Does Prozac cause facial hair growth? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we are going to discuss whether or not Prozac causes facial hair growth, research findings on the link between Prozac and facial hair growth, factors that may contribute to facial hair growth while taking Prozac, what you should do if Prozac causes facial hair growth, and tips for reducing facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
Does Prozac cause facial hair growth?
Prozac may cause facial hair growth in certain individuals. This antidepressant does not appear to be particularly linked to facial hair growth. However, some individuals may rarely experience facial hair growth as a side effect of its use. (1)
The exact mechanism is not fully understood. However, Prozac may have an indirect impact on hair growth by altering hormone levels and stress levels.
Prozac is the brand name of the antidepressant medication fluoxetine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Prozac functions by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. (2)
By increasing serotonin levels, Prozac can help elevate and stabilize your mood and help improve other symptoms of depression such as low self-esteem and irritability. (3)
Facial hair growth is not a common side effect of Prozac. However, if you experience unwanted facial hair growth while taking Prozac, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse effects.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on Prozac causing facial hair growth. Facial hair growth is a rare side effect of Prozac and is not typically experienced by most individuals.
However, studies have shown that treatment with fluoxetine can sometimes lead to amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation), galactorrhea (nipple discharge), and hirsutism.
It has also been reported that some patients may develop mild hair growth on their chins after receiving fluoxetine treatment. (4)
What factors may contribute to facial hair growth while taking Prozac?
There are several factors that may contribute to facial hair growth while taking Prozac such as: (5), (6)
- Medication dose: High Prozac doses can induce facial hair growth.
- Concomitant medications: Certain medications such as corticosteroids, phenytoin, and minoxidil can increase facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome), Cushing syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia may enhance and increase facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
- Obesity: Excessive body weight increases androgen production which can enhance facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
- Family History: A family history of PCOS or congenital adrenal hyperplasia can enhance facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
What should you do if Prozac causes facial hair growth?
If Prozac causes persistent facial hair growth, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose. Your healthcare provider might gradually reduce your Prozac dose over a period of weeks or months.
According to your situation, your healthcare provider might reduce your dose by 10-20% per week. You should take the reduced dose for at least one week before reducing the dose again.
If Prozac causes persistent facial hair growth despite reducing your dose. Your healthcare provider might switch you to an alternative with fewer hair-related adverse effects such as other SSRIs like paroxetine.
Tips for reducing facial hair growth while using Prozac
There are several tips and strategies for reducing facial hair growth while using Prozac such as: (7)
- Natural remedies: Applying topical solutions containing tea tree oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera may help reduce facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
- Adjusting your diet: Reducing your intake of dairy products and sugar may help reduce facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
- Reducing overstress: Stress can exacerbate hair growth. Therefore, practicing stress-relieving techniques and exercises like yoga and meditation can be beneficial in reducing facial hair growth.
- Laser hair removal: This procedure can be used to help reduce facial hair growth in individuals who have excessive hirsutism and taking Prozac.
Based on my knowledge and research, Prozac rarely causes facial hair growth. Conversely, it can cause hair loss in certain individuals as a side effect of its use.
If you experience persistent facial hair growth while taking Prozac, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events. In my opinion, following tips for reducing facial hair growth such as managing stress and natural remedies can help reduce your facial hair growth while taking Prozac.
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References
1.-
Mondal S, Saha I, Das S, Ganguly A, Das D, Tripathi SK. A new logical insight and putative mechanism behind fluoxetine-induced amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea in a case series. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology [Internet]. 2013 May 20 [cited 2019 Nov 26];3(6):322–34. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3840809/
2.-
Pubchem. Fluoxetine [Internet]. Nih.gov. 2019. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/fluoxetine
3.-
Abuse NI on D. What are MDMA’s effects on the brain? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [Internet]. nida.nih.gov. [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-are-mdmas-effects-on-brain#:~:text=Serotonin%20is%20a%20neurotransmitter%20that
4.-
Cederberg J, Knight S, Svenson S, Melhus H. Itch and skin rash from chocolate during fluoxetine and sertraline treatment: Case report. BMC Psychiatry. 2004 Nov 2;4(1). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15522120/
5.-
Excessive or unwanted hair in women: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2014. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007622.htm
6.-
Mayo Clinic. Hirsutism – Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2018. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354935
7.-
Fields L. Hirsutism [Internet]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/women/hirsutism-hair-women
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