It’s normal to lose a bit of hair everyday. According to the Academy of Dermatologists, standard hair loss is anywhere between 50 to 100 strands every day. But, if you are noticing an excessive amount of hairloss or balding, check to see the medications you are taking have a hair thinning side affect.
Here are a few known to cause hair loss.
- Statins
Atrovastatin (Lipitor) and Simvastatin (Zocor) are in a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as “Statins”. Statins work by blocking the action of an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol. Cholesterol is an important building block for steroid hormones, which play a role in hair growth.
Only about 1% of people taking statins report hair loss. - Anti Coagulant (blood thinners)
Heparin or Warfarin (Coumadin) – Commonly used as a blood thinner, has been reported to cause hair loss. Alopecia is listed as a side effect for both medications. - Blood pressure medications
Captoril and Lisinopril are ACE inhibitors and are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Although hair loss is listed as a possible side effect, it is rare. - Psoriasis treatments
Acitretin (Soriatane) is a pill used for the treatment of Psoriasis.
Soriatane is a retinoid – a form of VHA.
Hair loss is listed as one of the possible side effects. - Anti Arrhythmia Drugs
Amiodarone (Cordarone or Pacerone) are used for heart rhythm problems known as arrhythmias. Only a handful of cases of hair loss associated with Amiodarone intake have been reported in the literature. - Anti Convulsion medications
Valproate (Depakote) used for Seisure disorders, bipolar disorders, and migraine prevention, can lead to hair loss.
According to Clinical Psychology News : “Up to 28% of patients who take valproate suffer temporary alopecia. In most cases, hair loss is associated with long-term valproate pharmacotherapy. Hair loss appears to be dose-related and may be more common in women than in men. Usually patients will report gradual but steady hair loss, commonly beginning 2 to 6 months after initiating treatment. Complete hair loss is rare and new hair growth typically begins approximately 2 to 3 months after alopecia onset.
If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, please talk to your doctor.
