Hair loss due to medication: how to reverse it?

Over-the-counter medications or prescribed medications help us manage or treat health conditions. But there can also be side effects. Weight gain or excessive hair growth are some of the side effects of prescribed medications. There are also medications that cause hair loss or prevent hair growth. You may notice the change shortly after receiving the medications or days or months later. But is it possible to reverse drug-induced hair loss? Let’s get to know and know more about the medications that cause hair loss.

What is hair loss?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to a condition where there is a noticeable decrease in the density or volume of hair on the scalp. It can present as thinning hair, baldness or complete hair loss, says dermatologist Dr Pawan Singh. Various factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions and medications can contribute to hair loss.

What are the medications that cause hair loss?

Hair loss can be one of the side effects of medications you may be taking. Here are some of them:

1. Chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy drugs, which are used to treat cancer, target rapidly dividing cells. This includes the hair follicles and can therefore lead to hair loss.

2. Anticoagulants

Medicines such as heparin or warfarin, which are used to prevent blood clots, can disrupt the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. According to a 2016 study published in the journal Drugs – Real World Outcomes, hair loss reported by people taking Warfarin began after 3 months of treatment.

3. Antidepressants

Some antidepressants can cause hair loss as a side effect. An association between alopecia and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was found during a 2022 analysis published in Psychiatry Research.

4. Anticonvulsants

Valproic acid and phenytoin are medications often used to control seizures. They can interfere with hair growth, causing thinning or hair loss, says Dr. Singh.

5. Beta-blockers

These drugs, prescribed for high blood pressure and heart conditions, can disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing hair loss. Propranolol is one of the beta-blockers that can cause hair loss, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements.

6. ACE inhibitors

Drugs such as enalapril are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that help relax the veins and arteries and, in turn, lower blood pressure. They can cause hair loss as a rare side effect.

7. Steroids

Corticosteroids or steroids are an anti-inflammatory medication that can be taken orally or applied topically. They can interfere with the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss, says the expert.

8. Medicines to lose weight

Some drugs used to control weight can occasionally cause hair loss as a side effect. During a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Trichology, researchers suggested a possible relationship of amphetamine (diet pill) use with the development of alopecia.

Can medication-induced hair loss be reversed?

In many cases, hair loss caused by medication can be reversed once the medication is discontinued or replaced with an alternative, the expert says. However, the extent and rate of hair growth may vary depending on individual factors, such as duration of medication use and general health.

How to diagnose drug-induced hair loss?

Diagnosing drug-induced hair loss usually involves a thorough medical history review, including a discussion of current medications and their potential side effects. In addition, you may have physical exams, blood tests, or scalp biopsies to rule out other causes of hair loss and confirm a link to medication use.

How to treat hair loss due to medications?

There are several approaches to treating hair loss caused by medications:

1. Stop the medication

If possible, discontinuing the medication causing the hair loss may lead to hair growth over time. However, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.

2. Switch to an alternative medicine

You can replace the offending medication with another that has a lower risk of hair loss. But do it only after consulting your doctor.

3. Topical treatments

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter topical treatment that can promote hair growth. It can be used to counteract drug-induced hair loss, says Dr. Singh.

4. Low level laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment. It involves exposing the scalp to low-level laser light to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.

5. Supportive care

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing your stress level and eating a balanced diet can give your hair a boost in overall health. They can facilitate the hair regrowth process.

Some medications can cause hair loss, but don’t stop using them without consulting your doctor.