss Today

Don’t let medication-induced hair loss hold you back from that good-hair-day feeling. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your medication is causing hair loss.They can suggest treatments to promote hair regrowth or may be able to switch you to a different medication that doesn’t have this side effect.

eDrugstore is making it easier for men like you to tackle hair loss from the comfort of their own homes. Enjoy a complimentary consultation with a U.S.-licensed physician who can prescribe FDA-approved medications like minoxidil, Propecia, or generic finasteride. Visit our hair restoration page today for discreet, free shipping and expert guidance on your journey to healthier hair.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about health and related topics but is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.