Does Abilify cause hair loss?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Does Abilify cause hair loss?
Hair loss is considered a possible side effect of Abilify (Aripiprazole), but it is quite rare. According to several surveys, less than 5% of the population taking this medication have reported hair loss and it usually isn’t significant.
However, people respond differently to medications as we all have different physiological makeup. If you are losing your hair at a concerning rate while being treated with Abilify, inform your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on hair loss caused by Abilify and it is not commonly reported. However, a recent case study showed severe hair loss on Abilify (1). Researchers suggested that there could be other factors that made the patient more sensitive to hair loss.
Generally, hair loss on atypical antipsychotics such as Abilify, is not a common possibility. Older antipsychotics or typical antipsychotics are more commonly associated with such side effects.
It is also important to note that each individual’s response to Abilify can vary, as people are different from one another and some may develop unusual or rare side effects while taking this medication. This is why you should always discuss your side effects with your doctor.
Abilify is generally considered one of the safer antipsychotics, as compared to typical antipsychotics, and can be used for psychosis and mania, and can manage other symptoms associated with these conditions, like panic attacks, intrusive behaviour, headaches, anger or violent outbursts, etc.
Is Abilify-induced hair loss reversible?
Hair loss on Abilify, it occurs, is reversible as the drug does not cause permanent damage to your normal hair growth process. However, people may recover at different rates.
Some may even start to observe a positive difference in their hair loss once their body adjusts to the medication. Sadly, this might not be the case for every individual as some people may need discontinuation of Abilify to get rid of the side effects.
However, it is not recommended to stop taking Abilify without your doctor’s approval.
What to do if Abilify causes hair loss?
If Abilify causes hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider about it. Your doctor will determine the best possible way to minimise the side effects without disturbing the efficiency of the drug.
If dose reduction could help, your doctor will most likely opt for it to give your body more time to adjust to the medication. If that doesn’t fix the problem and you continue to lose hair at a concerning rate, your doctor will switch you to another medication.
Again, don’t think of discontinuing these medications abruptly or you’ll be subjected to terrible withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may reduce your dose to 3/4th or half of your current dose. Dose reduction can vary among individuals, and should only be done under a doctor’s supervision.
Additional side effects of Abilify
Abilify is also associated with some other side effects, including:
Common side effects of Abilify include: (4)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Restlessness or anxiety
- anger/agitation
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- increased or decreased libido
- Increased saliva production
Rare side effects of Abilify may include: (4)
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in blood sugar levels (increased or decreased)
- Difficulty controlling body movements
- Priapism (persistent, painful erection)
- Changes in vision
- Symptoms of restless leg syndrome
- Fever with chills
These side effects can vary from person to person. It is important to note that some people may try to use Abilify for recreational purposes, but it is not a controlled substance and can not get you high. However, taking a high dose can cause disturbing side effects.
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References
1.-
Druschky, K., Bleich, S., Grohmann, R., Burda, K., Frieling, H., Hillemacher, T., . . . Toto, S. (2018). Severe hair loss associated with psychotropic drugs in psychiatric inpatients—Data from an observational pharmacovigilance program in German-speaking countries. European Psychiatry, 54, 117-123. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.08.003. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-psychiatry/article/severe-hair-loss-associated-with-psyc-hotropic-drugs-in-psychiatric-inpatientsdata-from-an-observational-pharmacovigilance-program-in-germanspeaking-countries/BBEF7150709F85317F6BF9639AF1E2E0
