Dr. Zain Hasan, a Los Angeles-based anesthetist, has raised concerns about the potential for common prescription and over-the-counter drugs to contribute to hair loss. While aging naturally causes hair thinning, certain medications may accelerate this process, leading to premature alopecia. Dr. Hasan recently shared a list of five medications that could be secretly fueling hair loss, warning his followers to be aware of these drugs, especially if they or someone they know is taking them. He emphasized that while these side effects are not universal, they can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life.
The first medication on Dr. Hasan’s list is the antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion), which is prescribed to improve mood by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Although effective in treating depression, Wellbutrin has been linked to hair loss, particularly in both men and women. A 2018 study found that those taking Wellbutrin were more likely to experience hair thinning compared to users of other antidepressants. Though rare, with only about one in 1,000 patients affected, the hair loss can be distressing for those who experience it, with many reporting it as a significant side effect on social media.
Dr. Hasan also warned about acne medications, specifically isotretinoin (Accutane), which is known for its effectiveness in treating severe acne. Though hair loss is not a common side effect, it can occur, especially in individuals who take higher doses. A 2022 study found that 6% of patients on high doses of isotretinoin reported hair loss, compared to 3.2% on lower doses. This shedding occurs because isotretinoin can cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase prematurely, but the hair loss is typically reversible once the medication is stopped.
Another group of medications linked to hair loss are blood thinners, such as Eliquis, Warfarin, and Heparin. These drugs are prescribed to prevent blood clots, but they can also disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair follicles entering the resting phase. Hair loss usually occurs within two to four months of starting the medication. Studies on anticoagulants like Warfarin have acknowledged the rare occurrence of hair loss, which is reversible once the medication is discontinued, although it can have a significant impact on a patient’s well-being.
Beta blockers, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. While hair loss is a rare side effect, it can occur in patients using this medication for two to five months. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of hormones like adrenaline, which slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Though hair loss is not frequently reported in clinical trials, some patients have experienced thinning hair, which typically reverses once the medication is stopped. Doctors believe the drug interferes with the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary hair loss.
Finally, Dr. Hasan highlighted tamoxifen, a medication used in the treatment of breast cancer. Around one-third of individuals taking tamoxifen experience hair loss, which is linked to the drug’s ability to lower estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the hair growth cycle, and tamoxifen’s reduction of this hormone disrupts the process, often leading to noticeable shedding. Hair loss from tamoxifen typically becomes apparent six months to two years after starting the medication. While chemotherapy drugs also contribute to hair loss, tamoxifen’s impact is more specific to its hormonal effects.
While medications like Wellbutrin, isotretinoin, anticoagulants, beta blockers, and tamoxifen are essential for treating various conditions, they can also cause hair loss in some patients. Dr. Hasan urges individuals to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult with their healthcare providers if they experience unusual hair thinning. Though hair loss from these drugs is often temporary and reversible, it is important to work with a doctor before stopping any prescribed medication to ensure the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
