Can Medications Cause Hair Loss? Here's What You Should Know

If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush or drain and recently started a new medication, you’re not imagining things—some drugs can contribute to hair thinning or shedding. While this side effect isn’t always widely discussed, it’s surprisingly common. The good news? In many cases, medication-related hair loss is temporary and reversible.

Understanding why this happens, and what to do about it, can help you feel more in control—and better equipped to talk to a provider about the next steps.

Why Medications Affect Hair Growth

Hair grows in cycles. At any given time, most of your hair is in a growing (anagen) phase, while smaller portions are resting (telogen) or shedding (exogen). Certain medications can disrupt this natural rhythm. When that happens, hair may prematurely shift from the growing phase to the shedding phase, causing diffuse hair loss across the scalp.

There are two main types of drug-induced hair loss: telogen effluvium, which causes sudden shedding a few months after starting a medication, and anagen effluvium, a more immediate and severe type of hair loss typically associated with chemotherapy.

Which Medications Can Lead to Hair Loss?

A wide range of prescription drugs can potentially lead to hair thinning or shedding. Not everyone experiences this side effect, and the degree of hair loss can vary from person to person, depending on their biology and health status. But there are some common categories where hair loss is a known possibility:

• Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, are perhaps the most well-known culprits. These drugs target rapidly dividing cells—not just cancerous ones but also healthy hair follicles. Hair loss from chemo can be dramatic but is usually temporary, with regrowth beginning once treatment ends.
  
• Blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol) and ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril) have been associated with hair thinning in some patients. The exact reason isn’t always clear, but it may be related to how these drugs affect circulation or hormone levels.
  
• Statins, used to lower cholesterol, have occasionally been linked to hair shedding, although the effect is typically mild and rare.
  
• Blood thinners, including warfarin and heparin, can interfere with the hair cycle and lead to increased shedding, especially in the early weeks of use.
  
• Anticonvulsants like valproic acid (used for epilepsy or mood disorders) are known to affect hair growth in some individuals, possibly by altering nutrient absorption or hormonal pathways.
  
• Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (such as Zoloft®, Prozac®, and fluoxetine) and atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin®, may trigger hair loss in a small number of users, though it's not guaranteed and often temporary.
  
• High doses of vitamin A or medications derived from it, like isotretinoin (Accutane®), can disrupt the hair cycle and contribute to shedding.
  
• Antibiotics and antifungals can, in rare cases, impact hair health by disrupting gut flora, nutrient levels, or hormone regulation—fluconazole is one example that’s occasionally been flagged for this effect.
  
• Hormone-altering medications, including testosterone therapy or other androgen-based treatments, can increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone closely linked with pattern baldness in men and women.

What Does Medication-Related Hair Loss Look Like?

Unlike typical pattern baldness, medication-related hair loss often appears as diffuse thinning—meaning the hair sheds evenly across the scalp, not just from the crown or hairline. You might notice more hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or in your brush.

In some cases, especially with chemotherapy or high-dose hormone therapies, hair loss can be more dramatic and include body hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

Is It Permanent?

Usually, no. Most drug-induced hair loss is temporary. Once your body adjusts to the medication—or the drug is discontinued—hair often regrows within a few months. However, regrowth can take time, and in rare cases, certain medications may trigger longer-term follicle damage, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.

What Should You Do If You Notice Hair Loss?

First and foremost: talk to your healthcare provider. Never stop or switch a prescribed medication without professional guidance—especially if it’s treating a serious condition like high blood pressure, depression, or epilepsy.

If your provider confirms the medication could be a contributing factor, they may explore other options such as:

• Adjusting the dosage
  
• Switching to a different drug in the same class
  
• Recommending treatments to support regrowth, like minoxidil (Rogaine®) or finasteride
  
• Suggesting nutritional support, especially if deficiencies are playing a role
  
  

You can also take proactive steps to support your hair health:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins.
  
• Consider supplements like biotin, collagen, or zinc—after confirming with your provider they’re safe with your current medications.
  
• Manage stress through exercise, sleep, and mindfulness, as chronic stress can worsen hair shedding.
  
• Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and avoid excessive heat styling or harsh treatments.

The Bottom Line: Be Proactive, Not Panic-Driven

Hair loss from medications can be distressing, but it’s often manageable and reversible. The key is identifying the cause early, working closely with a provider, and taking practical steps to support your body during the process. In many cases, your hair will grow back once your medication is adjusted—or once your body adapts to it.

If you’re concerned about unexplained hair shedding, a licensed provider can help evaluate your medications, order lab tests if needed, and create a plan tailored to your unique health goals and lifestyle.