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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Devon on May 1, 2001, at 11:28:28
Has anyone experienced hair loss while on Paxil. I have been
taking Paxil for almost a year now and I have been having hair
loss. Is this a possible side effect? Could the two be related.
I want to quit Paxil if this is the case. I am taking 10 mg
presently. Thank you.
Posted by Dav K on May 1, 2001, at 23:46:06
In reply to Paxil and Hair loss, posted by Devon on May 1, 2001, at 11:28:28
> Has anyone experienced hair loss while on Paxil. I have been
> taking Paxil for almost a year now and I have been having hair
> loss. Is this a possible side effect? Could the two be related.
> I want to quit Paxil if this is the case. I am taking 10 mg
> presently. Thank you.
Please do NOT stop taking Paxil for this reason!
I stopped taking Paxil and suffered the most horrendous side effects. I became severly depressed, could not concentrate and experienced uncontrollable crying spells. It was HELL!If you must stop Paxil, consult your doctor. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, then I recommend tapering of with lower doses over time
(perhaps half a dose for a few weeks).This drug can be great but it does have it's consequences. Thanks.
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 1:49:52
In reply to Re: Paxil and Hair loss, posted by Dav K on May 1, 2001, at 23:46:06
I agree with Dav K. It would be a shame to stop the Paxil, considering how effective it is in many disorders and clinical settings.
Hair loss can be remedied by dietary zinc: http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Hair-loss-with-medication.html
Posted by Devon on May 2, 2001, at 8:36:04
In reply to Re: Paxil and Hair loss » Dav K, posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 1:49:52
Actually, for me...the hair loss seems to be a major part of
my anxiety or depression. i worry about it all the time
and would rather have the odd panic attack, than
loose my hair. I am 28, and single.
Posted by Dav K on May 2, 2001, at 19:44:12
In reply to Re: Paxil and Hair loss, posted by Devon on May 2, 2001, at 8:36:04
Hey Devon!
Have you spoken with your doctor about your hair loss? It may be attributed to something else.
If you want to stop taking Paxil, then that's another thing entirely. I must reitterate the side effects of stopping Paxil abruptly are severe. Even tapering off for a few weeks may not be enough.Please consult a health care professional whom you trust before doing so.
Posted by bella007 on May 3, 2001, at 13:35:49
In reply to Re: Paxil and Hair loss, posted by Dav K on May 1, 2001, at 23:46:06
> > Has anyone experienced hair loss while on Paxil. I have been
> > taking Paxil for almost a year now and I have been having hair
> > loss. Is this a possible side effect? Could the two be related.
> > I want to quit Paxil if this is the case. I am taking 10 mg
> > presently. Thank you.
>
>
> Please do NOT stop taking Paxil for this reason!
> I stopped taking Paxil and suffered the most horrendous side effects. I became severly depressed, could not concentrate and experienced uncontrollable crying spells. It was HELL!
>
> If you must stop Paxil, consult your doctor. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, then I recommend tapering of with lower doses over time
> (perhaps half a dose for a few weeks).
>
> This drug can be great but it does have it's consequences. Thanks.I took Paxil for a few months, and I fortunately did not experience the hair loss, but my aunt who is on Paxil has had some hair loss related to the Paxil, it freaked her out too.
Posted by Sunnely on May 4, 2001, at 22:13:01
In reply to Paxil and Hair loss, posted by Devon on May 1, 2001, at 11:28:28
Cases of hair loss (alopecia) with the use of SSRIs have been reported in the literature. Among the SSRIs, it appears to be more common with Prozac; affecting women more than men.
The use of combination zinc and selenium seems to be beneficial in valproate-induced (Depakote, Depakene) hair loss. It may be worth a try in SSRI-induced hair loss. For valproate-induced hair loss, the recommended daily dose for this combination is: 200 mcg for selenium and 100 mg for zinc.
You should be aware that other drugs, certain medical conditions, and genetic factors can also contribute to hair loss.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Has anyone experienced hair loss while on Paxil. I have been
> taking Paxil for almost a year now and I have been having hair
> loss. Is this a possible side effect? Could the two be related.
> I want to quit Paxil if this is the case. I am taking 10 mg
> presently. Thank you.
Posted by Kathy99 on May 5, 2001, at 15:02:06
In reply to Re: Paxil and Hair loss » Dav K, posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 1:49:52
I've been doing research on zinc since '95, and have never read of any benefits that zinc would have on hair loss. If you happened to be zinc-deficient (not likely in the U.S.), hair loss could result, but extra zinc wouldn't help a person who is zinc-adequate.
If zinc supplements are taken over the long term in the amounts mentioned (50 mg/day or more), be careful to watch for detrimental changes in blood cholesterol, and problems with copper nutrition. Zinc interferes with the absorption of copper in the intestine. Copper deficiency is associated with anemia.
This is the end of the thread.
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