Paxil and Hair Loss: A Rare Side Effect?

The demands of today's lifestyle are enough to cause anyone stress. Workplace issues and family troubles added, it's no wonder antidepressants are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States today. However, taking antidepressants can sometimes add to the stress especially for people who are vain about their hair.

Paxil, one of the leading antidepressants in the market today has been reported to cause hair loss. However, patients must understand that this unfortunate side effect is not limited to Paxil alone. Most antidepressants also cause mild to severe hair loss as a side effect on people who are especially sensitive to their components. For those who are still asking question “Does Paxil cause hair loss," please consider the following points:

1.Check for other possible medical conditions or causes of hair loss rather than pinning it on your medication immediately. Hair loss is a rare side effect of antidepressant treatment. Do not automatically assume that your medication is the sole cause of hair loss.

2.Make your health your priority and not your hair. Do not stop taking your medication just because you suspect it to be the cause of your hair loss. Getting off medication can cause withdrawal symptoms and mood swings.

3.Report any changes and concerns about your medication to your doctor immediately before stopping intake. He or she will be able to address the problem and determine the cause of your hair loss more competently than you can.

4.Consider past and current conditions. If you have experienced hair loss prior to taking Paxil or any antidepressant, a relapse is likely just a coincidence. The same is true if you have taken or is currently taking other medications like acne and hormonal drugs. These medications may be the culprit behind your present hair loss problem.

5.Examine your lifestyle habits that may cause hair loss. A number of lifestyle habits can trigger hair loss like frequent crash dieting and hairstyling. The sudden loss of nutrients due to crash dieting and trauma brought about by frequent hairstyling can cause hair follicles to weaken and break.

Hair loss and hair growth are normal cycles. In fact, it is normal to lose 40-100 hair strands daily without it being a cause of alarm. However, it hair loss is really bothering you, you can try these tips to combat drug-induced hair loss:

1.Stick to eating balanced meals. Proper nutrition can combat the effects of drug-induced hair loss. This can also lead to healthier and stronger hair.

2.Take hair vitamins. The B vitamin group is essential in maintaining healthy hair. Since you cannot guarantee that you get all the B vitamins you need from your diet alone, a supplement is a good option.

3.Forego using hairstyling tools. Heat and other hair products can cause damage and make hair brittle.

Hair loss is a rare side effect of Paxil treatment and only occurs when a person is extremely sensitive to Paxil components. Otherwise, Paxil does not pose any immediate or fatal threat to those taking it for depression treatment.

About The Author:
Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.Want to Join an Online Health Board, visit Online Health