TLDR Some psychiatric medications can cause reversible hair loss.
The document from 1991 reviews literature on alopecia caused by psychotropic medications, highlighting that such hair loss is typically diffuse, nonscarring, and reversible after stopping the medication. Beta-blockers, particularly propranolol, lithium, and anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and valproic acid, are most commonly associated with hair loss, with up to 17% of patients on lithium experiencing hair thinning. Tricyclic antidepressants, amphetamines, verapamil, phenothiazines, and tranylcypromine are also mentioned as potential causes, though less frequently reported. The document notes the challenge in determining the true incidence of drug-induced alopecia due to underreporting and emphasizes the importance of psychiatrists being aware of this side effect to avoid patient noncompliance. It also references specific studies, such as one involving 1000 patients treated with tranylcypromine for severe agitated depressions, to illustrate the psychiatric benefits of these drugs despite their dermatological side effects.
7 citations,
April 1987 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Stopping imipramine reduced the woman's hair loss.
12 citations,
December 1985 in “Dicp-The annals of pharmacotherapy” Carbamazepine can cause hair loss, which may reverse when the medication is stopped.
29 citations,
July 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Lithium treatment can cause increased hair shedding and hair loss in patients.
33 citations,
August 1973 in “American Heart Journal” Propranolol can cause reversible hair loss.
12 citations,
February 2001 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy” No effective treatment for hair loss after childbirth was found, but it usually gets better on its own and some cosmetic methods might help.
7 citations,
January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” Hair loss can be caused by stress, infections, drugs, and various diseases, with treatment depending on accurate diagnosis.
86 citations,
August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” To diagnose hair loss, use a systematic approach including history, exams, and tests.
7 citations,
November 2006 in “Pediatric Dermatology” A newborn with congenital syphilis had unusual hair loss possibly caused by the infection.
July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks” Telogen Effluvium is a common, usually reversible hair loss condition, often improved by removing the trigger and possibly treated with various products, though their effectiveness is uncertain.
