Antidepressant-induced hair loss
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Antidepressant-Induced Hair Loss: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Hair loss, or alopecia, is a recognized but rare side effect of antidepressant medications. While most commonly associated with mood stabilizers, several classes of antidepressants—including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and newer agents—have been linked to hair loss in some patients 2510.
Comparative Risk of Hair Loss Among Antidepressants
A large retrospective cohort study found that bupropion carries the highest risk of hair loss among commonly prescribed antidepressants, while fluoxetine and paroxetine have the lowest risk. Compared to bupropion, all other antidepressants studied—including SSRIs and SNRIs—had a lower risk of hair loss. The number needed to harm for bupropion was 242 over two years, indicating that this side effect remains relatively uncommon .
Case Reports: Specific Antidepressants and Hair Loss
SSRIs and Hair Loss
Hair loss has been reported with several SSRIs, including fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine. In most cases, hair loss resolved after discontinuing the medication 256789. For example, a case of fluoxetine-induced hair loss in a male patient resolved after stopping the drug, and similar outcomes have been observed with paroxetine and fluvoxamine 678. Escitalopram-induced hair loss is rare but has also been documented .
SNRIs and Other Antidepressants
Venlafaxine, an SNRI, has been associated with hair loss in rare cases, with symptoms improving after discontinuation . Agomelatine, a newer antidepressant, has also been linked to hair loss in a single reported case, which resolved after stopping the medication .
Tricyclic Antidepressants and Other Agents
Tricyclic antidepressants and other older agents have also been implicated in rare cases of hair loss, but the incidence is extremely low 25.
Mechanism and Reversibility of Antidepressant-Induced Hair Loss
The mechanism is thought to involve disruption of the hair growth cycle, particularly by pushing hair follicles into the telogen (resting) phase, leading to diffuse, non-scarring hair loss. This typically occurs within three months of starting therapy and is usually reversible upon discontinuation of the offending drug 510.
Clinical Implications and Management
Although antidepressant-induced hair loss is rare, it can have significant social and psychological effects, potentially impacting treatment adherence. Clinicians should be aware of this side effect and consider it when patients report unexplained hair loss. In most cases, stopping or switching the medication leads to complete hair regrowth 23456789.
Conclusion
Antidepressant-induced hair loss is an uncommon but important side effect, most frequently associated with bupropion, but also reported with SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants. The condition is generally reversible after discontinuing the medication. Clinicians should monitor for this side effect and provide appropriate counseling and management to affected patients.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic