Depression Drug Hair Loss

Depression Drug Hair Loss

Experts estimate major depression affects 25% or more of the adult women in the United States and more than 12% of men.

Some types of antidepressants and mood stabilizers prescribed to treat the condition may result in depression drug hair loss.

Taking drugs to relieve depression or related mood disorders may trigger Telogen and/or Anagen Effluvium hair loss triggered by the drugs interfering with the normal cycles of scalp hair growth.

Spiral Effect Of Depression And Hair Loss

This may trigger a  long term spiral effect.

The person taking the depression drug becomes more depressed due to the hair loss side effect.

It's also possible that someone not taking any drugs, but experiencing depression due to hair loss, may actually start taking depression drugs and thus trigger the vicious cycle of experiencing even more hair loss.

Drug Induced Hair Loss Is Individualistic

Drug induced hair loss, like any other type of hair loss, may definitely have a serious impact on self-esteem and mental health.

Like most things in life, the occurrence and/or severity of drug-induced hair loss depends on the type of drug and dosage.

It also depends upon the individual sensitivity to the drug.

Do Your Prescription Homework

It's important to always do your homework with any medications you are prescribed.

Ask questions and discuss any potential side effects with your physician and pharmacist.

Luckily drug induced hair loss is traditionally reversible once the drugs are discontinued.

It's important to never discontinue any drug therapy without express approval from your doctor.

Alternative Options For Minimizing Depression

What options are available to patients who are prescribed drugs for a specific condition such as depression and/or mood disorders which trigger Telogen or Anagen Effluvium hair loss?

While drugs offer a chemical refuge from the pain of depression or similar feelings, if the chemical solution magnifies the initial problem consider the following options:*

1.  Work closely with your medical/mental health professionals to evaluate alternative prescription solutions or prescribed dosage amounts.

2.  Ask your professional to discuss less invasive options such as the herbal Prozac alternative known as Hypericum (St. John's Wort).

3.  Evaluate homeopathy and/or flower essence treatments (Gentian, Hornbeam, Mustard, Gorse, Sweet Chestnut) with your physician.

4.  Research benefits of a holistic treatment program, with your health professional's express input and/or approval, which includes known depression alleviating options.

Depression Alleviating Options

These depression alleviating options may include, but not be limited to:

1.  Adopting a hormone, body balancing diet.

2.  Incorporating a consistent exercise regime.

3.  Practice meditation, yoga, deep breathing or similar.

4.  Schedule acupunture, rolfing or body movement treatments known to lessen depression.

Note:  In some situations acupunture will also help to less hair loss conditions.

Drug Induced Hair Loss

If you suspect the drug you're taking for depression has a side effect of causing hair loss, take preventive measures.

Just as scalp hypothermia is often utilized to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy, there are options you can employ.

These include, but aren't limited to the following:

1.  Perform consistent scalp massages with essential oils (Bay, Cade, Clary Sage, Laurel, Thyme) in a carrier base.

2.  Create a strong nettle and/or watercress decoction applied to the scalp to retain hair and minimize loss.

3.  Follow an anti-hair loss dietary program including minimizing caffeinated drinks and substituting with calming drinks such as orange leaves, melissa or similar.

4.  Utilize horseradish or pimento massage oils to slow hair loss.

5.  Increase daily consumption of Vitamins B, C and F.

6.  Add minerals cobalt, copper and iron (if age appropriate).

7.  Eat bromine enriched foods such as asparagus, celery, cabbage, melon, leeks, raisins and radishes.

8. Get increase rest and hydrate consistently by drinking lots of healthy fluids.

Summary - Depression Drug Hair Loss

Depression drug hair loss may be one of the side effects of taking prescriptions to alleviate the hopelessness which accompanies the condition. 

Depression drug hair loss may result in either Telogen or Anagen Effluvium hair loss which is many cases can be temporary.

There are many options which can be exercised when dealing with depression drug hair loss.

* The contents of this blog ("Content") is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the HairBoutique.com website.