Do Wellbutrin and Prozac cause hair loss in females? Is the loss dose dependent?

Question

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Many drugs have hair loss as a side effect.  However, in most cases the use of drugs are not the primary cause.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

These drugs can cause hair loss but not very commonly. The vast vast majority of patients who take these drugs do not develop shedding or hair loss. If you think you have hair loss from a medication, be sure to see a dermatologist specializing in hair loss. A full medical history, a careful examination of the scalp and blood tests are all essential. A biopsy is usually not necessary and seldom helps.Hair loss can be dose dependent for some individuals but certainly not all. For many patients, it's an all or none type phenomenon.Medication related hair shedding is among the most challenging types of hair loss to diagnose. Hair loss from medications usually happens 4-10 weeks after starting a drug.Switching between similat drugs even within the same class can sometimes be helpful. So even if one type of antidepressant causes hair loss another might not.All in all, anyone who thinks a drug might be causing hair loss should see a dermatologist for careful evaluation.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, these drugs have hair loss as a side effect in some women. Speak with the doctor who prescribed it to you and see if there are alternative drugs.

Do Wellbutrin and Prozac cause hair loss in females? Is the loss dose dependent?

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Do Wellbutrin and Prozac cause hair loss in females? Is the loss dose dependent?

Answers (3)

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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.