Lithium Hair Loss Information

Lithium Hair Loss Facts

Lithium Hair Loss Facts in Q&A

hair loss with lithium? I take 450mg of eskalith and one of the side effects is hair loss I am concerned of lossing my hair has anybody taken lithium and lost hair noticably I would rather deal with the depression thatn to deal with hair loss

shadowatdustcatcher replied: "Never heard of that as a side effect. Are you not eating any linoleic acid (fat free diet?). That would cause hair loss."

Eden* replied: "Hair loss in the course of lithium treatment. Yassa R, Ananth J. Two cases of hair loss attributed to lithium therapy are presented. In one case, lithium did not have to be discontinued, and in the other, hair loss led to noncompliance. This side effect is usually benign. Thyroid function tests should always be performed to exclude hypothyroidism as the underlying factor for this symptom."

mycornerofbrickheaven replied: "I had the problem too. The doctor had me start taking Selenium which is a vitamin (mineral). I consulted with another doctor who suggested using a product called Nioxin. It's a scalp treatment that you apply once a day. I don't know exactly how it works but it helps reinforce the hair at the root somehow. It's available at most finer salons. There are several types. I just use the Scalp Treatment for early stages of thinning hair. The place where you get it will be able to help you decide which one you need to use based on whether you color your hair or not and that type of thing. Good Luck!"

Lamictal/Lithium and Hair Loss? I have been taking Lamictal and Lithium for bipolar disorder for the past five years. I have had good success with these medications and want to continue taking them. The only problem is that I have lost a noticeable amount of hair since I began taking them. Has anybody else had this problem? Did you find a way to deal with it? Have any supplements been effective? I'm sure the medication is making me lose the hair because I noticed hair falling out just a few months after beginning the regimen. The reason I want to keep taking these particular medications is that I have been diagnosed for about 20 years and this is the longest period of stability I have experienced. It seems like I have tried almost every possible drug and combination of drugs and this is the best for me.

Justin M replied: "This is normal. Lithium is a metal and when a metal comes in contact with the hair follicles it causes them to fall out. It is like that for all metal poisoning. Especially with Arsenic. Try abilify or seroquel. Abilify is really good. it dont have most of the side effects that the other meds have."

Danny R replied: "I use Lamictal. I dont think it has anything to do with that."

seltsamish replied: "I take Lamictal and I lost a lot of hair, too. It definitely IS a side effect of Lamictal, particularly in higher doses. One thing I have done to combat the hair loss is to take a supplement called Biotin. You can get it at drug stores (though I've found it's cheapest at Target) for $5 to $7, and it does seem to help. The hair loss is frightening and frustrating, I know. When I take a shower, mine comes out in my hands and I get really upset. It did seem to stabilize and not get any worse, though, after six months of Lamictal or so. I wouldn't stop taking your meds just because of the hair loss, but you may want to talk to your doctor to see if he or she could recommend any other supplements that help with hair growth. Good luck! (I see another person has suggested Abilify or Seroquel. Abilify and Seroquel are not in the same class of medication as Lamictal. Abilify and Seroquel are antipsychotics -- not a mood stabilizer, like Lamictal is. It's not going to do the same things and the original poster says she has tried a bunch of combinations of drugs and I've got to say...if you've found something that works, do whatever you can to stick with it. It's very difficult to climb back up if you mess around with your medications.)"

lil sammy replied: "Yes, I had significant hair loss from Lamictal. I tried every supplement and product I could find, but without help. It is the main reason I discontinued the drug. The hair loss was causing me to feel depressed and my mood problems were not that bad to begin with. I was just being kept from being unruly due to ADHD with it. I realize that this may not be an option as maintaining stability is most important. What I did for a while is wear those cute headscarves that are popular tied around my hairline. Also parting my hair in different places to cover the thin spots. Then finally, I got extensions ($$$)! A few months after I stopped, little baby hairs came back. Now they're long enough that I cut my long stringy hair into a shorter cut to blend it in, and I feel SO relieved. It is buried deep in the side effects sheet, but my doctor told me I was imagining it. Good luck deciding what to do :) but extensions were the best for me at that time."

Amanda S replied: "I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar1 as well as Borderline Personality Disorder. I am taking Lamital and Lithium. Bummer... I have noticed that some people have mentioned hair loss on several websites and some people have not had any problems with that particular side effect. I think that is just what it is, a side effect. I know that I too am susceptible but will not focus on the negative. I am having a hard enough time accepting my diagnoses. I have had this problem for a good 20 years and just now getting the help that I need. So, hang in there. I believe that Lamictal is a good drug. I did extensive research on this particular drug and there are many good reviews from medical experts. I also am concerned about the dosage that you are taking of both drugs. I am taking two doses of Lamictal (200 mg each tablet) in the morning and at lunch. I take 450mg of Lithium at bedtime. How is your medication set up and what is the dosage? That may have a lot to do with why your hair loss has been so severe. But anyhow, I am glad to hear that you are doing better with the drug and plan to hang in there. I could use encourgment as well, we all could. This is a tough illness to manage and everyone experiences it differently, yet kind of the same if you know what I mean. We all get manic and depressive. Some worse than others, but manic-depressive illness is just that, manic-depressive."

molasses contains inositol which helps hair growth & lithium which coz hair loss,should we take it or avoid it Molasses and hair Growth & Loss inositol is 1 of B-Complex Vitamins it's been identified as Vitamin B8, it's available by huge amounts in Sugar Cane mollasses

sweety replied: "i'd rather have hair on my head....so I'd avoid it... :-)"

Mama replied: "First of Al, do you mean blackstrap molasses that you can use as a alternative sweetener because they have a lot more in them that are very beneficial for the health, like protein, carbohydrate, iron,sodium and potassium. You can have it in porridge or mixed with milk or water (hot), or taken directly from a spoon this is a raw product that naturally remains after sugar milling has occurred."

keepsondancing replied: "There isn't enough of either to cause concern. Molasses, especially blackstrap, is a great source of iron and some of the B complex. Go ahead and enjoy!"

Melanie M replied: "Blackstrap Molasses can be great for increasing your iron levels subsequently helping with hair growth. However, you also need to find out the reason why your hair is falling out in the first place. Your iron levels may be fine and you could be losing your hair for another reason. There are a number of reasons such as surgery, new medications, hormonal imbalances, trauma, etc. I suggest that you have some blood work done first to rule out any other serious conditions."

Do you take lithium? How do you stay healthy? I take lithium and watch my diet, exercise, and water intake. I struggle with hair loss and weight gain. The exercise and diet help with the weight gain and I take vitamins for the hair loss. The benefits of taking lithium outweigh the side effects, but they are still a pain to deal with.

I'm a Nationalist replied: "i take crack"

Courtney replied: "I think you should ask your doctor if theres anything you can do about that... some of those side effects must suck. And congrats on keeping healthy through something like this! ;)"

rocket replied: "I'm on lithium, but haven't taken it regularly for 3 weeks. I never experienced any side effects until I stopped it and started back up abruptly... I haven't taken it for 6 days again... I am sure the benefits far outweigh the side effects... you are smart to actually TAKE the meds! :)"

FamousKhunt replied: "my ex girlfriend took lithium for her bipolor for pretty much the whole time i was with her. she didn't always take it consistently, but she never gained weight and i didn't notice any hair loss. but she did a lot of other recreational drugs also. so that probably effected the weight factor. i don't know, but she definitely didn't exercise or really even do any kind of activity."

broken_faery_wings13 replied: "I take 900mg of Lithium a day. I just make sure that I do some sort of physical exercise or activity a day. I haven't noticed any weight gain and i've been on it for 2 years now."

Do you take lithium and lamictal for bipolar disorder? How are they working for you? This combination has worked well for me except for hair loss and weight gain. I'm trying some supplements for the hair loss and have worked to change my diet and exercise more. It is kind of depressing to find something that works but that has bad side effects.

Null Set replied: "I know about lamictal as a drug because of the fact that it is used for other disabilities. Lamictal has made people lose weight which is, in some cases, REALLY bad."

lost2day replied: "I`m on lamictal, ( for bipolar disorder ), as well. I`m dropping weight AGAIN!! I`m already on Topamax, so I`m really scared!! But Lamictal can be use for seizures, ( it`s an anti convulsant). I have not heard of hair loss as a side effect though. You might want to check you thyroid levels....Your TSH might be too high???Or maybe it has something to do with the lithium??"

Carolynn M replied: "I have been on both. Neither helped me. I just gained weight from Lithium. Glad to hear they work for somebody though."

hi, does anyone know whats good for hair loss. female 33.? im currently on medication called lithium, has anyone ever experienced the same prob?

alexajbully replied: "It could be related to the lithium...or it could be your thyroid. Have your doc check a TSH the next time you go in for a checkup. If you are having other problems such as hot or cold intollerance, cold feet and hands, problems sleeping (though with your other med it may be hard to determine this) I would definitely think this could be the case."

Helpneeded4girl replied: "I agree with the poster below, about the thyroid, but also hair loss can be caused by polycystic ovarian disease (now believed to be from insulin resistance). Have your doctor do lab tests to check for your free testosterone and SBHG levels. Your body may have an over-production of male hormones or androgens that is causing your hair to fall out (are you gaining weight in the mid-section as well? Messed up periods? Excessive hair? All may point to signs of PCOS). There are meds out there to help! Just a suggestion to have this checked out as well. Good luck to you."

mrsmoopydo replied: "I agree that you should have blood tests for thyroid,but also what about your diet. A bad diet can make your iron levels low, which can affect your hair. I have had hair loss on and off for a few years. I did have an underactive thyroid, but I also found that when I went through a stressful period, I lost more hair. I'ts hard to stay calm when your worried, but I'm sure your hairloss will slow down and start to recover soon. Believe me, I have been in despair in the past, but I now have a thick head of hair."

your friend replied: "Dr. Kumar replies : Not a single factor is responsible for hair loss. Heredity factors, Ageing, Hormonal Imbalance, Illness and infectious diseases, Nervous disorders, Toxic substances, Injury and impairment, Severe radiation and many other reasons can be behind. No two doctors would ever opine the same about the hair loss disease. But one thing, every doctor would agree in general that : healthy lifestyle, discipline, good food habits, regular exercise, stress free life, a good night's sleep, better sexual life etc. are very helpful in preserving your hair, minimise the hairloss and even in the growth of new hair. Most of the medicines available for better hair growth dont act to their name. Yes, one thing have been seen working actually and that is Pranayama and some Yoga exercises. And both these are free by chance."

littleme replied: "many people often get hair loss it could be due to stress recent pregnancy or child birth or medication. i see this happen to women regulary so remember its normal. try getting scalp or indian head massage as it stimulates the hair growth"

schatz replied: "What causes excessive hair loss? A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment of the thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss. Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again. Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines. Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated. Can improper care of my hair cause hair loss? Yes. If you wear pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia (say: "al-oh-pee-sha"). If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents (also called "perms") may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss. What is common baldness? The term "common baldness" usually means male-pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have inherited the trait. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair becomes thin over the entire scalp. Can my doctor do something to stop hair loss? Perhaps. Your doctor will probably ask you some questions about your diet, any medicines you're taking, whether you've had a recent illness and how you take care of your hair. If you're a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam to look for other causes of hair loss. Finally, blood tests or a biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under a microscope) of your scalp may be needed. Is there any treatment for hair loss? Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss. Medicines may help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a pre ion. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a pre ion. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working. If adequate treatment is not available for your type of hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles or wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or artificial hair replacement. i hope this helps you-good luck"

leowin1948 replied: "Lithium may cause hair fall.But first check up fro a doctor whether there is any infection of scalp.Tension will increase hair fall.Be cool and avoid all tensions.Massage of scalp daily with few drops of almond oil will stop/slow down hair fall.Eating of curry leaves (few only) daily is good.If your doctor permits vitamin containing Zinc(Zevit) take one daily.Be cool and you will have more hair.Do not panic.Some hair fall is common for all."

Are you a Lithium dependent person? How do you live it? I really need your help to make an extremely important decision in my life. I have been bipolar for 7 years. I went from doctor to doctor, from medicine to medicine, nothing worked. I lost all my jobs and I had real bad depression phases, suicidal behavior and other scarry things I cannot put up with anymore. Luckily, I started taking Lithium last year and things got so well, now I feel good in my mind and life. Unfortunately, I feel like hell in my body. I started having acne, my hair was falling out, my weight was climbing up and I have aches all over all the time. I know lithium has many side effects and newer meds are available, but I can't afford these. So I need to know from those living on Lithium and those who have experienced it, what is your best advise? Should I drop it? Should I stick to it, hoping that it will all get better someday? How do I live with so much change in my physical health?Is there something I can do to alleviate the weight gain and acne and hair loss...?

Altruist replied: "I'm sorry that you're not feeling well. I've been diagnosed bipolar/bpd and I've taken Lamictal and Depakote. The Depakote is working really well, where I take 2000mg daily. Unfortunately, Depakote is also known to produce hair loss in women. I've heard some great things about Lamictal and know a few people who've had great success on it. Lamictal has been around for a long time as well and is available in generic form, so it won't cost you too much. As per the side effects of Lithium - There is no reason to live like this. I would be assertive in expressing these views with your Dr. and ask them if it would be a good idea to switch to Lamictal. Good luck"

u~kno~hu replied: "Hi! I've been on Lithium now for two years. In addition, I use Risperdal. I can really relate to your struggle because I recently dropped Risperdal due to side effects. I felt I was getting better and therefore wouldn't miss it. But in the three months that I was off the Risperdal I had a real crisis. I got worse than before. I had really severe obsessive thoughts which escalated into anxiety and panic attacks. Because of this, I decided to go back on the Risperdal. The benefits clearly outweighed the risks, in my case. My side effects were mainly hormonal but I have decided to live with these. I do also have acne (I am 40 and never had it before), but I never realized this could be ddue to meds. I am willing to put up with acne if it means I can live in peace. If I were you, I would talk to my psy doc about it. Tell him that cost is an issue for you. You might be able to go to a lower dose of Lithium in conjunction with another drug (Risperdal costs me $30 for a months supply of 1 mg tablets). Or taper down off the Lithium and taper up on another drug. I took Depakote for a while and it wasn't that expensive. One thing to definitely think about is where you are in life right now. Is this a very stressful time? If so, wait a few months before you consider changing meds. Hopefully your doc will listen and work with you. Good luck!"

mikey replied: "try crack"

Debra D replied: "Try Lamictal if you haven't already. I gained 35 lbs. in a short time on lithium, it affected my thyroid functioning and I was put on Synthroid to correct this. Lithium is murder on your kidneys. I had to pee every ten minutes. It's toxic at levels too high and requires blood tests. Lithium interacts with too many other foods and medicines. You shouldn't be stuck on lithium because of the cost of the newer and better drugs. Talk to your doc about Lamictal and how to get help paying for it. I have no side effects on Lamictal and it is well documented as being as effective as lithium without the annoying side effects. There's a RARE fatal rash that can occur, but they start you out on low doses to avoid this risk. One doc refused to take me off lithium when I asked her for Lamictal so I found a better doc."

Random Bloke replied: "Well, you know the answer about stopping lithium. Don't do it unless you have another mood stabiliser, or you will lose it again. The side effects of Lithium are what they are. You might try asking on to see if any of the inmates there has a suggestion to counteract the sucky side effects. Conversely, you could look to different meds - I owe my life to Lamictal. It is no way as cheap as lithium, but you can at least get generic from Canada now, and again some of the crazyboards folk know other ways to get meds cheap/free."

riptide_71 replied: "I have been on Lithium for 10 years and it really has helped. I do have acne and my hair has gotten really coarse. I tried Lamictal but it did not work for me and it is much more expensive. I am also on Depakote, which helps alot as well. Some things you can do to help with the side effects of Lithium: 1) Drink lots of water for the acne 2) Wash your face a couple times a day 3) Use strydex or other cleansing pads every day 4) Talk to your hairdresser about the change in your hair (They actually know alot about things to help) Have you been drinking alot more since being on the Lithium? Sometimes the weight gain is associated with drinking more sweet drinks. Try water. Ask your doctor if your blood lithium levels are too high!!!! High levels can increase the side effects! The older "mood stabilizers" which include Lithium, Depakote, and Tegretol are cheapers and work for most people. Talk to your doctor about trying Depakote or Tegretol. Good luck!"

no nonsence replied: "hi there, well many of you are probably going to scream in horror but i was on lithium for 5 yrs when one day i got this manic thought that i was going to cure myself and throw away my pills its a good job the kids phoned the hospital up when i went crazy i have refused point blank to go back on lithium i was getting like a fat barrel i take tegrotol retard, lamotrogine cyprilex I'm OK at the minute i take it you are American i am English so the advice on affording a more expensive drug is unknown to me so i wont give bulls*it advice i have read your first answerer's advice (altraist) many times and my god he is good look at his answerer's and questions"

bipolor lithium side affects????????? I am taking litium for my bipolar, and one of the possible side affects really bothers me. HAIR LOSS.. How common is this while taking lithium? Does anyone have any experiences? Please help me out. I am 17, is it more common with older people? please help!

Eaglesong3 replied: "My wife is 35, bipolar and takes Geodon, Lamactil, Cymbalta and Lithium. She still has a full head of hair. The worst side effects she's had are drowsiness (she takes her meds about an hour before bed time due to this) and problems concentrating and retaining information which was found to be due to the Geodon."

Lithium - bipolar? I'm supposed to start taking Lithium tomorrow along with antidepressants for my bipolar, I've only just been diagnosed. Obviously one of the first things I have done is checked the net for info - and what I've read has scared me!! Why does the DR want to give me a medication that has so many side effects when there are other meds out there? The weight gain and hair loss especially scare me, so does the fact that it may make my thinking slower and make me feel slower - I'm scared, should I not take them until I have talked things through properly with my psychiatrist as I don't feel comfortable taking them. Have any of you had bad side effects from Lithium?

Max replied: "There are other medications with less side effects, but lithium is very effective. It is likely if you were just diagnosed your dr. wants to get it under control immediately. In the long-term you can think about switching meds, but for the time being I would do whatever he says. Bipolar can be a monster if it goes untreated."

jackie replied: "My son was given lithium for his bipolar. He did not like it and refused to take it any further because of the side effects. You pose a very very good question, WHY does your doctor give you a med that is as old as the hills with side effects as such?"

Dr.Newbie replied: "Not everyone experiences all or even some of the side effects. Different bodies react differently to medications. Do not stop taking any medication unless you have consulted with your doctor, some even have withdrawl symptoms. If you do experience some symptoms and they are really bothering you and interfering with your daily life then you should bring it up with your doctor, if not then you should ask yourself; what really bothers you more and go from there, the minor weight gain or the high's and lows of bipolar?"

karli replied: "Trust me give the meds a chance then descide, not every one has the scary side affects, just try it, it should help you more then hurt you, then tell your doctor right away if you have any sideaffects that are scary to you, he can ajust them, to were you might just need to take them at diffrent times a day. ~Good Luck~"

lexi m replied: "I've read about people who have excellent results on lithium with no side effects... so there are some lucky ones out there! Personally, I take: Geodon 40 mg (for mania) Abilify 10 mg (for depression) Lamictal 200 mg (mood stabilizer) No weight gain on those meds because they are all weight neutral. I would try the lithium and see how it works for you.. if you start to see some heavy side effects then there are other meds out there to try. I was actually on Depakote as a mood stabilizer and I gained 40 lbs on it.. but I lost the weight when I switched my medication. ~Good Luck~"

guinnessman2007 replied: "I've been a lithium it has a lot of bad side effects which ranged, in my case, from extreme thirst to kidney and thyroid problems. It did help so you have to way the good with the bad. I would start taking it anyway it may be that one drug that actually does help you. You can always talk to your doc if you do experience side effects even though some poeple have minimal side effects."

nehevea11 replied: "You can refuse to take a medication, but you might want to try it first to see if you do get any side effects. Some people do really well with lithium. Lithium gave me severe headaches, so I don't take it anymore. Other mood stabilizers include Depakote (best for rapid cyclers and mixed episodes), Lamictal (best for people who are in the depressive phase a lot), and Tegretol and Trileptal. I take anti-pschotic medications (Geodon and a small bit of Zyprexa), and Wellbutrin (an anti-depressant) and they keep me stable. Watch out with SSRI anti-depressants because they lower sex drive and make it difficult or impossible to orgasm. And they are notorious for pushing bipolar persons into mania (even if they're taking lithium or another mood stabilizer already). If your doctor ever wants you to take anti-psychotic medications to get mania or a mixed episode under control, insist that they prescribe Geodon or Abilify, which make you tired but don't cause weight gain like the other anti-psycotics. Especially never take high doses of Zyprexa. Wellbutrin is the anti-depressant I take, and it's never pushed me into mania and doesn't have any side effects for me. I love Wellbutrin."