Suspecting hair loss because of Wellbutrin? Your guess is right. Wellbutrin can cause hair fall, but not quite often. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant, commonly prescribed to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Wellbutrin has a risk of side effects like any other antidepressant, one of which is hair loss or alopecia. Hair loss is not a recurring side effect and manifests rarely. 

In this article, we’ll uncover the reasons behind the hair loss side effect of Wellbutrin and its treatment. 

Reasons Behind Hair Loss from Wellbutrin

The exact reasons for Wellbutrin-caused hair loss are not fully understood. The following are some explanations for Wellbutrin-caused hair loss. 

1. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes caused by Wellbutrin use cause hair loss. Wellbutrin acts on two hormones, dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the brain. Hormonal changes sometimes obstruct the natural hair growth cycle, shifting it from anagen (growth phase) to telogen (shedding phase). 

2. Dependence on Wellbutrin

High and frequent doses of Wellbutrin can also sometimes lead to hair loss. Although Wellbutrin is a non-habit-forming drug, people use it sometimes for pleasure purposes because it has a similar effect to that of amphetamines when crushed and snorted. 

If you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Wellbutrin, contact your healthcare provider to see why it is happening. They might alter your dosage or prescribe anti-hair fall medications or any other antidepressant that better suits you.
Reasons Behind Hair Loss from Wellbutrin

What’s the Connection Between Wellbutrin and Hair Loss?

The exact mechanism for Wellbutrin hair loss is unknown. However, explanations suggest the following: Wellbutrin is a dopamine agonist, meaning that it activates dopamine receptors in the brain by mimicking the effects of dopamine. Dopamine agonists like Wellbutrin might decrease prolactin levels in hair follicles, causing hair loss or alopecia. 

Hair loss caused by Wellbutrin is a rare side effect. In some cases, there arises a possibility of hair loss from Wellbutrin. However, it must be noted that in contrast with other antidepressants, Wellbutrin poses a higher risk of hair loss. 

Type of hair loss caused by Wellbutrin 

Wellbutrin and other antidepressants are known to cause Telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss caused by shock, stress, or hormonal changes. In Telogen effluvium, hair follicles undergo their resting phase, the telogen phase, and start shedding. It is a temporary condition that can be reversed or stopped when Wellbutrin or other antidepressants are stopped.

Risk of hair loss with Wellbutrin vs other antidepressants 

Antidepressants affect the hair growth cycle, causing a type of hair loss, Telogen effluvium. Numerous studies reveal that among the class of antidepressants, bupropion was associated with a greater risk of alopecia than other drugs of this class. Other antidepressants that potentially cause hair loss are the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These include: 

  • Prozac (fluoxetine) 

Prozac is the most common hair loss-causing SSRI. Hair loss is not frequent and is temporary. Upon stopping the medication, hair regrows. 

  • Zoloft (sertraline)

Zoloft is not commonly associated with hair loss, but cases of sertraline-induced hair loss have been reported. 

  • Paxil (paroxetine) 

Paroxetine, like other antidepressants, has side effects, one of which is hair loss. 

Hair loss from antidepressants is unusual yet possible. Discontinuing antidepressants revives the normal hair growth cycle. However, it is advised to consult your provider while considering discontinuing or quitting your medication. Sudden withdrawal of antidepressants can result in psychological and physiological symptoms. 

Practical Solutions to Wellbutrin Hair Loss

Talk to your provider, who may provide practical solutions for hair loss. Here are a few strategies you could use as solutions for hair thinning:

1. Balanced diet 

A nutrient-rich diet promotes hair follicle development and enhances hair growth. While taking antidepressants for anxiety or depression, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. The following nutrients are vital for healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss:  

  • Protein
  • Iron
  • Biotin
  • Zinc
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamins A, C, D, and E
  • Beta-carotene

2. Stress Management

Long-term stress causes hair loss. To prevent stress or anxiety, use stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, and prioritising your sleep. Consult your psychiatrist for professional assistance, like therapy.  

3. Medication adjustment

Talk to your provider about the hair loss. They will determine whether Wellbutrin causes hair loss. In that case, your provider may suggest switching to another antidepressant. 

Practical Solutions to Wellbutrin Hair Loss

How to treat hair loss with medication

Hair loss caused by Wellbutrin can be reversed or prevented by various medications. Remember to consult a healthcare Professional if other hair re-growth methods are not working. Here are a few medications that are effective in reducing hair loss: 

1. Topical Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication for reducing hair loss. This medicine is available in two dosage forms: liquid and foam. It is applied directly on the scalp to promote hair growth. Minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles by stretching blood vessels and supplying more oxygen and nutrients. When deciding to take Minoxidil for hair loss caused by Wellbutrin, it is crucial to consider its potential risks. Side effects of Minoxidil may include a scalp burn, swelling at the root of the hair, or unexpected hair growth. 

2. Finasteride (Oral and Topical)

Finasteride is used to treat hair loss in men and is approved by the FDA. It can be used in both liquid solution and tablet form. Oral Finasteride works by preventing testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss. The topical form is considered to be more effective because of the sexual side effects of oral Finasteride. Along with Minoxidil, it is also considered a first-line treatment for hair loss. 

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids come in various forms, such as creams, tablets, solutions, and shots, to reverse hair loss. Corticosteroids treat alopecia areata, a type of hair loss caused by an attack on hair follicles by the immune system. Steroid treatment for hair loss is short-term. 

It is important to discuss hair loss medication with your healthcare professional, especially steroids, because they treat a different kind of hair loss than Wellbutrin or other antidepressants.

When should you seek professional help for hair loss?

Hair loss is an exceptional side effect of Wellbutrin. But there is a possibility of its occurrence because of Wellbutrin or other antidepressants. If you have started taking Wellbutrin and are facing hair fall more than usual, you must talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider will tell you if hairfall is because of Wellbutrin or has another reason. In case of Wellbutrin side effects, a professional will advise you whether to continue the medication, adjust the dosage, or provide an alternate medication plan. 

If you’re concerned about hair loss from antidepressants and are seeking expert recommendations, Advanced Health Preference Group is here to help you find the right medication. Advanced Health Preference Group is a top-notch mental health centre, with a team of board-certified psychiatrists, dedicated to providing excellent mental care with expert therapy, medication management, and more. 

FAQs

  • Q: Is hair loss from Wellbutrin common?
    A: Hair loss caused by Wellbutrin is unusual and occurs in 1% of people taking Wellbutrin.
  • Q: Is hair loss from Wellbutrin use reversible?
    A: Yes, hair loss from Wellbutrin is reversible. Hair starts to regrow once the medication is stopped.
  • Q: Is hair loss from Wellbutrin Permanent?
    A: No, hair loss from Wellbutrin is not permanent. It is a type of hair loss known as Telogen Effluvium, which lasts for about six months.