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Antidepressants and Hair Loss
Antidepressants and Hair Loss: Busting the Myths
Is there really a connection between antidepressants and
hair loss? Many believe that those who suffer depression must face this
new and potentially embarrassing side effect while having to deal with the
initial problem. But, the truth of the matter is that people who suffer hair
loss due to medication of this type are few and far between.
Medical reports show that the unfortunate side effect of severe hair loss
with antidepressants is extremely rare, although it does happen. Even those
medical professionals who handle hair loss issues as part of their practice
will say the side effect from antidepressants is not even close to being in
the top ten.
With that in mind, some people who take antidepressants do suffer from hair
loss brought on by the medications. The medications that are known to have
this side effect generally are SSRI antidepressants, which include Prozac.
For those who are on this medication, the question becomes whether the
medicine’s benefits outweigh the unfortunate side effects. This is a
question, however, that must be addressed between the patient on the
medication and the prescribing doctor. If self-image issues are a major
concern, it is particularly important to make the doctor aware of the hair
loss.
Stopping an antidepressant that causes hair loss might stop the condition,
but if the benefits of the drug are so great, a doctor might want to look at
alternatives. There are medications available that can be taken along with
the antidepressant to stop hair loss.
These might benefit some patients.
If stopping the antidepressants is the chosen route, it is very important
for patients to discuss the problem with the prescribing doctor before
taking the hair loss issue into their own hands. Stopping the medication
without solid medical advice can be dangerous, even if thinning hair is a
serious concern.
Patients taking antidepressants, who notice hair loss, should contact their
doctors to address the concerns. Sometimes a change of medication might be
called for. Take heart though, while one form of antidepressant might
produce these side effects in some patients, it’s not likely a different
type will produce the same result.
For more information see: What Causes
Hair Loss
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