12/12/2025
A list of common medications that contribute to hair loss.
💊 1. Chemotherapy Drugs
• Examples: Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Methotrexate, Paclitaxel
• These target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles—causing sudden, widespread hair loss (anagen effluvium).
💊 2. Antidepressants & Mood Stabilizers
• Examples: Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), Lithium
• May trigger telogen effluvium (when more hairs shift into the resting/shedding phase).
💊 3. Blood Pressure Medications
• Examples: Beta-blockers (like metoprolol, propranolol), ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril, enalapril)
• These can disrupt the normal hair cycle.
💊 4. Hormonal Medications
• Examples: Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone, anabolic steroids
• Fluctuations in estrogen or androgens can cause shedding or thinning.
💊 5. Anti-Thyroid Medications
• Examples: Methimazole, Propylthiouracil (PTU)
• Disrupting thyroid hormone levels affects hair growth.
💊 6. Acne & Retinoid Medications
• Examples: Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Can cause telogen effluvium or affect scalp oil production, leading to breakage.
💊 7. Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
• Examples: Statins like atorvastatin, simvastatin
• May rarely trigger hair loss as a side effect.
💊 8. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
• Examples: Warfarin, Heparin
• Hair may shed excessively within weeks of starting.
💊 9. Anticonvulsants & Seizure Medications
• Examples: Valproic acid, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin
• Can affect hair health and cause shedding.
💊 10. Weight Loss Medications or Supplements
• Examples: Phentermine, supplements with high vitamin A
• Imbalance in nutrients or overstimulation can lead to telogen effluvium.
