Can Antidepressants Cause Hair Loss?

Antidepressants are a lifeline for millions of people, but no one signs up for unexpected side effects—especially the kind that show up in your hairbrush. If you’ve been wondering about the connection between antidepressants and hair loss, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly printed in bold letters on the prescription label, but some people do notice more strands falling out after starting their meds. And let’s be real—if you're already dealing with stress or depression, the last thing you need is a disappearing hairline to add to the list.

Here’s the deal: not all antidepressants cause hair loss, and even the ones that do don’t send everyone’s hair packing. When shedding happens, it’s usually due to telogen effluvium—a temporary disruption in the hair growth cycle that speeds up shedding. It’s a body-wide reset that’s often triggered by stress, illness, or—yes—medications. The good news is, it’s usually reversible. The bad news? Seeing extra hair in the drain can still feel like a betrayal.

Before you swear off your prescription and risk feeling worse just to save your hair, let’s break down what’s really going on. Which antidepressants are most likely to cause shedding? How long does it last? And most importantly—what can you do to stop it?

How Antidepressants Affect Hair Growth

Antidepressants are designed to help regulate mood, but they don’t always stop at the brain. Because these medications influence hormonal balance, circulation, and even stress response, they can sometimes interfere with the hair growth cycle. If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush after starting antidepressants, you’re likely dealing with telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding phase triggered by medication or physiological stress.

Hair goes through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting/shedding). Antidepressants can disrupt this cycle by prematurely pushing more hairs into the telogen phase, leading to noticeable hair loss within two to three months of starting the medication. But this isn’t permanent. Once your body adjusts to the medication or you switch to a more hair-friendly option, your hair should return to its normal growth cycle.

Which Antidepressants Are Most Likely to Cause Hair Loss?

Not all antidepressants come with a shedding side effect, but some are more likely than others to stir up trouble. The biggest culprits are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are among the most commonly prescribed depression medications.

• SSRIs and hair loss – Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) have been linked to increased shedding in some users. The theory is that serotonin regulation can impact the hair follicle’s growth cycle, making it more likely to shed.
  
• Bupropion hair loss – While bupropion (Wellbutrin) is often touted as a “weight-neutral” antidepressant, it’s also one of the more frequently reported medications causing hair loss. Some studies suggest bupropion’s effect on dopamine and norepinephrine could trigger hair shedding in susceptible individuals.
  
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and MAOIs – Older antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and phenelzine, have also been associated with antidepressant-induced alopecia, though they’re prescribed less frequently than SSRIs.
  

The exact reason why some people experience hair loss while others don’t remains unclear. Genetics, stress levels, and existing health conditions may all play a role in determining how your body reacts to these medications.

How Long Does Antidepressant-Related Hair Loss Last?

If your hair started falling out after starting antidepressants, you’re probably wondering: when will it stop? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most cases of medication-induced hair loss resolve within six months, but several factors can influence the minoxidil shedding timeline (yes, even if you’re not using minoxidil).

• Early-stage shedding (first 3 months): Hair falls out faster than usual, often leading to thinning around the temples and crown.
  
• Stabilization phase (3-6 months): Shedding starts to slow as your body adapts to the medication.
  
• Regrowth phase (6+ months): Once the hair cycle resets, new growth should begin filling in the gaps.
  

If shedding continues beyond six months, it may be time to talk to your doctor about adjusting your prescription. Switching to a different antidepressant or lowering the dosage may help reduce hair loss while still managing your symptoms effectively.

Can You Prevent Hair Loss While Taking Antidepressants?

Stopping your medication isn’t always an option—especially when it’s helping you manage your mental health. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept hair loss as an inevitable side effect. Here’s what you can do to minimize hair thinning and speed up regrowth:

• Support your hair with nutrition. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and biotin can worsen shedding, so make sure your diet is rich in hair-friendly nutrients.
  
• Reduce stress whenever possible. Easier said than done, but stress itself is a major hair loss trigger. Practices like scalp massage, exercise, and mindfulness can help lower cortisol levels, which indirectly supports hair health.
  
• Switch to a milder antidepressant. If you suspect your current medication is the issue, ask your doctor about alternatives that have a lower risk of hair thinning.
  
• Use gentle hair care products. Harsh shampoos, excessive heat styling, and aggressive brushing can make existing shedding look worse. Stick to sulfate-free shampoos and limit heat exposure to reduce breakage.
  
• Try FDA-approved hair growth treatments. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a popular topical treatment for hair regrowth, but consult your doctor before using it alongside antidepressants.
  

When to See a Doctor about Antidepressant Hair Loss

Hair loss from depression medication is frustrating, but it’s not always a deal-breaker. If the benefits of your medication outweigh the shedding, your doctor may suggest waiting it out before making any changes. However, you should seek medical advice if:

• Shedding lasts longer than six months after starting antidepressants, and is impacting your mental health.
  
• Hair loss is severe and doesn’t slow down even with supportive care.
  
• You notice patchy bald spots or excessive breakage, which could indicate an underlying scalp condition.
  
• There are other unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue or sudden weight changes, which may suggest thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies.
  

Conclusion

So, can antidepressants cause hair loss? For a small percentage of users, yes—but in most cases, it’s temporary and reversible. If you’re experiencing hair thinning, don’t panic. Work with your doctor to adjust medications if necessary, support your hair health with gentle care, and trust that your hair cycle will eventually reset. If regrowth takes longer than expected, treatments like laser hair growth helmets may offer additional support. The bottom line is… your mental health comes first, but your hair doesn’t have to suffer for it.