Medications that May Cause Hair Loss

When you notice hair loss, you may blame aging or heredity, but sometimes, the real culprit is the medications you take. Many common prescription drugs have this potential side effect. So, if you notice hair loss, check your bathroom cabinet first for the following medications:

Blood Pressure Medications

According to the CDC, about 108 million Americans have high blood pressure. Two commonly prescribed drugs, captopril and lisinopril, can cause hair loss, although only in a small percentage of patients.

Cholesterol Medications

Many Americans are fighting high cholesterol with the drugs atorvastatin and simvastatin. Both of these medications can cause hair loss. But don’t despair. A newer drug, rosuvastatin, does not affect your hair growth and may be an appropriate choice for your condition.

Anti-depressants

Among depression patients, hair loss is a rare but real side effect of their prescriptions. This symptom is associated with certain medications, but the strongest link has been to Wellbutrin. Fortunately, your doctor can usually find an alternative drug if you suspect your anti-depressant is impeding your hair growth.

Immunosuppressants

If you suffer from an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, your prescriptions may cause hair loss. The drugs causing this side-effect include cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and etanercept.

Other Drugs

Any drug that affects your hormone level can also cause hair loss. Some birth control methods have this effect. Also, hormone treatment for breast cancer frequently leads to thinning hair because it lowers estrogen and progesterone levels.

Other drugs associated with hair loss include those for:

Epilepsy

Hormone replacement therapy

NSAIDs

Parkinson’s disease

Thyroid conditions

Weight loss

Steroids are also a prime suspect when you lose your hair

 

The Good News

If prescription medications are causing your hair loss, stopping the treatment should also end your problem. You shouldn’t stop taking medications on your own, though. Consult with your doctor and come up with a medically sound plan. Until your hair grows back, you can get help from experts in hair replacement. Often, a hair system or a wig can give you the fullness you desire while you wait for your own hair to recover. At Transitions Hair Loss Centers, we will customize the perfect hair loss solution for you. To find a location near you click here.

 

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