The short answer
Some antidepressants can cause hair loss, but it’s uncommon. It’s listed as a possible side effect of several, including sertraline and fluoxetine, and usually shows as shedding all over the head a few months after starting or changing the dose. It’s usually temporary. Don’t stop or change your medicine without talking to your doctor: depression and stress can cause hair loss too.
Which antidepressants can cause hair loss?
Hair loss has been reported with most types of antidepressant, including SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram and paroxetine, and others such as bupropion and venlafaxine. It’s uncommon with all of them. Some medicines used for mood, such as lithium and sodium valproate, are more often linked with hair loss. Your medicine’s leaflet lists its known side effects.
What does antidepressant hair loss look like?
It’s usually telogen effluvium: more hair than usual on your brush, pillow and in the shower, from all over the scalp, starting two to four months after a new medicine or dose. It doesn’t cause bald patches. Patches, a widening parting or a receding hairline point to another cause.
Is it the medicine or something else?
Often it’s hard to tell. Depression, anxiety, poor sleep, illness and changes in appetite or weight can all trigger shedding on their own, around the same time as starting treatment. Low iron, a thyroid problem or pattern hair loss can also be going on underneath.
What should I do?
- Keep taking your medicine, and tell your GP or prescriber about the hair loss. Stopping suddenly can make you unwell.
- Ask whether a blood test for iron, thyroid, vitamin D and B12 would help.
- Note when the shedding started, and any changes to your medicine or dose.
If the medicine is the cause, shedding usually settles within a few months of any change your doctor makes, and hair grows back.
If something isn’t right with your hair or scalp, a consultation is where I take your history, examine your hair and scalp closely and give you a written plan.
Questions
Does sertraline cause hair loss?
It can, but it’s uncommon. Hair loss is listed as a possible side effect, usually shedding a few months after starting. Talk to your GP before changing anything.
Will my hair grow back after antidepressants?
Usually, yes. Medicine-related shedding doesn’t damage the follicles, so hair regrows once the trigger settles.
Can depression cause hair loss?
Yes. Stress, depression, poor sleep and changes in eating can all trigger shedding, with or without medication.
Should I stop my antidepressant if my hair is falling out?
No, not without your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and a return of depression. Your doctor can review the dose or the medicine.