Does Chantix 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 Chantix cause hair loss?
Chantix is not associated with hair loss. In fact, it is not even listed as a side effect of this medication. Chantix has been used for smoking cessation and dry eye disease for decades and the most common side effects reported are nausea, vomiting, insomnia, nightmares, etc. (1,2)
Hair loss hasn’t been reported. However, medications may affect people differently. If you’re losing hair and you think Chantix is the one causing this, talk to your healthcare provider. Although it is highly unlikely for this medication to cause hair loss, some people may experience it.
There could be other factors involved as well that might contribute to your hair loss. Make sure you don’t stop using this medication without your doctor’s approval.
What side effects are common with Chantix?
Chantix, although it does not cause hair loss, is associated with some side effects – ranging from mild to severe. These include: (2)
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Abnormal dreams
- Changes in taste perception
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Flatulence (excessive gas)
- Vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased appetite
Rare and serious side effects include:
- Moods or behavioural changes, such as depression, agitation, hostility, or suicidal thoughts
- Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- Cardiovascular events, such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or heart attack
- Seizures
- Visual disturbances
- Changes in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia)
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience different or additional side effects. If you are taking Chantix and notice any concerning side effects, it’s recommended to seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider.
What to do if you are struggling with hair loss?
If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Chantix, it’s important to remember that Chantix is not known to cause hair loss as a side effect. Hair loss can have various causes, including underlying medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or other medications. (3)
If you are struggling with hair loss while taking Chantix, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. They can evaluate your medical history, perform any necessary tests, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.
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References
1.-
Ebbert JO, Wyatt KD, Hays JT, Klee EW, Hurt RD. Varenicline for smoking cessation: efficacy, safety, and treatment recommendations. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2010 Oct 5;4:355-62. doi: 10.2147/ppa.s10620. PMID: 21049087; PMCID: PMC2962400. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2962400/
2.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Varenicline. 2022 Dec 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521267. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534846
3.-
Alessandrini A, Bruni F, Piraccini BM, Starace M. Common causes of hair loss – clinical manifestations, trichoscopy and therapy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Mar;35(3):629-640. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17079. Epub 2021 Jan 8. PMID: 33290611. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33290611/
