Does Trazodone cause hair loss? 

Does Trazodone cause hair loss? 

Hair loss on Trazodone is extremely rare and is reported only in a few cases since the drug has launched in the market. This antidepressant is associated with a lot of other side effects, but the chances of hair loss are pretty thin (1). 

Several studies have indicated that hair loss on Trazodone could be triggered by a few underlying factors that may contribute to this side effect. If you’re losing hair and you think Trazodone is the one responsible for it, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

It’s not recommended to skip or stop your antidepressant because of the potential side effects. If your doctor thinks Trazodone is harming your body and it needs to be discontinued, he/she will suggest an appropriate way to stop it safely. 

Never change the dose of your medication or frequency of drug administration without your doctor’s approval. 

What does research suggest?

Research on trazodone-induced hair loss is limited, and there is no definitive conclusion about the exact mechanism behind it. However, antidepressants are associated with hair loss, but it’s not that common (1). 

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences hair loss with these medications, and the severity can vary from person to person. Other antidepressants, like Sertraline, Desvenlafaxine, etc can also cause hair loss. 

The exact mechanism behind antidepressant-induced hair loss is not fully understood. However, it is believed that these medications may disrupt the normal hair growth cycle or affect the hair follicles (2). 

Factors such as genetics, individual sensitivity, and the specific medication being taken can also contribute to hair loss. Other factors like stress, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss.

If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Trazodone, it is essential to consult with your healthcare professional. They can evaluate your specific situation, consider alternative medications if necessary, and provide guidance on potential treatment options for hair loss.

What to do if you’re losing hair while taking Trazodone?

If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Trazodone, it’s important to consult with your healthcare professional. They can evaluate your situation, determine if Trazodone is indeed the cause of your hair loss, and recommend appropriate steps to address the issue.

Your healthcare professional may evaluate other factors and conduct tests if necessary to identify any other potential causes contributing to your hair loss.

Certain supplements or dietary changes may promote hair health. Your healthcare professional may recommend supplements containing vitamins and minerals essential for hair growth, such as biotin, zinc, and iron. 

Additionally, ensuring a balanced diet with sufficient protein intake can support healthy hair growth.

Your healthcare professional may suggest topical treatments, such as minoxidil, which can help stimulate hair growth (4). These treatments are available over-the-counter and can be applied directly to the scalp.

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References

1.-

Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. 2022 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262060. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/

2.-

Etminan M, Sodhi M, Procyshyn RM, Guo M, Carleton BC. Risk of hair loss with different antidepressants: a comparative retrospective cohort study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2018 Jan;33(1):44-48. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0000000000000191. PMID: 28763345. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28763345/

3.-

Mercke Y, Sheng H, Khan T, Lippmann S. Hair loss in psychopharmacology. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Mar;12(1):35-42. doi: 10.1023/a:1009074926921. PMID: 10798824. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10798824/

4.-

Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 Aug 9;13:2777-2786. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S214907. Erratum in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 Feb 10;14:575. PMID: 31496654; PMCID: PMC6691938. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/

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