Key Points

• Several medications, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and blood thinners, are known to cause or accelerate hair loss as a side effect.
• Drugs like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and male hormones (e.g., testosterone, anabolic steroids) can disrupt the hair growth cycle and contribute to thinning.
• Identifying medication-induced hair loss is essential for effective treatment. If needed, consult with a healthcare provider to explore safer alternatives.

Taking certain medications can cause or increase hair loss.

Antidepressants:

Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), Amoxapine (Asendin), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane), Doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), Fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac), Haloperidol (Haldol), Imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil, Tofranil PM), Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), Paroxetine (Paxil), Protriptyline hydrochloride (Vivactil), Sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft), Trimipramine (Surmontil).

Anticonvulsants:

Trimethadione (Tridion) and valproic acid (Depakote).

Anticoagulants (blood thinners):
warfarin sodium (Panwarfarin, Sofarin, Coumadin) and heparin injections.

Gout medications:
Allopurinol, Lopurin, and Zyloprim

Beta blockers:
Atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol (Lopressor), Nadolol (Corgard), Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA), Timolol (Blocadren)

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors:
Captopril (Capoten), Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), Enalapril (Vasotec)

Male hormones:
Testosterone or anabolic steroids

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