Wellbutrin and hair loss

Add me to the list! I have been on 300 mg Wellbutrin for the past few years. My hair is falling out and you can see my scalp. Just like many of you, I went the thyroid tests route, to no avail. I'm so thankful that in my desperation I did a search on hair loss and this drug. I will see my doctor and get off this stuff as soon as I can. It does help with depression, but who on earth can deal with watching your hair fall out on the sink and on the floor and down your back....I'll take the withdrawal headaches, as long as I have some hair on the outside of my head. Thanks to you all for writing about it. We are not crazy!

I have been taking the generic form of Wellbutrin (social anxiety with a touch of ADHD) for just over six months and as much as I hate to admit it, I believe that the bad is finally, convincingly, outweighing the good.
The good things that came along with 150mg of the SR every morning at 11:00: Weight loss (but only after an initial one month period of eating every form or carbohydrate I could find), it seems to brighten the whites of my otherwise cloudy eyes, helped me maintain conversations with people that I would have normally cut off early, and possibly--but only possibly--helps me focus (although the hyper focus that I used to get via the ADHD is gone. Completely. Non-existent.)
Which brings me to the bad: This goes against most of what I've read other people experience on Wellbutrin but lethargy has set in. And it feels like it's here to stay. It's not really a sedated lethargy but more of a false contentment that everything is just fine the way it is. No progression, no improvement, and looking to the future is almost impossible through the fog. I too, during the first two or three weeks, had the speedy, productive reaction to the medication. But that has subsided. Next, hair loss has become a concern. I'm in my thirties and it could be just how it goes but I truly doubt it. Mild constipation may seem bearable but I miss regularity more than I have time to describe. Ringing in the ears. Impaired memory. Confusion. Forgetfulness to a fault. Mild hives on the back. Irritability. A marked shortness of breath. After one month on Wellbutrin, I could barely run a mile on the treadmill when I've been accustomed to flying through three to five with ease. I feel weak, vulnerable even. Working out has therefore fallen to the wayside. And last, but probably the worst, this medication has seemed to cultivate a serious craving for other drugs. I can't explain it but I can't take it anymore either.
Like most people on a medication, I have read numerous posts and some people share some of my concerns but mostly, it seems that the people who report in are the speedy folks on day two or week two. That is, in my opinion, only a bit helpful, since these effects are usually short-lived. Wellbutrin started out with promise but while parts of me look into the mirror and see an improvement, underneath it all, I know that it is purely a nicely dressed form of prescribed avoidance.
I haven't posted this to discourage anyone. If it works for you--great. Really. But I also haven't read anyone's experience that matched my own so I figured it might help someone who is going through any of the same. Good luck.

I am a 34 year old female and have been on wellbutrin for 3 yrs. taking 300mg a day. I have lost a bunch of hair. Half of my hair is gone and that is no exaggeration!!!!!! But the worst part of it is that I had no clue that my medication could be causing it. My mom is a hairdresser and she has been really concerned about my hair loss. We thought maybe we were just frying it with all of the chemicals we put on it---BUT after talking about it we ruled that out because we have ALWAYS done it. It wasn't until after LUCK of stumbling across this info on the net that we put 2 and 2 together. UUHHGG!!! I am sooo mad at my Dr. I even discussed my hair loss with her a YEAR AGO. She had bloodwork done for my thyroid and it came back normal. I have a check-up today concerning my meds. I'm going off it ASAP. Dont want to just stop completely because i heard it can be dangerous. But i recommend to anyone taking wellbutrin that likes having a full head of hair to stop taking it!!! The Dr.'s will tell you that it is not a side effect but believe me---IT IS!!! I can only hope now that mine will grow back.!!!!!

Thank god I found this site. I was prescribed Wellbutrin today for my depression. I was already on Lorazepam and that's all I had wanted again. But I guess since Lorazepam causes dependency, doctor's do not want to prescribe it much. My depression got deeper because I noticed hair loss in the first place and no one took me seriously. This doctor KNEW I had issues with hair loss already (i'm a woman) and I once had eating disorders and he went ahead anyway and prescribed this. If I had taken this I can honestly say I would have total bald spots on my head!
Thanks for this site!

I too have experience a late period, 11 days late so far. In addition, I am having extreme nausea. I thought maybe I was pregnant, I took 3 tests and all are negative. I have been on the Wellbutrin for 1 month now and am not really thrilled with the results. Actually, I find it's not helping at all.

I was on Celexa for about 6 months and loved it with 2 exceptions. Hair loss and a huge loss of my sex drive.

My thought is that none of these drugs are without side effects...there is no free ride.

Anyone else have similar experiences with Wellbutrin?

I have been on Wellbutrin for a couple of years & it has been a life saver. But it is very possible my hair loss is due to it. I have always had a full head of hair & no hair loss in my family at all. I'm also experiencing hearing loss but don't know if this is due to the Wellbutrin as my Father & sister have had hearing loss. My doctor intends to lower my dosage next month & I am going to ask him if air loss is a side effect.

I am also experience hair thinning while on Wellbutrin. I have had blood tests and there is no other detectable cause. The dermatologist said that she was only able to diagnose as possibly hereditary. However, I began noticing it shortly after starting 300mg of Well XL and then noticed increased thinning when I went up to 450mg. I don't take any other medications at all.

I searched the Wellbutrin prescribing information (a pdf on the official Wellbutrin website) and this is all I can find:

Other Events Observed During the Clinical Development and Postmarketing Experience of Buproprion

Adverse events for which frequencies are not provided occurred in clincial trials or postmarketing experience with bupropion. Only those adverse events not previously listed for sustained-release bupropion are included. The extent to which these events may be associated with Wellbutrin XL is unknown.

Skin: Rare was maculopauplar rash. Also observed were alopecia, angioedeme, exfoliative dermatitis and hirsutism.

----------------

Alopecia is hair loss. All that means is it was reported and they didn't do a study that would have produced data with which they could measure the likelihood that it is a Wellbutrin side effect. In other words, people said they were experiencing it but they can't confirm it.

I just dropped down to 300 mg and I'm contacting my shrink about tapering off completely - I feel like dealing with scalp showing through and feeling horribly self-conscious and unattractive because of it is not going to help my depression and self-esteem issues any.

I'm a woman by the way - the number of reports of hair thinning in women seems significant to me. I have no family history of thin hair on the female side that I know of.

I've been taking Wellbutrin on and off for several years now. It works for me and my depression and doesn't cause weight gain. Unfortunately, a lot of my hair was gone before I researched it and found that this seems common with many users. I stopped taking it for several months and my hair loss pretty much stopped. Some grew back in around my hairline and my head felt better, but not a significant regrowth on my crown. It definitely stopped coming out like it was. The improvement took about 3 months. I started taking it again and within 2 months I noticed that I was again loosing hair. I use Nioxin shampoo which slows it some, but will stop taking it again. In my research I found that some vitamins, scalp massage or yoga where your head is down and you increase blood flow helps. Hair color also helps for several reasons. I found, however, that while on Wellbutrin my scalp was very sensitive and sometimes had a burning sensation. My dose if very low at 75-150 mg per day. What a shame this side effect it is because this is a very effective medication! However, I have no doubt whatsoever that it's causing my hair loss.

I'm glad I thought to check to see if Wellbutrin might be causing my hair loss. I had some natural thinning at my temples before and started using Rogaine for women with great success. Then after my mastectomy and breaking up with a guy I went on Wellbutrin. I am currently taking the 150mg three times a day. I am losing so much hair it's scaring me. It comes off my head all day long. Like others have said I also have a handful in the hour, another handful in my comb and then it just continues to jump ship all day long. I have lost at least half of my hair.

I have been on Bupropion SR 300mg. since May 2007. Within the last 4-6 weeks may hair has been coming out by the hand full when I wash it. Alot of it is in my hair brush, vacuum cleaner, and on my clothes. I have used special shampoos and vitamins with no luck. I called the pharmacy and was told this was not a side effect of the medication. Funny they haven't heard, according to all the post I have read on the internet. My question is has anyone else experienced this type of loss after being on the medication for 6 months or longer? And if you stayed on it, or any other antidepressant, did the hair loss stop and grow back. I was also told that if it were to be a side effect of the medication it would have happened before now, and maybe I should have other test performed. I have already had blood work for thyroid and it came back normal. Love the medication!
Helps with more energy! Hate the hair loss! HELP!!!

i also have experienced much hair loss. it has been about 2 years now after the death of my mom, thought it may be just stress or perimenopause (41) but now after doing some research online I do think that it did all began after starting the Wellbutrin xl. I take 300 mg but i am going to talk to my DR. about going off it and maybe taking something else. I also take Effexor too, to help with my depression. any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Wow! I'm so glad that I'm not thinking these things up in my head. I have been on Wellbutrin for about 2 1/2 months now and I have noticed hair loss but I thought it was just because of stress. However, reading this makes me very nervous about taking my 300 mg. a day. I also feel that I forget things a lot too; where I put my keys, my bag etc. I have also had ringing in my ears and sensitivity with both my eyes and ears. Has anyone else had all of these side effects? And if so, what did you and your doctor do?

I am participating in a research study for Wellbutrin helping smokers to quit. I am 25 years old. The study is a double blind study so there is a possibility that I am on placebo...but judging from my feelings - I am not. I have been on wellbutrin for 8 days now. I went from 150mg to 300mg in the course of 3 days. My symptoms/side effects include feeling "blah", not having interest in conversation, coordination problems (I have had issues with walking up and down stairs; almost to the point of falling), small episodes of memory loss, and I am thinking possible hair loss. The hair loss is the most devastating to me and I am going to stop taking wellbutrin because of it. I will find another way to quit smoking - there is no sense in taking something that is going to make me feel horrible about myself. Has anyone quit taking it and have their hair grow back?

I have been on 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL for a little more than 3 weeks. I am also taking 100 mg of Lamictal a day just upped that dose yesterday from 50 mg both to treat bipolar disorder (which I am not thoroughly convinced I have!) I can't tell which drug is causing which side effect, they both cause a lot of the same things. I have experienced strange dreams and horrible nightmares, itchy skin, hair loss (which I believe is from the Lamictal), acne on my face, back and shoulders, extreme mood swings and irritability, extreme fatigue, difficulty with hand-eye coordination, difficulty with words (speaking and writing), generally fuzzy headed, dizziness, waking at night with a pounding heart, joint and muscle soreness, heavy period that has lasted a lot longer than normal, stuffy nose, hacking cough and that about does it.

Basically, it sucks and I want to go off at least the Lamictal and see if the Wellbutrin is kinder on it's own. I just don't think this is going to work for me. It's been pretty rough the last few weeks, I hope I can come up with something I can tolerate.

good luck all!
~A

I switched to wellbutrin about 6 mo. ago and have noticed crazy hair lose... it is on my pillow in the morning, on the sofa after watching t.v., on the back of my shirt, and coming out by the handfulls when shampooing or brushing my hair. What use to be a full, thick head of hair... is now so thin I don't always brush my hair everyday (makes me sick to see all the hair). I talked to my dr. about it and she said it must be my blood sugar and that I needed to lose weight for it to go away.... um, yeah... eating low carb, walking, and still losing just as much hair... I am giving her a call today after reading that HAIR LOSS IS A SIDE EFFECT!

As early as the next day - after the first pill - change of hair texture and very significant hair loss on a daily basis. From time to time scalp numbness.

I've been taking Wellbutrin for the last 5 years as prescribed by my doctor, the only major sider effect was hair loss for the first 2 years but know I don't seem to have a problem with that. I take 300 mg per day in the am. I also seem to lose wait when I start taking it for the first 2 months but then after it makes me very hungry.

My hair has been falling out and is noticably thin on top. Only took the wellbutrin for 3 months , but have lost lots of hair. Have also had a severe rash/hives on my arms and legs, it tingles and burns. Have went to the ER once already because of the hives. Stopped the wellbutrin and the hives and itching went away. But what concerns me the most is the hair loss. Will it grow back? Wish I had know about these side effects before taking the it. I am hoping that there is another medication I can take to go along with my effexor as the wellbutrin did help my depression. Does anyone know any other medication might possibly work with effexor, that won't make me gain weight, grow bald or be miserable with itching? Help!

I have been taking Wellbutrin, Norvasc, Zocor, Alavide, Premarin. Since having a cerebral aneurysm, my blood pressure and cholestrol is high. I am having hair loss, waves of nausea periodically, and weight gain. Could any of these drugs be the cause of my symptoms.

Thank you

Brenda

I've been taking it for a few years. It helped with my depression but I think I have had some side effects. Not sure if mine is due to it, but I've heard hair loss can be one of them. I also have increasing trouble with sleep, I wake up too early.

I'm not now on Wellbutrin, but have discussed going on it with my therapist for long-term, mild depression.

This site has been very useful to me in helping me decide whether to brave all the possible side effects. I've decided to start at the lower dose of 150 XR and, becus i am so afriad of the side effects, especially seizure, i will stop using the drug rather than go the full 300 mg dose and risk the side effects.

Everyone's experience with it has been so different, i've come to the conclusion there IS no universal reaction to it becus everyone's experience with it is different.

What I've read here has also told me that you should never trust your doctor 100% to do what's best for you. It's really our responsibility to do as much research as they can, for instance, just reading thise sites. I saw one doctor started off the patient at 300 mg, which you're definitely not supposed to do, you're supposed to build up gradually, then taper off gradually when you want to get off the drug. And I saw another post where the doctor prescribed Wellbutrin to a patient with a history of anorexia, another definite no-no.

I'm really kind of scared to go on such a powerful drug after reading about hair loss, insomnia, etc. etc., but i've suffered from chronic depression for about 30 years now and i'm tired of living a mediocre life.

Wellbutrin worked well for 1.5 years. I upped my dose to 300 but then I realized I was getting more foregetful and had hair loss. This could also be attributed to ADD and menopause but I had also developed a terrible smell. Even other people noticed it, I cannot describe how foul it was. Part of it was I had become constipated but it didn't smell like you-know-what. I became isolated becase of it -- what good is it to be not depressed if you are alone? Was taking metamucil but finally quit the Welbutrin. I think I have other health problems, but avoiding welbutrin and also a number of foods now I smell good again. That was the most miserable health problem of my life!!!! Am moderately depressed, but trying healthy living style etc. I think my hair is getting fuller. Oh, and I wasn't exactly dizzy but sometimes I felt "unbalanced" on the Wellbutrin.

I have been on Wellbutrin XL for 4 1/2 months for post-partum depression and have noticed hair loss and joint pain (especially in hands). I am surprised my doctor recommended this to me as I have a history of anorexia. It states fairly clearly on the literature, "do not take if had history of eating disorder". Anyone have a comment on this???

jerkiness of arms and legs, headaches, hair loss and thinning (as in thick to fine), brain fog - have trouble remembering simple things like someone's name, my sleep is all screwed up, have been taking 450 mgs Wellbutrin XL for several years, decided to go off. Also take Effexor XR and Lamictal - may go off Effexor too, Lamictal helps with mood swings (I am Bipolar II) - not sure if it is causing any of the problems or not, only been on it 6 months - 100 mg. Any one else on this combinatio? The hair loss is what concerns me most, I'm only 54 - not ready to look like my grandmother!

Great site. I've been off Wellbutrin for 6 weeks about but was thinking about taking it again as my new job is very stressful. But this site reminded me of the reasons I quit Wellbutrin: hair loss, confusion (I thought Wellbutrin was supposed to HELP ADD, fer crying out loud), constipation, feeling out of balance, and having a strange, often terrible smell. The weight loss was great at first, but now I weigh less than I have for 30 years and am concerned. Since quitting Welbutrin I feel better and more alive how, but I have also been on vacation, so it's hard to sort out. Also, doctor has run tests for intestinal problems which may not have been associated with the Wellbutrin. Who knows. Good site. Thanks.

HAIR LOSS - that's an understatement. Mine has been coming out in handfuls. I've always had thick, wavy, long hair and now I can see my scalp like an old lady - I'm only 35 ! I had no idea what was wrong. Stay away from this stuff unless you want to look like a billards ball ! Even at $100+ a bottle, mine's in the trash. There should be a warning on this !

Been about two months now. Mostly good effects regarding mood, appetite, cravings. Sleep pretty good except for occasional weird nightmares. Constipation is managable. Lost sex drive (from Prozac) is back, some memory problems; not bad. However, I am having hair loss so scary I'm going off it- the Wellbutrin, that is.

Have been taking the Wellbutrin to quit smoking. It worked great for that. Had a real bad mood episode though when I took a herbal supplement called Rosavin while on the Wellbutrin. It wore off in a few hours. Later, I read the Rosavin label and it said not to combine with antidepressants. Maybe will try Rosavin alone.

I started with 150mgs. Went to 300mgs after a month. Noticed considerable hair loss after 2 weeks.

Does anyone know if it grows back? It has been 2 weeks and I just about bought some Rogain

sleepnessness, hair loss

I've been on Wellbutrin for 2 1/2 months and finally realized I am losing my hair. The hair line is intack but I can see my scalp real clearly when my hair is wet, mainly on the top of my head. I went to the Dermotolgist today, he gave me a heart to heart about male pattern baldness (thanks but I don't think you develop male pattern baldness overnight like this). I am convinced it is from the drug.

He did say that about 1% of your hair folicles are always shedding and regrowning. Drug induced hair loss simply increases the percentage of folicles in the shedding stage. He said this stage is not permanent and the hair will grow back.

I am off the Wellbutrin. Bring on the Gloom baby, I keepin' my hair. I'll take my chances with the depression.

been on welbutrin XL for 4 days now. If I feel anything at all, it's very subtle. Well I can say that I have noticed a mild sore throat since day 1. This may be unrelated however. I notice some people stating "On the 1st day, so and so, then on the 2nd day, so and so" I was under the impression that it would take a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks before any FX were noticed. I guess everybodies different though. I was 1st on Lexapro, took it for 6 weeks and it did nothing at all for me. I might as well been taking Flintstone vitamins. So 4 days ago started with the Welbutrin XL after turning down the option to go on Paxil. After all the negative horror stories I've heard about Paxil, you couldn't make me try it. I've got high hopes for the Welbutrin XL, and hope I recieve the benefit of it's use and not the hair loss and other ill FX.

I loved wellbutrin and it made me feel great plus lots of energy and I lost a little weight. Un fortunately, I've had to stop taking it do to HAIR LOSS!

significant hair loss.

Hair Loss!!!!!!!!!! Has anyone else found that they are thinning in hair? I have been on Wellbutrin for about 2 1/2 yrs. Started with 300mg, now at 150 SR but still my hair is getting thin. Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the Rx?

I saw one woman say that she noticed hair loss. I also have noticed hair loss. I am 21 years old and I had such a full head of hair right before i started taking this xl and now my hair is much thinner all within a year. It may be just be genetics, but I found it interesting that somebody else had the same problem.

HAIR LOSS? I think my hair is thinning & I AM A WOMEN! Does anyone know if this is a side effect of Wellubutrin XL?

I have been on Welbutrin about 150 mg/d but have seen my hair loss unreasonable. and now am going off because of my fear of being bald. The medicine has been very helpful but the hair panic too much. Anyone know if after taking it the hair begins to grow back.