Lexapro and Hair Loss

Lexapro and hair loss are a concern for some individuals taking this antidepressant. Clinical studies suggest that Lexapro (Escitalopram) can impact hair growth, even though alopecia is not commonly listed as an official side effect.

This medication may cause hair to enter the resting (telogen) phase earlier, leading to increased shedding and hair thinning. A person’s experience with Lexapro hair loss can vary and is influenced by hormonal changes, nutritional status, and stress levels.

This article explores how Lexapro affects hair growth, the potential causes of hair loss, and the steps you can take to manage this issue.

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Can Lexapro Cause Hair Loss?

Specialist doctors prescribe the antidepressant Lexapro to both adults and adolescents. Clinical evidence indicates that escitalopram may contribute to male pattern baldness, even though antidepressant escitalopram side effects do not commonly include hair loss.

Some studies show that this antidepressant causes hair to enter the resting phase (telogen phase) earlier, which leads to increased shedding and hair thinning.

Lexapro Hair Thinning: How It Affects Your Hair Growth Cycle

These medications can alter estrogen and prolactin levels in the body, affecting the hair growth cycle. Hormonal imbalances can cause hair to enter the telogen phase, leading to alopecia.

If a person lacks iron, protein, vitamin D, or zinc, the hair cycle may become disrupted. Some antidepressants reduce the absorption of these components, leading to lower levels of these micronutrients in the body.

Certain medications also affect serotonin, which regulates the hair cycle. Hair loss and Lexapro can vary in severity; some people may experience hair thinning, while others may face significant hair shedding.

In short, Lexapro side effects will vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, nutritional status, genetic factors, and other health issues.

What to Do with Thinning Hair from Medication?

For those experiencing Lexapro and hair loss, we recommend the following:

Discuss reducing the dosage of escitalopram with a specialist doctor. The doctor may suggest an alternative antidepressant.
Stress often contributes to alopecia, so it’s essential to engage in calming activities and find ways to manage stress.
Consuming nutrients that support hair growth is important. Foods and supplements containing vitamin D, zinc, iron, and biotin are essential.
You can seek professional treatments to promote hair growth from a hair specialist.
Avoid excessive styling or chemical treatments, and do not brush the hair too harshly to prevent further damage to fragile hair roots.
Individuals experiencing significant hair loss may consider hair transplant options in Turkey. Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic in Istanbul performs permanent and successful hair transplant procedures. Be sure to review Dr. Yaman’s work’s before and after results.

What Medications Can Cause Hair Loss?

Let’s provide information about some antidepressants that may cause hair thinning in the table below:

Medication	Hair Loss Potential and Explanation
Wellbutrin	Wellbutrin can be an alternative to SSRIs. Does Wellbutrin cause hair loss? Clinical studies have reported cases of widespread hair thinning associated with the use of Wellbutrin (bupropion).
Prozac	Prozac is one of the most commonly used medications and a widely studied SSRI. Does Prozac cause hair loss? Research suggests it can lead to widespread hair thinning.
Zoloft	Sertraline may cause hair loss. However, the problem of Zoloft and hair shedding is less common compared to some other SSRIs.
Paroxetine (Paxil)	Paroxetine may cause excessive hair loss and hair thinning.
Tricyclic Antidepressants	Medications such as Imipramine (Tofranil) and Amitriptyline (Elavil) can negatively affect the hair growth cycle.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors	Phenelzine may lead to hair loss by causing hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely.

The type, dosage, and duration of the antidepressant you use can affect your risk of hair loss. The medications mentioned above may not cause alopecia in everyone. It is essential to consult a specialist doctor for a personalised risk assessment regarding antidepressants.

Antidepressants That Don’t Cause Hair Loss

Antidepressants can cause male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness at varying levels, but this does not happen to everyone. Medications with a lower risk of hair loss generally include Zoloft, Mirtazapine, and Venlafaxine. However, individual differences are essential. Your doctor can recommend the most suitable medication while considering the risk of hair thinning.

Managing Lexapro and Hair Loss: Simple and Effective Solutions

Escitalopram is a helpful treatment for depression and anxiety, but it can sometimes cause hair shedding. At Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic, we provide advanced solutions to manage hair thinning caused by medications like Lexapro.

Simple steps such as eating healthy, reducing stress, and gentle hair care can help reduce hair shedding. If alopecia continues, treatments like PRP, laser therapy, or hair transplant surgery can restore your hair.

Our hair doctor creates personalised plans to help you regain confidence and healthy hair. Get in touch with us to discover more about Lexapro and hair loss and find the best solution tailored to your needs.