Alopecia: A Less Known but Devastating Side Effect of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

January 2017 in “ ScholarWorks - WMU (Western Michigan University) ”

Kinza Tareen, Joshua Hikmatjeh, Ruqiya Shama Tareen

alopecia serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors SSRIs Fluoxetine Paroxetine Sertraline Citalopram hair loss Prozac Paxil Zoloft Celexa

TLDR Stopping SSRIs can reverse hair loss in some patients.

The document discussed the rare but distressing side effect of alopecia associated with the use of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly highlighting cases linked to Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline. A case report of a 76-year-old female patient who developed significant hair loss after starting Citalopram was presented. Upon discontinuation of Citalopram, the patient experienced hair regrowth, suggesting a reversible effect. The document concluded that while SSRIs-induced alopecia was uncommon, early recognition and withdrawal of the medication could help reverse the condition and reassure patients.

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55 citations , December 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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