Hair Loss as a Bipolar Medication Side Effect

Hair Loss as a Bipolar Medication Side Effect Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Hair Loss as a Bipolar Medication Side Effect By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 28, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 19, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Peter Cade Collection / Getty Images Its fairly well known that Lithium and Depakote (valproate) can frequently cause hair to start staying in your brush or comb instead of on your head. Some other medications prescribed for bipolar disorder also may cause thinning hair (alopecia).?? The list includes: Tegretol (carbamazepine) (less common)Prozac (fluoxetine) (less common to rare)All the tricyclic antidepressants (rare) Some other drugs that are reported to cause hair loss are: Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)Lamictal (lamotrigine) And these may have thinning hair as a rare side effect: Haldol (haloperidol)Zyprexa (olanzapine)Risperdal (risperidone)Klonopin (clonazepam)BuSpar (buspirone) In these cases, hair loss or thinning hair are not listed on the labels as a known side effect, but many people report problems with hair falling out on these medications. The American Hair Loss Association lists other antidepressants in addition to those above that can cause hair loss or thinning hair.?? Antidepressants That Can Cause Hair Loss Why Hair Loss Occurs Lithium can cause thyroid problems which are associated with losing hair. Other than that, it isnt specifically known why certain drugs cause thinning hair, but what happens is a process called telogen effluvium.?? Normally, most hair is in the active growing phase, while a much smaller proportion is in the resting, or telogen, phase. Growing hair pushes the resting hair out. When a medication causes many more hair follicles to enter the resting stage than is usual, there is less hair growth and more to be pushed out or pulled out, whether by shampooing, brushing and combing, or just running your hands through your hair. How Hair Grows What You Can Do Experts say the best remedy for medication-induced hair loss is to reduce the dosage of the problem medication or discontinue it. Thus, your first step should always be to discuss the situation with your doctor. Is it possible for you to change to another medication that does not cause thinning hair? A 2000 study (Mercke, et al) found that [d]iscontinuation of the medication or dose reduction almost always leads to complete hair regrowth.?? Be aware that it may take 6-12 months for hair to recover fully. Alternative treatments which some have found effective for thinning hair include these supplements: Minerals: zinc, selenium, ironVitamins: A, C, E, B6, and B12 There are also some Chinese herbs used to treat alopecia. Too much of almost any vitamin or mineral can be dangerous. Discuss any supplements you want to try with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they wont interact negatively with your medications. A detailed reference guide to several of the supplements mentioned is available from the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.?? Above all, do not stop taking any medication on your own just because you notice falling or thinning hair. The risk to a person with bipolar disorder is just too great. Work with your doctor to find the best solution for you. Learn More About Medications to Treat Bipolar Disorder