Questions in the Mental Health Forum have been answered by Roger L. Gould, M.D., affiliated with U.C.L.A. and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Dexedrine & hair loss?

Forum: The Mental Health Forum
Topic: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)


I am a 30 year old male who was diagnosed with add two years ago this May. I had previously been diagnosed with extreme anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, etc..I was taking Paxil and Clonazapam. The panic attacks seemed to slow down, when my doctor moved to Colorado, I switched physicians and he said I had ADD. He said if we medicated with Dexedrine, it would take care of all of the problems. Well for the past two years, it for the most part, has. I have, however, since the first month that I started taking it that there was a noticeable amount of hair in the tub when I shower. Has anyone ever heard of this. I have a very thick head of hair, but it finally seems to be thinning ....and no, I do not think that I am naturally balding. Any thoughts?



Kelly,

After reviewing the Physician Desk Reference and related information
there is no eveidence of hair loss with Dexedrine. Hair loss occurs for many
reasons and in different ways. Sometimes it is directly related to medications
and it does appear that the hair loss occured shortly after you started
taking the Dexedrine. The only way to find out if there is truly a relationship
between the two is to consider a trial with a different medication and/or
stop the Dexedrine and see if you notice any difference in the rate of
hair loss. This should be further discussed with your physician prior to
any changes. The good news is that there is treatment for this condition
such as with Rogaine and Propecia. Good luck. Hope this was helpful.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Dexedrine and hair loss


This Forum's Doctors
Roger Gould, M.D.
Expert Activity
PAD Awareness Month
19 hrs ago by Lee Kirksey, MD
When You Need to Know If You're Pre...
Sep 11 by Elaine Brown, MD

[The Mental Health Forum]    [The Mental Health Forum Archives]