Do I need to stop taking the med that caused the hair loss? Will hair loss eventually cease anyway?

Question

I first noticed my frontal hairline receding after about a couple of weeks after I started taking Viibryd. I feel so much better on this drug than on my previous antidepressant Paxil so I really would like to continue on Viibryd.

Craig L. Ziering, DO · Answer

If the medication is causing the hair loss, then it most likely will continue to cause the hair loss and it is a good idea to determine with your doctor what other medications you can take that may have fewer reports of this side effect. You may also want to consider seeing a hair specialist for nonsurgical hair restoration solutions to address the loss you now have.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

I would advise that you see a specialist before concluding a medication caused hair loss. Hair loss caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type medications is usually all over the scalp rather than in one area. While it could be related, see a specialist to confirm.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

When medications cause hair loss, stopping it should be a decision with your doctor. There are also other medications that might not give you hair loss so discuss this with your doctor

Do I need to stop taking the med that caused the hair loss? Will hair loss eventually cease anyway?

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Do I need to stop taking the med that caused the hair loss? Will hair loss eventually cease anyway?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.