Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Hair Loss
I recently have had surgery and have been on pain meds prior to and after. Hydrocodone and oxycodone. Do these meds have any hair loss side effects?
Hydrocodone (marketed as Vicodin) and oxycodone (known better as OxyContin) do not have hair loss side effects — not for short term use, anyway.
I believe oxycodone does cause hair loss. My hair was healthy, no breakage or split ends. I noticed my hair started shedding within two weeks of taking oxycodone. I stopped taking it and dealt with the pain. My hair grew back. I started taking the oxycodone again. yet again within to weeks my hair comes out in my hands with a single stroke.
tHATS WHATS GOING ON WITH ME MY HAIR WAS SO HEALTHY AND THICK NOT THAT IVE BEEN TAKING OXYCODONE MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT LIKE CRAZY
I too believe oxycodone causes hair loss. I was on it for a month and my hair started falling out.
I’m a 32 year old female with very thick long flowing hair until last year. I woke up one day in great pain. I felt as though my shoulder was being ripped off. The ER doctor found a blood clot and put me on a bunch of drugs.:hydrocodone being one of them. I have been on this drug for a year and nine months and my hair is so thin if I run my hands through it, it comes outfrom the root. What do I do? How do I fix this?
I was hit by a car and need Percocet for the pain. This happened in 2007. Here we are a year later and my hair has gotten thin/split ends and I am balding. I am only 25. I have no family history of hair loss. Especially not at such a young age. I am worried sick about this. My hair has fallen out way too fast as well for me to think it is natural hair loss. Basically it is completely in line with the pills i have been taking. Or it is just a giant coincidence.
I BELIEVE LONG TERM USE OF OXYCODONE OR PERCOCET WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOSE YOUR HAIR…
There’s a difference between your hair falling out and actually balding. Sure excessive use of pain killers can cause dry and brittle hair that can fall out in certain places. But, the hair will still re-grow in most cases.
I was using hydrocodone for less than a month and my hair would fall out by the handfuls. In the shower and whenever I brushed my hands throughout my hair. After being off of it for just days the “shedding” stopped. Definitely a side affect. After looking into it I found it’s a side affect in less than 1% of people.
It’s not very inspiring that Dr. William Rassman, Medical Director and Founder of the New Hair Institute has no idea that this med causes hair loss. Whether it’s temp or not, rare or not, it obvious DOES have the potential to cause hair loss.. I find ‘user reviews’ on websites way more helpful than doctors these days. Doctors always say i’ts not a problem. I had a doc tell me that about Prozac – said it didn’t cause hair loss. Well, within 8 days, my hair went into resting phase (telogen effluvium) hair loss & i’ve been losing hair steadily for 2 months,.. even though I stopped the med after 8 days.
Be careful folks with medications. It may be ‘rare’ side effect, but it still affects some people, and it can be devasting – (especially if your female)
I too am convinced that opiates can lead to hair loss. I have been taking oxycotin and methadone for the past five months and have not only noticed substantial hair loss on all parts of my head (not just the tell tale male pattern baldness locations) but also on my arms, legs, and chest. I did some research and read this could be a symptom of thyroid problems, but I don’t have any other symptoms that also suggest these problems. I have only stopped taking the opiates for two days so I am still waiting to see if the hair loss stops or slows. I am also going to the doctor to get my blood tested for the thyroid stuff. If I notice a difference in a few weeks due to stopping the opiates I will let you know
My hair starting falling out this summer. I get my hair done at least twice a week and the hair stylist noticed how much hair was washing down the sink. She seemed alarmed enough to tell me I should go to my doctor. This has been happening for the past 3 months or so – right around the time I started taking vicodin for a back fracture. I am going through menopause also so my hormones are out of wack right now also. However, the hair loss started soon after the meds. Makes you wonder? I’m freaking out to say the least. Off to the store to buy some vitamins then…off to see the doc.
Hello All, I am on this site with major concern about my hair loss. I’ve checked several drugs that I am taking for hair loss and was very suspicious about the Vicodin (Hydroco/APAP). This site (among a couple of others) as confirmed my suspicions. I have had a LOT of back pain (have rods in my back since ’03) and now have another problem. I have been on Vicodin for several years (but only taken as necessary) until this last bout of pain (sciatica/piraformis muscle) and now back on Vicodin for the last 5-6 months. I have lost about 1/2 of my hair. My hair dresser also pointed this out to me. What else can one do for so much pain? Doc is looking at surgery but only as a last resort. SO, do I loose my hair or opt for a surgery that may not fix the problem? There ARE some consequences with the surgery. Sucks to get old but beats the alternative!!
I am so thankful that I found this page. I was convinced that a Norco/Hydrocodone 10-325 tab Rx was causing my hair to fall out at an alarming rate but all research I was finding told me otherwise until now. I had taken a Hydrocodone Rx for shoulder pain between 2005 and 2008. It was being perscribed by a “pharmacologist” who lost his liscense due to insurance complaints. This Rx had a higher dose of acetominiphen and less codine and did not seem to cause hair loss that was at least noticable. When this Dr. could no longer perscribe, I went off it cold turkey determined NOT to develope an addiction. I went through 48 hours of no sleep and semi hellish feelings of discomfort but was relieved when that was all it took to be free of this highly addictive pain killer. Then in April of 2010 while at my General Practitioners office I mentioned that both my shoulders were causing me discomfort from popping joints and that Hydrocodone worked well in the past. I showed him my old Rx bottle and he said that the acetominiphen level was way too high in that perscription and he perscribed the 10-325 tab that had a much higher level of codine. By late August 2010 I had lost nearly 3/4 of my hair, I was having bizaare edema on the right side of my body with tingling and numbness in my hands and I felt TOXIC beyond belief. My iron level had dropped to a low 28 (norm is 45-175) and I felt sick and lethargic. There was no doubt that this new Hydrocodone Rx had something to do with it. The minute I tapered off I felt immidiate relief. After 24 hrs without-I would bite one in half and take only that for the day only to wake up the next morning with this right side hand discomfort where I could not clench a fist at all, I felt strange nerve pain and my face/lips felt numb and swollen. Convinced that the Hydrocodone is to blame I have once again quit but still seem to be losing an abnormal amount of hair daily, I have stocked up on iron and vitamin supplements and some biotanical shampoo/conditioner and am hoping for the best. Any suggestions or reccomendations would be welcome and truly appreciated. I wish you all an abundance of hair and health!
Further more…Dr. Rassman….Retire or Re-educate yourself please. Things change so rapidly these days in our chemically infested, grossly poisenous and toxic environment that your opinions and pre-historic medical education need to be seriously re-evaluated. This goes for all medical professionals who believe that their education ends when their practice begins.
Well so this confirms it…I have been going out of my mind trying to figure out what is causing my hair loss and dryness…I asked my Doctor several times and she said it could be realted to the stress from my accident….I had my doubts about that and thankfully have continued with my search for the answer…I am currelty on 5/500 mg 2 to 3 every 6 hours…well thank God that I do not take them as prescribed ..my hair has become so thin and brittle that I can not even stand to touch it, nor look in the mirror…It came on suddently and since is out of control…I to was diagnosed with a thryoid problem but levels are staying normal and i do not have all the other thryoid symptoms…just this hair that is pathetic… I will do my best to go without the Vicodon to save my hair…
I can add to this. I started taking Vicodin (hydrocodene) and even oxycodene after my last nose surgery for scar tissue removal from an injury. The doctor prescribed me pain medication, and to be honest, I would take the medicine even when I was not in a lot of pain. Over the last 4 months that i took it, my hair has thinned out so much. I used to have a full head of thick, very thick hair, i was told I have as much hair to fill 2 or 3 heads..but not no more. In the shower everyday while shampooing, running my fingers through my hairs fall out. If i slightly touch some areas with my fingers, hairs fall out. My temples are receding as well, and its very upsetting. This all happened being on and off of vicodin in the past 4 or 5 months. When i did take the medicine, I took it 1 or 2 times daily. Today, i was brushing my hair and my hair just shed everywhere enough to really cause concern so I did some research to find side effects of this drug, and sure enough I landed here. This is a major concern for me, I have now stopped taking this medication in hope to reverse whatever hair I lost. Im also very nervous that it might never grow back! Im sure I wont get my temples back but atleast the thick dense hair I had on the top of my head gives me hope of reversing this. Everyone who is experiencing hair loss with this drug, ask your doctor to prescribe you something else.
I am so glad I found this page. I have been on hydrocodene for 9 months now, and my hair has started falling out in clumps!!! OMW. i have been freaking out, not knowing what is causing it. I suspected it could be the medicine, because I have always had THICK hair and never had a problem with hair loss. Going to the DR today to talk to him about this!!!
Like Erica I am super happy I have found this page. I fell 2 weeks ago and ended up with a sprained ankle and a broken arm (radial fracture). The dr decided not to give me a cast, but to allow me to move it, but forewarned me that I would be in a lot of pain. hence he prescribed Lortabs, (hydrocodone). A few days ago, I noticed that I had a ton of hair on my shirt, brushing it would cause the sink to be full. I took a bubble bath tonight and had to have my husband come in and take out a handful of hair that came out when i wet my head. This is horrible!! I am 32, and generally when i have my hair cut, the take a razor to it, to thin it out!! I’m glad i’m not losing my mind and my hair and i’ll try to make do with tylenol and ibuprofen.
I am also glad I found this site…I really thought I was going crazy. I swear I have half the hair I did a year ago. I have been taking loratabs for a little over a year now and have been to the doctor several times about the hair loss, had my thyroid checked out and all was fine.
I was taking vicodin for several years for endometriosis, and, like any opiate, when you’re taking them consistently, you have to take more to get the correct effect. Last week,I was diagnosed with alopecia and i have a spot 30mm by 30mm. As an engaged 26 yr old female, i was devestated. i told the doc about the vicodin and she also said it could not be the cause. I am convinced otherwise. I am scheduled to see 3 other docs for a more educuated answer.
Wow. I am very happy that i found this site. I was addicted to all sorts of opiates for the past year and am only 21. Recently I got my prescription cut off and was stuck in withdrawal so i was taking very large doses of Loperamide 96mg+ to get a buzz and stop the pain because it is an over the counter opiate that does cross teh blood brain barrier if taken in large enough doses. I am completely amazed at how much hair is coming out if i run my fingers through my hair. Literally 10 at a time and it doesnt stop. I feel if i kept running my fingers t hrough it i woudl be bald within 24 hours. OMG i am done. Idc how much withdrawal i am going to go through it is not worth it.
Wow, I to am so glad I found this page, I was in a snowmobile accident in 04 I have perm. hardware from my L2 – T12 (fusion) I have been on oxycontin since the day of my accident I used to have really thick hair I used to go to the hair dresser just to get it thinned out!!! now my husband says when I pull it back in a ponytail he can see bald spots I am so embarrassed!!everytime I looked up side effects for oxycontin it never mentioned hair loss. I hate feeling toxic all the time from this gross drug!!! My OT said just yesterday to maybe try morphine as it is a more natural drug (comes from poppies) and it has less side effects also does not make you feel like a wet rag all the time.
Has anyone found that their hair has grown back?
ME! I took vicodin for 13 yrs. with no problem. When I moved & switched doctors, the new doc wouldn’t give it to me. My hair started to fall out. After a year and a half, I found a new doc. Miraculously I discovered that my hair began to grow back! I couldn’t be happier! My husband has taken this medication for decades, he is 69 years old and has the thickest, fullest head of hair I have ever seen. Youngsters are jealous of him.
ME! I took vicodin for 13 yrs. with no problem. When I moved & switched doctors, the new doc wouldn’t give it to me. My hair started to fall out. After a year and a half, I found a new doc. He gave me back my vicodin. Miraculously I discovered that my hair began to grow back! I couldn’t be happier! I believe it made my hair grow back! My husband has taken this medication for decades, he is 69 years old and has the thickest, fullest head of hair I have ever seen. Youngsters are jealous of him.
I have been taking Vicodin for almost a year now due to a herniated disc in my upper back/ lower neck (c4) – And since last fall I have noticed greatly that my hair has been thinning and falling out like crazy..
Since then, I have gone to get blood work done 3 times and my hormone/thyroid levels were all coming back fine – I even went to an endocrinologist for more examining and testing. I got an ultrasound done on my thyroid for further testing and she found 3 cysts on and around my thyroid. I was sure this was the reason why my hair was falling out; my thyroid was invested with cysts.
Luckily it wasn’t thyroid cancer, and the biopsies even came back negative! Dumbfounded, I asked my doctor for the final time: “Why on Earth is my hair falling out this much?!…There HAS to be a reason why” (I take vitamins on a daily, I work out, I eat very, very well, I am HEALTHY for the most part! And my endocrinologist (From NYU Medical, I might add) simply says: “Well, sometimes hair can just fall out for a few months and regrow”
Wow…That’s real groundbreaking.
It did, however, start to grow back and get fuller over the summer….to the point where friends were noticing how much healthier my hair looked…then like clock work: as soon as September rolled around, it started falling out again – maybe it’s because of the dry weather? I don’t know…
Thank heaven I found this site – you all just confirmed my reasoning – it has to be the vicodin/percs …I cannot imagine what else there is!
Hope this helps – and if anyone has suggestions on how to slow/stop the process or to keep the locks in place, do share.
xx best of luck, all,
I have been on 5/325 oxycoden, percocet since may 03′ and have always had thick long curly hair. I too, am losing a great amount of hair. I asked my Dr. to start me on a detox program, he advised me to call and talk with the pharmesy that they’d know more. I was in a vehicle accident and smashed my 12th vertebrae like a pancake. thank God, no surgery. I am beside myself what action to take? I am in pain without the med. It is also damaging to the liver, let alone, on losing your hair!! the
Pharmesy did state to try and have the Doctor prescribe a sleep med such as lunesta or ambiem cr. (for sleep) after I am slowly weaned from this drug. I have missed taking the med and woke up the next morning drenching wet!! help!!
thank you, thank you, thank you- i am not going crazy… every medical site i looked up hair loss was not a side effect but, now i finally know what is causing my hairloss :)
I was hit by a car December 16th. My doctor prescribed my hydrocodone. I have been on this pain med for approximately 2 weeks and almost immediately started noticing hair loss. I think hydrocodone definitely causes hair loss.
OK- back to square 1: does ANYBODY have an answer? Any substitute pain killer?
There’s a whole myriad of variables associated with an injury that requires being medicated with a specific narcotic that one could associate with hair loss. Just because it happend to you does not mean a +b= c. To attribute your hair loss from this medication alone- based on a hunch and other morons backing up this specific claim does not make it true. Maybe if a scientifically sound study were released dealing with the relationship between these two variables were published then maybe you could talk, but to say otherwise is ignorance pure and simple
I’ve been on Norco for 6 years and steadily been losing my eyebrows, (the best eyebrow pencil that I’ve found is Clinique superfine liner, found at Macy’s) and thinning hair. My dr. has no idea why, so I’ve very sadly just had to accept it.
Then a couple of weeks ago I noticed that my eyelashes are falling out as well. I have virtually no hair on my arms and the hair on my legs grow in slowly, not complaining about that.
I’m going to look into a pain reliever that does not have opiates, it looks like we all have that in common with our hair loss, with the exception of “That” who must be an opiate salesman.
The thing I’ve noticed as a common theme between all the posts on this page is that most people suffered a very serious physical trama precipitating their need for pain pills. You cannot over-look the impact of the injury as it relates to physical stress, psychological stress, nutrition, excercise, life style, general happiness, etc… when blaming your hair loss on one specific medication. Not saying the pain meds are not involved in a supporting role to the loss of your hair, just saying please be sure to evaluate other aspects of your life as well.
I’ve been excercising for 25 years and about 2 years ago i started a recreationally using narcotics and suffered no hair loss at all. Who knows try excercising!
i do believe my hair loss too, is from the drugs. i just hope and pray it grows back. doctors need to look into this situation. certainly we are not all imagining it.
I have learned that there is no clinical direct correlation between opiate use and hair lose. There is a correlation between the biological response to opiates in the body that can result in conditions that lead to hair lose. Opiates cause your body to store water drawing from your large intestine and other ares which is evident in constipation. With this reaction your skin becomes puffy and swollen leading to bad circulation and low vitamins\ mineral delivery. This varies in the amount of opiates you consume as well from person to person. certainly the result will leave your skin dehydrated and swollen on a cellular level. Without good circulation and proper hydration to nurture your skin and in this case your hair follicles it will lead to dehydrated and undernourished hair follicles and will inevitably shrink and become under maintained. This leads to hair lose and dry hair. If you are taking opiates you should drink a good amount of water and exercise to improve your circulation. It is also recommended to
supplement a multi vitamin as opiate use will limit vitamin intake in your lower intestine. My thoughts are that opiates can present problems with your body that do lead to secondary reactions. I think for the most part pharma companies only include major side affects. Most MD’s need to learn that you can’t take the company’s word for it. Drill in and study about what your prescribing.
R.
Oh, sorry about the “lose” for loss in the above.
I have been on Norco for almost 7 months now to help manage my Fibromyalgia. I have always had thick, beautiful naturally curly hair – 2 months ago it started falling out in HANDFULS and coming out with the root attached. I have lost at least HALF of my beautiful hair!!!
I assumed it was because of my thyroid disease (GRAVES DISEASE) but it is managed pretty well right now with other meds and my levels are quite normal. So it CANT be that.
I have about 10 Norco left – I’m going to finish my script and then I’m done with it all. I have used cannabis for 14 years prior to starting the Norco and it always worked alright with the occasional use of Ibuprofen. I was 10x healthier without the Norco – I have thin, brittle hair, overweight, bags under my eyes, episodes of tingling and pain in my extremities – I feel incredibly toxic. I feel like I am dependent on it now but was always worried about the withdrawals – screw that! I want my hair back!
On a side note, taking Norco has lessened the benefits that smoking cannabis used to give me. It doesn’t seem to help as much anymore. I detoxed off Norco a few months ago when I ran out and the cannabis magically started working like a CHARM again! I should have never gone back to that doctor – he ended up giving me even MORE Norco per month (120/mo with refills) and I started taking them again. Ugh!
I feel like I must start detoxing myself TODAY. I recommend ANYONE on ANY OPIATES find other medications to take – it is a VERY TOXIC poison.
If you want your hair back, that’s what needs to be done.
Good Luck to all of you! <3
I have been on oxycodone for several weeks now and couldn’t understand what was happening with my hair,I thought it was the stress of losing my mum,I investigated and now know it is the medication,I stopped taking them yesterday morning,I have 2 a day 5mg,I have to go cold turkey,the thought of putting something in my body causing hair loss freaks me out,I just hope my withdrawal is not too unbearable,but I’m not putting another oxycodone to my mouth,I’m mortified and so upset I don’t want to go out,these effects should be acknowledged And told to patients before taking,I hope in time my hair will recover.
I, too, was told by my doctor that Norco did not cause hair loss. When my hair began thinning, I went through extensive testing – endocrine/hormones/blood/thyroid/dermatology – all of them said I was in excellent health. The only variable was long-term Norco use. I stopped the Norco and now, 3 months later, my hair is beginning to return to its normal, thick self. I am so grateful for this website. Thank you!
The hair loss is from Pain Meds. I have had it happen to me on and off over the past few years after taking a script of Pain Med’s. The hair starts falling out anywhere from 2-4 weeks after I first take it. It does stop falling out and will grow back as long as you don’t take anymore pain meds.
I’m so glad I found this website. My hair is falling out and breaking. I had surgery in January and have another scheduled for August and am worried about more hair loss due to pain meds. My doctor made me feel as if I was going crazy. I now know the reason and will try to get off the meds after surgery ASAP.
I have very dry, brittle hair and you can tell the hair shaft is getting thinner. It can’t handle much drying or really any dyeing as my hair line is completely receding at the front where the hair dye hits my hair the most. The hair gets really short, then eventually goes away completely. I take 5/325 percocet 4 – 5 times a day for 1.5 years. I am almost constantly dehydrated, but think this is a medication issue. This is the first place I’ve found that others are saying the same thing.
In 2000 (age 30), I had Graves (thyroid disease) and drank the radioactive iodine to kill my thyroid – been fine on replacement hormones ever since. I had cancer in 04 (age 34) & was given chemo for the WRONG cancer for 6 months. Chemo caused total hair loss (eyebrows, eyelashes, nose hairs – every single hair!!!) By the time they caught the error & diagnosed the correct cancer the tumor had grown from the center of my chest to 5cm x 6cm x 8cm, attached to my lung & invaded my heart sac. They said it was stage 3B – too late for surgery and to contact hospice (I was really really sick). A second opinion at MD Anderson confirmed no surgery. But I decided to try one more hospital – a renowned surgeon, Dr Borkon. He said he’d try the surgery because I was out of options, but warned my husband & parents that I may not survive the surgery and he may get in there, decide it was too risky and back out without doing anything. In Sept 05, I had my entire left lung removed. MIRACLE!! I’ve been cancer free ever since!! My hair grew back. BTW – I started on antidepressants and ambien during my cancer battle. Who wouldn’t? I’ve been on them since 05. In 09, I went into heart failure due to the wrong chemo (official diagnosis – adriomyacin induced congestive heart failure). I’ve been on 2 heart meds since then and I’ve been fine with them. The point of telling you my history is to point out that my body can take a lot of trauma and nothing (short of chemo) has affected my hair, which, even when it grew back was as lush & thick as ever. Despite everything, I was doing ok – except for 1 minor thing (comparatively speaking). They had to sever my intercostal nerve (a major one) during the lung removal. I was trying to be “tough” so I just tolerated the pain since 05. I tolerated the sensation of being shocked by electricity and the fact that if you touch the skin below my breast it’s like touching your foot when it’s waking up. That I could take, but I couldn’t wear a bra and that makes it difficult to go out in public so I was becoming a “shut in”. I finally broke down and started on Oxycodone about 9 months ago. Low and behold – I’m losing all of my hair (for the 2nd time in my life). My doctor said it’s not related. But judge for yourself. After EVERYTHING I’ve been through – my hair was doing just fine – proving my hair is very resilient. The ONLY new thing in my life is the Oxy, and I’m very disappointed that yet another doctor has let me down and provided me with incorrect information. Thank goodness for you all and this website. I’m 100% sure it’s the cause of my hair loss. Now for the tough part . . . to stop the oxy and tough it out.
WOW!glad i found this page as well, i thought i was the only one in this sutuation.My testimony is the same no need of repeating it!Just wanted to let yoou know that all this is really true. I am so afraid my hair won’t grow back either. I am in menopause as well I and used the above mentioned meds. I have very low self esteem have lose half of my hair as well. I will try my best not to use any meds. anymore and talk to my doctor next visit. God bless you all!!
i just wanted to add that i too am relieved to have found this website. i had surgery july 26th and started taking 5/325 oxy’s once a day for two weeks and the hair on my temples and in the center of my head has fallen out at a rapid pace..its scary!i stopped taking about a week and a half ago and the hair has slowed down falling out but is still thinning..i started taking 3tblspoons of coconut oil by mouth last week and my skin looks alot better.i started using coconut oil on my scalp too and hope it help my hair follicles replenish my hair..taking the pain meds is the only thing i have done differently in the last almost a month now and thats exactly when my hair started disappearing!!! i am convinced this is the source of my hair problems!!
I am so glad to have found this site. I am not a moron and until 3 months ago had a full head of hair and beard. I was perscribed Percoset for arthritus in my back which was keeping me awake at night. My chin was the first thing I noticed getting thinner(2 months ago) and then I started to notice alot of hair loss in the shower. I no longer have any hair on my chin or throat. Hundreds of hairs are in the tub after I take a shower and wash my hair. I do have Hasimoto disease(underactive Thyroid), but levels of TSH are normal with Synthroid meds. I did not suffer an extreme accident and if anything is causing me stress it is the fact that I now look like a chemo-therapy patient. I am convenienced the Percoset has either changed my Physiology in such a way as to inhibit hair growth or it is directly causing hair to dry, curl and fall out extremely fast.
I am weening myself off Percs and will deal with the pain. I was glad to hear one person on this site is getting their hair back. If anyone else has noticed their hair growing back, please post your good news here. If anyone has found an alternate pain medication please list it here also.
This is really more in response to the other comments…
Opioids can cause hair loss, yes… but it’s very very VERY rare. If anything, they’re more likely to have the opposite effect; opium was actually one of the first treatments for hair loss. Likewise, not to be crass, but how often do you see a bald heroin addict?
Many of the comments sound a little desperate, and understandably so. If it’s the opioids causing hair loss, that’s something you can control… you can get your hair back! Seems like many people are in denial and don’t want to admit the possibility that maybe it’s something a little more out of their control. EX: If you’re going through menopause, that’s probably why your hair is thinning and the fact you’re on oxy is just coincidence; if you’re hitting your mid 20s and seeing gradual/slow thinning over a year, you’re probably looking at male pattern baldness (you don’t always need a family history); etc… Sorry, but the sooner you admit to that, the sooner you can address the real cause.
THAT SAID… stress can cause hair loss. If you were in an accident, your reason for opioids is related to something else (say a general health degradation after the loss of a loved one, during a divorce, out of work for years, etc… and just being stressed/not looking after yourself like you used to), or whathaveyou, that could be as much a factor as anything. If you’re depressed and not eating or binging on crap, have stopped taking vitamins or are ODing on them to compensate for the above, aren’t sleeping or are sleeping all day long, etc… that WILL affect your health in other ways, and hair is generally one of the first things to go when your body needs all it can get for more vital things.
Also, what I imagine is the cause for the majority of people who genuinely are losing hair from the meds: acetaminophen. Yes, your doctor may have prescribed oxycodone or vicodin, but look at what it’s mixed with. Many people have mentioned Percocet – well, that’s just oxy and acetaminophen!!! Acetaminophen is very well known to cause hair loss (and liver damage, etc…). Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc… are also known to do the same, though not as much as aceta. If you’re really losing your hair from meds you’re taking, you should probably stop blaming the opioids and start looking at the acetaminophen and NSAIDs that have been compounded along with them.
I have been taking pain medication for almost two years and have lost almost half of my hair. I do not have bald spots, but my hair is so thin you can see my scalp all the way through on top over my forehead and in back. I have had my thyroid checked 3 times, all negative. I am very healthy, eat well, take vitamins. I am not going through menopause. I have had blood-work several times and I am not low on anything. I used to be on anti-anxiety medication and valum. I have been off of these medications for months, and only took them for under a year, even though I stopped taking them I am still losing my hair. I did think my hair loss was a result of the anti-anxiety medicaction and the valum. But since I have stopped them months ago the hair loss has continued. Now the only medication I am on still taking is the oxycodone. I truly believe this is the cause of my hair loss. The last post really bothers me because it seems to put down or question those of us who are suffering. I am a business woman, and I am really having a hard time dealing with this. I have never based my self worth on my looks, but as a woman I now understand how devistating hair loss can be. I am so terrified this will not stop. I have even began looking into human hair wigs. I am now trying to ween my self off of this pain medication, I’ll live with the pain I guess, if it will stopo my hair loss. I’d really love to hear form some one who has had their hair grow back after stopping oxycodone. I am only 38 years old, I have so much more life, I refuse to let this get me down. I will not stop looking for an answer. I hope to hear back frrom others who feel the same. God Bless all of you who are suffering.
I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN. I HAVE BEEN OFF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION FOR OVER 6 MONTHS, AND I AM EXPERIENCING HAIR LOSS. ITS EXTREMELY UPSETTING. MY HAIR LOSS HAS STARTED RECENTLY. I AM PRAYING THAT THIS IS TEMPORARY AND MY HAIR WILL START GROWING BACK. MY HAIR IS SO THIN THAT I HATE WASHING IT BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO COME OUT MORE. ANY THOUGHTS????? GOOD LUCK
I fell and tore my hamstring off my pelvis and had it re-attached. I was on vicodin for 18 months and watched my once thick hair become thin. My doctor changed my meds and my hair became thick again. It was news to me that meds could cause this but it can be reversed!
Hi W. Thank you for your post. Can you tell me what you the new med is that your doctor put you on? I have brought up my concerns with oxycodone causing hair loss and my doctors tell me it’s not likely. But then I go on to all these sites and my concerns seem to be validated. I am in tremendous pain and I have no quality of life without the relief of my pain. So I am hoping there is something I can take which will not make me go bald. I also am worried about the long-term affects on my kindneys and liver though too. It’s so difficult. I appreciate any feedback.
There is no doubt that Norco or other hydrocodone products cause hair loss. I was not sure if it was the apap or the opioid. I think it must be the opioid but I could be wrong.
We must quit (I just had a lumbar interbody 3-level fusion with pedicle screws and rods).
Titrate by “chipping”. Break these pills down into smaller and smaller pieces. Also drink liters of pure of water. Use rosemary oil on hair and scalp. No processed or fast foods. Take zinc and iron, and CoQ10, all OTC. It should take one month to go from Norco 10/325 QID to Norco zero.
What about pain? Newly approved by FDA: Fentanyl patch.
Never use 2 or more. They are very strong and effective. But Fentanyl can kill.
Just like apap. By the way, FDA’s new guidelines state that 3000mg per day of apap can cause renal failure or hepatic failure. It WAS 4000 until Sept 2012.
Please stop any recreational drug use. Pot is fine. But narcotics and pharmacological agents can be deadly. We live in a country that drinks alcohol and thinks nothing of its effects on the liver. In Holland, apap (acetaminophen) is hard to buy. Heroin can be prescribed.
We are a country of barbarians, and some very ignorant doctors who do not read the international journals. Good luck.
I too experienced hair loss after starting to take percocet. I mean, way too much too often, clumps, too much to be natural mpb. i stopped this drug but for months my hair continued to fall out. A couple months later i started to consider the fact that i was taking adderall and this was still happening, so maybe it had something to do with it. i stopped taking adderall (and all pills whatsoever) and my hair has started to feel healthier and fall out less and less. it is my personal belief that ANY drug that adversely affects our immune system can cause hair loss and that hair loss could possibly also be related to all of the chemical fillers they put in pills. just some food for thought for those of you that stopped painkillers but still take other kinds of pills
I have been taking Hydrocodone for 7 months prior to taking this my hair was in great shape. No split ends, no dryness.. I noticed a problem three months ago my hair texture has changed from healthy to my hair either breaking off, an falling out at the roots. Now its so bad that I have really thinned on the top. I have stopped the Hydrocodone over a week ago. After also googling for others with similar problems I also found it can also cause your thyroid to be over active at first I thought maybe my thyroid cause of having a history of the problem. Now I refuse to take the stuff anymore. I hope my hair does return to what healthy state it was in prior to taking this pain killer
I’m glad I found this page! I have been on oxycodone for two years and have noticed significant hair loss! My hair dresser even pointed it out. My question is has anyone had a good turn around after stopping the meds and taking some vitamins? I’m praying it will grow back now! Any advice would be so appreciated.
Thanks!
I have major osteo-arthritis in both hands. Had surgery in June for my right hand and am scheduled for the left. The surgery was traumatic–post-op pain was long-term and unbearable. I have been prescribed and taken: Oxycontin, Norco, Vicodin.
After surgery, my hair started changing texture; felt like tissue paper. About ninety days later I noticed excessive hair loss–clumps, balding spots. I continued to take small amounts of Oxy until about a week ago when I realized it is the cause of my continued hair loss. There is no doubt in my mind. I believe the original trauma of the surgery and post-op pain was the genesis of my alopecia, but truly, the drugs I have been taking are poison. Opting out of second surgery. It is not worth it. Besides, if my hair is behaving badly, what is this drug(s) doing to the rest of my body?
I have for three days been using Aveda’s Invati system. I will try to report any success.
Hi All,
Checking back in, I just read the new posts. I still don’t see a post from anyone with a successful turnaround after stopping the pain meds. Has anyone stopped and had their hair grow back months later? I think it would be good for all of us to hear a success story.
Thank you!
Oxycodone most certainly DOES cause hair loss! I have been trying for a year to resolve the horrifying loss of my once thick hair. Nothing fixed it. I was not only suffering from hair loss but other health issues as well and have been most miserable. i had been taking oxycodone for a year after hurting my back. I have been off it 8 days now and for the first time, I’m not losing gobs and gobs of hair. Hair fall stopped on the second day off them and has not returned. Fingers crossed that what I lost grows back! But for anyone who is wondering if hair loss is being caused by this drug – it is definitely possible!
Has anyone had their hair grow back after stoping use of pain killers? Anyone?
I was able to regrow my hair with the help of a great line of toxin free botanical hair care. My hair hasn’t been this shiny and soft since I was a teenager. Let me know if you need more information.
Hello fellows,
I’m 46, German and surfing in the net about opioids and hairloss.
Today for the first time in English. There isn’t much to find on German websites.
I used to have wonderfull long blond hair. It’s really been very thick. I started taking Tramadol in July this year.
I lost more than 2/3 of my hair. I will be bold within the next 3 month.
The MD’s told me that they had never heard of opioids causing hair loss. So I went on with the medication. I need it due to chronical pain.
A week ago I started with Morphine. But the hair loss goes on.
Although I take something to protect the hair after washing it, it stays dry, it’s difficult to combe it.
Now, reading this thread, it becomes obvious: Opioids do cause hair loss.
I don’t know what to do… I’m so depressed!
My hair is so long. It will take more than 5 years to get it back. The whole bottom of the living room is covered with my hair..
But pain doctors – who is it possible that even pain doctord don’t know about this side effect???
A few minutes ago I took another morphine pill… My goodness – how can I go on living with such excruciating pain?
Well, I’m going to make a copy of your comments and inform the MD’s about this problem.
I’m asking myself if it’s worth it to try a third opioid…
But I get the impression, that it doesn’t make much sense anymore.
This is to Irene, i have alot of experience with pain unfortunately and here is a little advice, if you are in pain and narcotics like morphine and others aren’t working well, this could very well mean your pain is being caused by nerve pain, therefore narcotics will barely help. The better choice is a nerve med such as neurontin. Talk to your doctor about that one. It makes you drowsy for a day or so but then your fine and adapt and the beauty is your not on pain meds.
I am 27 years old and have had thick & beautiful long hair my entire life. I started taking Oxycodone 15mg up to 4 times a day (as prescribed) for pain management for 3rd degree burns. I have been taking this for 4 months now and in the last 2 months my hair has been falling out in large amounts. Mostly in the shower. So much that it clogs the drain every time, literally. When I wake up in the morning my pillow is covered in hair. The only change Ive made health wise is taking this medication. So yes, I do believe that it can cause hair loss.
The hair loss as described in this forum are clearly caused by hydrocodone products. For me, it was Norco that caused the dramatic hair loss. I had taken Vicodin for two years for my back problem and experienced some hair loss, but nothing noticeable or alarming. When Vicodin was reformulated due to FDA requirements, the doctor changed my prescription to Norco. Immediately I experienced the hair loss as described in this forum, hair coming out from the roots in clumps and major amounts falling out everywhere, my hairbrush full every night. I only realized that it was the Norco when I discovered this forum while searching for possible causes. It is only from these shared insights that I was able to save my hair. It has now been two months since I stopped Norco. I switched to Tylenol with Codeine, not as effective for pain, but will not rob me of my hair. It took about a month off Norco for me to see a major change, and now after two months off that drug, my hair loss is minimal. It is amazing. I am so grateful to everyone posting on this site. And it is shameful that the doctors do not know the seriousness of this symptom. Nor would they take the feedback of a single patient seriously. They only rely on the reports from the drug companies. Thank you all for sharing.
I have to bee on oxycodene for chronic neuro pain. I don’t take very much (5ml once a day). I absolutely noticed hair thinning, breakage, and slower growth. I started taking Nature’s Bounty “Hair & Nails” which definitely helped. Also… drink lots of water and lather your hair in organic coconut oil once a week. Use a shampoo and conditioner meant to combat breakage and fallout (there are several brands that have versions of this). I think going off the meds would be the best bet for returning to normal hair growth, but since I can’t do that, I’m trying everything else possible to keep my hair in good shape. I do find that all of these methods combined are definitely helping. Good luck everyone!
Hello Everyone. Here’s my story. I have been taking Norco varying amounts for the last 7 years straight. I didn’t notice any hair loss until 4.5 years ago when it started falling out from the roots. I have always had extremely thick curly hair, enough for 3 people.
Honestly, the first year of hair loss, no one even noticed, that’s how thick my hair was. Then it continued and I got very worried. I was still taking norco anywhere from 5-12 pills a day. I had two back surgeries and a surgery for fibroids all in a 2 year period. I was very anemic too. I saw many doctors and found I had thyroid nodules.
So, I had MANY blood tests over years and corrected every single problem, except the hair loss continues to this day. I even saw a hair specialist who told me that I had telogen effluvium (google it) and he didn’t know why.
I am convinced it is because of the norco or alieve or advil which I also take. I have chronic back issues so it will be hard to stop, but I have lost over half of my hair.
Here are other possible causes of hair loss that I encountered in the last 7 years:
low DHEA – get it tested, long term use of opiods causes low DHEA which causes hair loss. Mine was very low.
low Ferritin – get it tested, I was severely anemic and ferritin level was very low.
high testosterone – get it tested, high testosterone can cause hair loss.
thyroid issues – get your TSH, and T4 levels tested.
STRESS – don’t underestimate what stress can do to your body. I also suffered from anxiety and other stress related issues.
Diet – I didn’t eat any red meat or fish for 3 years, but even after I changed my diet, the hair loss continued.
Hormones – HRT (estrogen or progesterin) or birth control pills can cause hair loss.
OK, having said all that, and having all those issues, I corrected each and every one (except for the stress) and my hair is still falling out. I am taking norco 10/325 2-4 pills a day. What else could it possibly be? I plan on stopping these pills and trying to save what is left of my once beautiful hair….
Hi everyone! First of all, I wanted to say to the rude people doubting everyone here, keep your opinions to yourself if you’re going to be rude about it. Cleary everyone here is experiencing the same thing, we’re not crazy. Second, here is my story (obviously very similar to most on here) the only difference is, I wasn’t prescribed to the pills. Almost three years ago I started dating this guy, my life ended up being destroyed but that’s a whole other story. He was bad on pills and I ended up jumping on that train with him. I’m talking every day for two years, anything we could get our hands on. Mainly Percocet and Vicodin, but also Norco and such. We really abused them daily. I snorted them and took them by mouth. I am only 21 years old, I was 18 when we started this. Before him my hair was almost down to my butt, it grew extremely fast and was thick (despite all my box dye coloring throughout the years) and just layed beautifully, and was healthy in general. I never really noticed how much damaged occurred to my hair until later in the relationship because I didn’t focus on my looks when I was with him. When I ended with him, my best friend ( who went to Paul Mitchell hair school ) started cutting and dying my hair. She cut my hair last year and I swear it’s barely grown an inch. My hair is EXTREMELY thin and it’s fallen out everytime I shower a disgusting amount. My boyfriend used to get mad because my hair was always all over him and the bed. This is definitely the cause. My hair hasn’t grown or become thick in two years. The other day my friend cut and trimmed my hair, and she asked if I ever did pills. She knew. She said that’s definitely the reason and I KNEW it. It effects your teeth, too, basically everything. My teeth are sensitive. Ever since we broke up I don’t abuse pills anymore, but I do admit I was doing them occasionally. But already there is a difference, and she said my hair is getting thicker and healthier monthly. I take biotin and niacin together every day, which helps A LOT. Believe me, even if there is damage done, give it a couple months after being off pain killers with acetaminophen and your hair will become healthier and grow back. Hope this helps.
I was addicted to paramol for years and this painkiller is 100 % to blame for my hair loss. Thank you all so much for helping me see the light. I am no longer in denial. Good luck to you all.
For anyone wanting to know if your hair will grow back…yes it will. Three years ago I was abusing opiates everyday a variety of them. About ten months in my hair started falling out all over the place. It fell out so much that my once hip lengthed curly hair was now above my shoulders. Friends thought id had a haircut because the hair in the front got so short it looked like I had bangs. I still hadnt quit but the hair stopped falling out. It just wouldnt regrow a whole year went by and my hair only grew an inch. Then I was incarcerated for a year and had no choice but to quit. My hair immediately started to regrow rapidly. Now im using again and since the beginning of last week have lost 1/4 of my hair. I am quitting immediately so I can try to save some of my hair before its too late again. My advice is this if your experiencing an ungodly amount of hair loss and abusing opiates stop if you ever want it to be normal again. It can take a while but it will come back eventually.
I shattered my elbow Oct 22, 2014 and had a plate and 8 screws put in. Throughout this painful recovery, I have been taking oxycodone (15 mg, 3-4 x per day) and have noticed clumps of hair coming out in my brush. This has never happened in my whole life (I am 42)! I normally have very straight soft hair and now it is dry and brittle with a slight frizz. It is not easy to comb and constantly getting into knots.
My theory is all these meds are making us severely dehydrated. I wake up with the worst cotton mouth, so just imagine what it is doing to our insides. I think it is denying and/or depleting water to our hair shafts and drying out our hair from within–starving it even. Without the proper nourishment or life-giving force of water, it either falls out or dries out. I am going to drink a lot more water starting NOW and will repost on my efforts in the next few weeks. I am also taking vitamins, cod liver oil and fish oil caps to get healthy and rehydrate from within.
Good luck everyone, and know that it will grow back!!
Yes Percocet oxycodone they all create hair loss even the FDA released a report that confirms this. I have always had taken Rich hair now after taking Percocet and oxycodone for my injuries on my hair is falling out it’s ridiculous I think that should to be taken off the market. And in the FDA report they also state that there is no evidence that the hair will grow back and I can confirm that because my hair certainly is not growing back there’s just bunch of bald spots. There are other websites that have statistical data on this as well I don’t want to post the link here but if you do if you Google you’ll find it. There is also an interesting statistic that the older you are another words if you’re closer to the 40+ age group then there is an even stronger or higher probability that you will lose her when consuming these evil medications. I think there should be a class-action lawsuit here because all these people losing their hair is just not right especially since they do not listed as side effects
Hi I too noticed my hair falling out rapidly after abusing hydrocodine and then I found another type of opiate called nucynta. I never really paid much attention until I shave my head and noticed a couple bald spots or thinning hair all over. My hair comes out in clumps and I am losing hundreds and hundreds of hairs each day. Was just wondering if anyone else has used nucynta and have had this same problem not just with the hydro
I am a holistic health consultant and I NEVER take drugs…lots of vitamins and herbs to treat everything. I was noticing hair loss and started taking nascent iodine drops with my health regime and my hair magically started to come back and the fall out decreased by 90%…just about 15 hairs per week. (yes I count them hahahhaaa.) Whewwww. Now my horror story. I haven’t been to a DR in 30 years. Then I broke my ankle and was on oxycodine and after a week, tried only to use it at night to sleep. Well, I noticed a substantial hair loss…hair all over the bed, in my brush, in the sink, etc. (my hair is thin anyway, so this is really not cool! I am taking a ton of supplements to rebuild my bones and lots of protein…and of course iodine. I suspected the drug and went off cold turkey 3 days ago. Now that I have read this I will up my iodine, protein, calcium and do what I can to detox the drugs. I will get back to you in a few weeks and give you an update. :o)
I have had back, neck and sciatica problems for 15 years now. 3 Vertibrae moved out of place 2 months ago (not first time) and I have been in more pain than I can handle. I rarely do pain pills very often, just use ice and heat. But 1 1/2 to 2 months it was so bad at work I could hardly stand it and started doing my tramadol 1 pill a day, 5 days a week. Within the last 3 weeks I have lost 3/4 of my hair on my head. Most of the hair on my legs and arms, part of my eyebrows and eye lashes. I am positive it is from the tramadol. I quit it a week ago as soon as I looked on line and found out tramadol causes that in 1 percent of people. Of course I do not think that it is only 1%. I suggest stopping your medication immediately before you go bald. I am scared to death as I also had long hair and am very devistated. If I would have read that before I started taking it I would not have. Don’t believe anyone that tells you it cannot happen.
Well, add my voice to this chorus. Oxycodone and oxycontin have been prescribed to me for a few years now. The oxycontin has been removed from my daily routine as I was able to taper from that. Still use oxycodone 15-20 mgs daily and am troubled by how thin my hair has gotten. So the question is do I want to deal with knee pain or have thin hair.
I was using oxycontin for several years after a bad automobile accident.. My hair came out in clumps… I have always had extremely thick hair… I lost 80% of all my hair all over my body…. Rogaine has started regrowth of the hair on my head…… They have it for men and women.. It is extremely important for women to use women’s only… Good luck and God bless everyone
my husband has been on oxycodone almost two years now for pain, heres the issue he has thick beautiful hair but even before this med his hair got frizzy and losing a little, dont get me wrong hes on other meds also before the oxycodone and still is on them anyway every time he brushes his hair a little more comes out. i think it regrows not sure. but how can i try to get him to see that i am not putting anything in the hair products i use the same ones he does i lose some of my hair for thyroid reasons. trying to understand these meds……two everyone losing there hair good luck male balding i dont think runs in his family
I took oxycodone and morphine for severe osteoarthritis for about nine years, during which time I had both shoulders and both hips replaced. (And a bunch of other surgical stuff, too but let’s keep it short)
During that time all the hair on my legs and arms–I’m male, btw–either became brittle and broke off, or fell out. Hair tried to regrow on my arms, but simply became ingrown (looked like little brittle sticks) and eventually, infected.
I finally became fed up with the BS and the way I was treated at the Pain Clinic, and cold turkeyed my meds–not recommended, but whatever. After a few months most of my arm hair grew back, more or less normally, but only a few hairs have regrown on my legs. I never had any noticeable head hair loss or thinning.
My hair is thinning and falling out also
Had a combination of medicine past 2006-2016/ Valtrex/Acyclovir alcohol and or Xanax T3/t4 Ibuprofen 500/200
TYLENOL OR aleve Immodiums 6/7 years Hydros can make you poop T3/t4 more constapating Both make you have to pee like crazy Not nice. Watch your water intake Not a time to get a cranberry juice craving or almond/Coconut SILK milk
Herpes 2 Pneumonia Bronchitis TENDONITIS and ARTHRITIS cause hairloss Thyroid issues also
Jeremy, YES, I am on Nucynta and my hair is falling out like crazy! I’ve been on it for 3 weeks and can’t believe the hair loss. I think I will be bald if I continue taking it.
I really don’t think any opiads make your hair fall out , sorry if nobody agrees with me
But j was opiats for over 15 yrs . And suddenly I stopped it all , I’m in recovery
Now , with the help , from methodone . I noticed hair loss , but I think it from my body
Going into some kind of shock “”” from stopping opiads . Without whening myself
Down . So I went from one extreme to another . I plan on stopping everything ,it’s
Just going to take some time . I’ve done my research on this . And this is what it says
. But I’m going to ask my Dr soon
Oh one more thing If you want to grow your hair back ? There a herbal vitamins
You can order online it called shin men . I’ve tried it .. It works !!! No lie ???
I really don’t think any opiads make your hair fall out , sorry if nobody agrees with me
But j was opiats for over 15 yrs . And suddenly I stopped it all , I’m in recovery
Now , with the help , from methodone . I noticed hair loss , but I think it from my body
Going into some kind of shock “”” from stopping opiads . Without whening myself
Down . So I went from one extreme to another . I plan on stopping everything ,it’s
Just going to take some time . I’ve done my research on this . And this is what it says
. But I’m going to ask my Dr soon
Oh one more thing If you want to grow your hair back ? There a herbal vitamins
You can order online it called shin men . I’ve tried it .. It works !!! No lie ???
Hi my name is Tammy. I have had hair loss for about 6 months now.I have been on hydrocodone for 5 yrs now. I was wondering if it was due to the pain pill as well. I have deteriorated discs all in my spine.the only thing I have found is that you need to take a good vitamin D and calcium. Try to find calcium lactate. It is the only one that your body will absorb. And blue ice fermented cod liver oil tabs for your vit D.don’t buy store bought supplements. They are all synthetic. Look them up on internet you can find good ones through green pasture for the d vit.
Calcium lactate will be hard to find due to no store carries it either. All other calcium tabs will only exit your body. No help from it. Good luck I hope this helps
Hi all. My hair was thinning/falling out from natural causes, but I stemmed the tide several years ago by taking a NuHair pill every day. It wasn’t like it used to be in my glory days, but I could live with it. I had major shoulder surgery late August and was put on 10/325 Percocet. About a month ago I really noticed my hair breaking and falling out, but I had also stopped taking the NuHair pill for a while. I started taking it again, but I won’t know if it has really helped for at least 12 weeks. I also just purchased the Rogaine foam and will post back on that, as well. The most important thing I did was to get off those opiads a few days ago! Pain is waking me at night, but I’m toughing it out, which I know isn’t an option for everyone.
BTW, my hairdresser had to take Percocet for awhile, and her hair was thinning, too. She told me that she’s seen it in other clients and that her hair is just starting to grow back healthier now that she stopped taking the medication, but it takes time.
I understand the naysayers who say there isn’t any clinical proof of this, but there is case after case of issues with medications and big pharma playing hide the ball with the facts, so I believe what I see.
Hi to all, I’ve been addicted to opiates for at least 10 yrs. started in the Navy with beautiful govt restricted hair. Thick and full. Began taking Darvon, after falling off an aircraft carrier radio antenna. Went on to taking vicodin,Percocet 5 mg.,10 mg/325 still had good healthy hair. Then OxyContin 10 mg and got seriously hooked after abusing it bad. Told the Dr. I was still in pain, went to fentanyl
25 mcg,50 mcg,100 mcg now my hair is falling out badly. Yes I realize my abusive behavior probably contributed to this. But wait it gets even better. The VA put me on morphine 10 mg. Sustained Release along with Tramadol 50 mg by this time I’ve had cervical spinal fusion C4-7, shoulder and knee replacement and need the other replaced. Yes I’m almost totally bald on top and most other areas on my body. I think I’ve tried every opiate known to man. No heroin though. I’m 60 yrs old. Probably hair reduction isn’t my biggest problem. The withdrawals have almost killed me, I’ve lost everything,my wife,now the house. If there is some one who reads this and can tell me where I can get some help. You will have saved a life. I have nothing left inside.
Hello, I am glad I googled and found this page. I thought I was crazy. I’ve been on lortabs for several years and my hair has gotten so thin. I asked the doctor and pharmacists and they said hair loss was not a side affect. Now reading everyone’s comments I know it’s not my imagination. I dont know what to do about all my pain but I MUST do something.
Hi Everyone! I’m very happy to find this page. Until recently, I was using
a 100 mcg Fentanyl transdermal patch and 20mg of oxycodone 4xdaily. I love my
white hair long and it has gotten soooooo thin that I’ve had to chop 5 inches
off of the length 2 separate times. It was also very broken. I am now 100%
off of the Fentanyl and, after reading y’all’s comments I’m going to ween myself
off of the oxycodone. Even tho I’m 65, I’m very glad that ultimately my vanity
will have inspired me to do this. I used to have beautiful, thick long hair and
am looking forward to that again. Considering that I was taking enough narcotic
medication to ‘kill an elephant’ since 2003 due to a failed back surgery, I am
very grateful that my hair is only thin and broken – thank God, it’s a miracle
I don’t have bald patches! Thank you again for all of your very helpful comments and for being so transparent.
Thanks for the feedback.
William Rassman, M.D.
Thanks for the nice sentiments
I have been taking Norco for 5 years, then pain management doctor switched me over to Percoset due to increased pain. Over the period of about 8 years total my hair loss has increased. I have tried a couple different shampoo’s and now trying B-Complex Vitamins to see if that will help. From reading it seems only answer is try to dealing with pain without taking this junk and get hair back. Family history is everyone in family has full head of hair throughout their life.