Hair loss and Lexapro are two issues for users of this antidepressant. Evidence in the form of clinical trials suggests that Lexapro (Escitalopram) has some impact on the growth of hair, even if alopecia is never officially recorded as a side effect.
This medication has the ability to accelerate hair into the resting (telogen) stage earlier, leading to over-shedding and hair thinning. The response of each individual to Lexapro hair loss will vary and will be influenced by hormone levels, nutritional status, as well as stress.
This article explains how Lexapro affects hair growth, its baldness causes, as well as ways through which it can be countered.
Can Lexapro Cause Hair Loss?
Specialist doctors prescribe the antidepressant Lexapro to adults and adolescents. Clinical evidence indicates that escitalopram can cause male pattern baldness, but antidepressant escitalopram side effects rarely include hair loss.
A number of studies unveil that this antidepressant causes the resting phase (telogen phase) of hair, which results in excessive hair shedding and hair thinning.
Lexapro Hair Thinning: How It Affects Your Hair Growth Cycle
These medications can alter body levels of estrogen and prolactin, affecting the hair growth cycle. Imbalanced hormones result in hair entering the telogen stage and resulting in alopecia.
If the patient is iron deficient, protein deficient, vitamin D deficient, or zinc deficient, then the hair cycle can become affected. Antidepressants inhibit the absorption of these elements, resulting in less of these micronutrients available in the body.
Certain medications also affect serotonin, which regulates the hair cycle. Lexapro and hair loss can vary in intensity; some people may experience thinning of hair, while others may experience widespread shedding of hair.
In short, Lexapro side effects will vary from person to person depending on their age, diet, genetic disorders, and other medical issues.
What to Do with Thinning Hair from Medication?
For those who have Lexapro and hair loss, the following is advised:
- Consult a specialist doctor about reducing the dose of escitalopram. The doctor might advise another antidepressant.
- Stress is most often the cause of alopecia, so it is important to do relaxing activities and acquire stress coping mechanisms.
- Consuming foods and supplements that enhance hair growth is essential. Foods and supplements with vitamin D, zinc, iron, and biotin are essential.
- You may try professional treatments to stimulate hair growth from a hair expert.
- Avoid over-styling or chemical processing, and do not brush the hair too vigorously to avoid further damage to weak hair roots.
- Those with severe hair loss can opt for hair transplant procedures in Turkey.
Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic in Istanbul offers successful and permanent hair transplant procedures. Make sure to check out Dr. Yaman’s work’s before and after photos.
What Medications Can Cause Hair Loss?
Let us give some information about some antidepressants that can lead to hair thinning in the table below:
Medication | Hair Loss Potential and Explanation |
Wellbutrin | Wellbutrin can be utilized as an alternative to SSRIs. Does Wellbutrin cause hair loss? Some reports of wide-spread hair thinning have occurred in clinical trials where Wellbutrin (bupropion) has been used. |
Prozac | Prozac is a highly prescribed medication and one of the most studied SSRIs. Does Prozac cause hair loss? It is said to cause wide-spread hair thinning. |
Zoloft | Sertraline may cause hair loss. However, the problem of Zoloft and excessive shedding of hair is not as common as it is with some other SSRIs. |
Paroxetine (Paxil) | Paroxetine may cause excessive hair shedding and hair thinning. |
Tricyclic Antidepressants | Medications such as Imipramine (Tofranil) and Amitriptyline (Elavil) may negatively affect the hair growth cycle. |
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors | Phenelzine may cause hair loss by placing hair follicles in the resting stage earlier. |
The dosage you consume, the duration you consume it for, and the type of antidepressant can help determine your risk of hair loss. The drugs listed above may not necessarily cause alopecia in every patient. You should seek the advice of a specialist physician for an individual risk evaluation of antidepressants.
Antidepressants That Don’t Cause Hair Loss
Antidepressants lead to male or female pattern baldness at some level, but not all have this effect. Less risky drugs are Zoloft, Mirtazapine, and Venlafaxine. There have to be personal differences, though. Your doctor can prescribe the most suitable medication after considering the hair thinning risk.
Managing Lexapro and Hair Loss: Simple and Effective Solutions
Escitalopram is an effective drug against depression and anxiety but can, at times, cause hair shedding. At Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic, we have advanced methods of dealing with drug-induced thinning hair, such as with Lexapro.
Simple steps like eating a proper diet, stress reduction, and mild hair care can reduce shedding. In cases of chronic alopecia, treatments such as PRP, laser treatment, or hair transplantation can restore your hair.
Our hair doctor creates personalized programs to get you back to feeling confident and having healthy hair. Call us to find out more about Lexapro and hair loss and get the best solution tailored to your specific needs.