Doryx linked with hair loss

[ummtray]

Hundreds of people have blogged and complained about how the acne drug; Doryx, is linked to losing huge amounts of hair on the scalp.  I'm experiencing the same problem. had very thick coarse and pretty hair. Now it's becoming thin stringy and nappy. I am freaking out big time and really sad.  I'm 22 years old and my dermatologist has had me on this drug for a couple years and at first this did not happen, now it comes out in clumps and I shed everywhere. My scalp has also been very dry and itchy with dandruff. I never had any of these problems before Doryx and so of course I stopped about a week ago. My hair is at least half of what it was last year. Please help someone if you know anything? How devastating as a woman to have to go through this. If losing hair was listed as a side effect (like it should be), I would not have taken this.  Clearly it's no coincidence. One more major question I have for you is when does this get out of my system and when will the hair loss/ itchiness stop? Is this scarring(permanent) hair loss or will it grow back!??

[Vfmc30]

Could you please update on your hair loss?  My 16year old son took doxy for approximately three months and has had substantial hair thinning. Please tell me this is not permanent and his hair will grow back!  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Doryx or doxycycline is often used as an acne treatment but hair loss is not a reported side effect. Causes of hair fall   could be like   nutrients and proteins deficiency in the hair cells, emotional or physical stress, hormonal imbalances, dandruff, and serious illness like a tumors, infectious disease and Alopecia areata.In your case it can be stress induced.  If there is underlying disease or nutritional deficiency .Give your diet an overhaul if you're lacking vital nutrients for growth and switch to foods for healthy hair.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Kap48]

I also had been taking Doryx for several months. I stopped
due to stomach irritation and about 8 months
after starting Doryx my hair started falling out.
Like you I've now lost over half the volume
of my hair over the last 3 months. I'm so afraid
I'll be totally bald soon. Does anyone have any
positive stories? Did anyone experience eventual
re-growth? My doctors had not even made
any connection to this drug and just shrug and
throw up their hands!