Wellbutrin and hair loss

[KarenRB53]

I've been taking WellbutrinXL 150mg for about 6 months (also Celexa for over a year) and about 2 months ago my hair started to fall out. Much more than ever before. I have read that both Wellbutrin & Celexa can cause hair loss but am wondering if others have had this side effect? My hair is definitely thinning on top and my hair stylist said I should investigate what it is that is causing this. I also lost 45 lbs in less than 4 months on weight watchers. I started Wellbutrin around the same time as Weight Watchers and I'm sure Wellbutrin helped me with my weight loss. My question is.....of the above...which would be more likely to cause the hair loss. I do take thyroid meds but my levels are good, and my ferritin levels are good. My B12 is actually high so thats not it. Thanks for any advice.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

I've never heard of hair loss associated with either Wellbutrin or Celexa personally, although it is listed as a rare side-effect for Celexa.

However, I would wonder about nutritional deficits other than B12 with that rapid weight loss. I would also suggest that you double-check the thyroid profile, since as you probably know this is a common symptom of thyroid dysfunction.

 

[Daniel E.]

Also, I found this (none of which I am knowledgeable about):

Your hair is falling out because you are hypothyroid. Sometimes replacement can cause temporary fatigue and reaction as the dose is corrected. This will clear as you stay on the medication. If you don't want to be permanently bald stay on the medication.

What is your TSH? If normal, shouldn't be the thyroid medication. If too low, decrease your medication (a low TSH means too much medication, a high TSH means too little).

Drug InfoNet - Faqsynth - [general]

An increasing number of doctors believe that a TSH of around 1 - 2 is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms such as hair loss.

Get Evaluated by a Dermatologist. Even if you are in the midst of dealing with a thyroid problem, it's still a good idea to see a dermatologist. A good dermatologist experienced in hair loss can do a complete workup in order to assess the various causes of hair loss, and run tests that may identify other autoimmune conditions besides thyroid that may cause hair loss. For a hair loss specialist, visit the American Hair Loss Council website at http://www.ahlc.org/members.htm, or contact the American Academy of Dermatology, who can provide a referral to a dermatologist in your area.

Hair Loss Solutions For Thyroid Patients - About.com

Hair loss isn't just a male problem - many women experience it as well. There are a variety of factors that could play a part in female hair loss:

• Damaging effects of hair treatments or styling
• Twisting or pulling your hair
• Prescription drugs such as blood thinners and medications for gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems and high blood pressure
• Thyroid disease
• Iron deficiency. (Do not take iron unless you've been tested and your doctor has recommended a supplement - it can do more harm than good if you don't need it.)

The good news is there are some nutritional changes you can make that may help prevent further loss and encourage re-growth. Try the following:

• Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Try to eat salmon (preferable wild Alaskan salmon), sardines, herring or mackerel two or three times a week. Or, sprinkle two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds per day on your cereal or salads, or eat walnuts.
• Supplement your diet with the essential omega-6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil, available in capsules or soft gels at health food stores. Take 500 mg of either twice a day. Be patient with this one. You won't see results for six to eight weeks.

Natural Hair and Skin Care Tips - Dr. Weil