Elavil and Hair Loss
Dear Dr.
How risky is Elavil (Amitriptyline) for hair loss? Is it the same risk factor as the SSRI’s or more risky? Also, how would you weigh the risk/benefit of using a drug like Elavil (or another similar drug)-vs- living with the anxiety?
Thank you for your time.
Both Elavil and the SSRIs can cause hair loss as a side effect, although it is not common. There is almost always a concern for side effects from any medication, but the most common cause of hair loss in men is genetic balding. Therefore, we can not predict if these drugs are causing hair loss in your situation. I would definitely recommend that you bring up these concerns with your doctor. Before you stop taking any medication we strongly urge you to speak with your doctor.
i had the same issue with elavil (amitriptyline). asked my doctor about it and she give me a weird look and said its not from the medicine. yeeeaaah okaaaay. before i started taking the meds i had a full head of hair and wasnt seeing my scalp thru my bangs. i look older. and its lower my self esteem… i just hope its not permanent. and she also told me to take biotin… but im not gonna take it unless my primary doctor says thats the problem. but i think its from the medicine. i was on it for a month. and during that month my hair changed dramatically. but i hope its not permanent…