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Hair loss, poor condition, body hair, excessive hair growth


ruby

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These kind of supplements are generally ineffective or may induce potential side effects. Being natural or herbal doesn't make them any less risky. Saw Palmetto is to finasteride as valerian is to valium. Very similar in chemical structure with similar risks.

 

The best for hair is sleep, reducing stress, good diet with high calories and correcting any deficiencies.

 

Other than, you can accept your genetic destiny or pay for new hair. They can replace anything nowadays.

  • 2008: Started Citalopram 30mg
  • Sept 2014: Tapered down Citalopram over 6 months and discontinued Feb 2015
  • Severe withdrawals peaked in July/Aug 2015. Totally housebound.
  • Sept 2015: Sertraline started @ 100mg on GP advice.
  • Oct to Dec 2015: Reduced to Sertraline 50mg due to side effects. 
  • Jan 2016 to March 2017: Tapered Sertraline to 2mg @ 10% per month. 
  • Severe withdrawals peaked again June 2017. Totally housebound. 
  • Diazepam: July 2017 5mg // Aug 2017 2.5mg // Sept 2017 1mg // 12th Dec 2017 0.85mg 
  • Sertraline Reinstatement: 23 Oct 2017 5mg // 15 Nov 2017 10mg // 23 Nov 2017 15mg 
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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for the suggestions. I have read different stories about saw palmetto but now that I have some experience with SSRI withdraw i have the suspect that the same people used other drugs. So, perhaps, saw palmetto may not be the cause of the side effects. Or, at least, not the only one. Anyway I don't want to use saw palmetto until my full recovery. I'm doing very well and I don't want to lose all my progress. But any inside about the possible link between 5-AR and serotonin receptors, if any, are welcome. 

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

Hello,

 

I was just reaching out to see if any one has experienced hair loss from antidepressants. I unfortunately have lost a lot of my hair over the past two years. I can see my scalp on the back of my head if I let my hair down so I usually keep it in a pony tail. I attribute it to anxiety I used to experience (the reason I went on the medication in the first place)  and possibly the stress my body is under when tapering or on the antidepressant. I saw this on google that people experience hair loss but I didn’t really find it on here. I take vitamins and try to mange stress and it seems to help me feel better. I'm not really looking for advice, just wondering how many other people experience hair loss. 

2014-2015. Was on Luvox for about a year or more. Withdrew to fast in only 2 months but felt fine. (highest dose was 800mg which is over 2x the maximum safe dose..tapered off 50mg every week). Was also on klonopin for a few months. Do not remember the details. 

...
2016
(Klonopin 1 mg for a month, second time on it, in May 2016 and tapered .25mg through early aug)
(Tapered off Klonopin as i went on Luvox)  
-Off klonopin-
....
2016-present 
Back on Luvox in 2016 of June..(400 mg 8/26/2016).. (350mg 8/26/2016).. (300mg 09/04/2016).. (250mg 09/08/2016).. (tried to taper to 225mg 03/07/2017 didn't work).. (240mg  04/04/2017).. (230mg 04/27/2017).. (225mg 05/12/2017)...(223mg 09/28/2017)...(222mg 05/01/2018)...(220mg 05/21/2018)...(218mg 09/01/18)...(216mg 02/21/19)  (03/15/2019-08/30/19)had a serve drug interaction took a long time to recover and find the right dose)  (08/30/19 199mg)...(09/24/19 198mg) (feeling more human)
04/01/20-jan 75mg- 100mg... February 1st -present.. about 116mg a day
had terrible suicidal thoughts from the effects of drugs for 6 months - has gotten better but at times can return at times
 
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  • 2 weeks later...

The last 12 months some of my hair starts to grow grey, more and more along with hair loss and increas acne!

Am 26 yrs old so this feels way way to soon for me.

 

Does the grey hair reverse itself further into healing?

-2012  January started Olanzapine 5mg, 7mg, 10mg, 25mg (2 months), 10mg (long time),5mg.

-2016 June 15th quit Olanzapine from 5mg to 0mg CT.

Other drugs; Imovane,Theralene, Propavane, Stesodil, which I took when I needed to. Quit them w/o trouble late 2015.

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi everyone. I’ve been tapering off pristiq for 4 months after being on it for 2 months and 2 weeks at a special compounded dose of 6 mg (I took 8 mg for 1 week then dropped to 6 mg in the beginning) (lowest available dose Is 25 mg).   So, I’ve been on for a total of 6 months with tapering. I’ve had awful side effects which include hair loss in massive amounts. I’m down to 2.5 mg and know I’m stuck  going slow because I can’t just drop the drug as I have had awful withdrawals even dropping .25 mg at a time. So, does anyone have any recommendations for helping hair growth while still on the drug or am i basically stuck wearing a wig until I’m off? 😞

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • 1 year later...

Hi everybody,

 

I'm curious if anybody has observed hair loss as side effect?

 

I started to lose tons of hair in August and it's still ongoing. The dermatologist confirmed via a so called trichoscan that I am suffering from hair loss currently (so not only a "turn over" or wrong perception). We tested nearly every possible cause via blood tests, ...like iron, zink, etc, all vitamins, thyroid issues (again...), autoimmune diseases. My gynecologist did a hormone status...everything is perfect.

I'm not having a lot of stress at the moment (or when it started) either.

 

So I wondered if Cipralex, or tapering it could be the cause?

Maybe it's not very likely, as I've been on a stable dose since May. I don't know...

Paroxetin in 2002 for about 6-8 months / Trevilor (Venlaflaxin) 2004-2011

Cipralex (Escitalopram) 10mg 2011

Cipralex 5mg in summer 2018

back to Cipralex 10mg in autumn 2018

alternating doses (10mg/5mg) started in winter 2018

7.5mg/day since 14.05.2019

6.25mg/day since 15.11.2019

5.625mg/day since 20.12.2019

5mg/day since 03.03.2020

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Hi Annala,

 

I do know of someone else, actually two people, who have had/are having severe hair loss.  One of them is tapering from two different antidepressants, and the other person is on two antidepressants currently.  

So even though I don't personally have this symptom, I believe it could definitely be drug-related.  That's just my guess.  Do you use any nicotine products?  

Cathy

1999-2006 Luvox, xanax

2007-2009 Prozac, xanax, klonopin

2009-2018 Zoloft, xanax, klonopin

2019 January zoloft 150mg, February 100mg, April 75mg, mid-May 50mg, July 25mg, (xanax .5mg or .25mg as needed)

August zoloft 25mg HOLD, CT xanax, reinstate 50mg zoloft, September reinstate 100mg zoloft w/.375 klonopin, mid-September lower to 75mg zoloft

2020 January:  .125mg klonopin 

February 1st: .112mg klonopin

February 24th:  60.3mgai zoloft

 

2020 December 1st:  off klonopin completely

currently on 15mgai zoloft 

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Hi Cathy,

 

that's interesting! Thank you for the answer!

It's just so hard to see all that hair go without an idea what to do about it...

 

No, I'm not using any type of nicotine products. And no other drugs, I don't even like alcohol. The only drug I'm using is coffee. 😄

 

 

Paroxetin in 2002 for about 6-8 months / Trevilor (Venlaflaxin) 2004-2011

Cipralex (Escitalopram) 10mg 2011

Cipralex 5mg in summer 2018

back to Cipralex 10mg in autumn 2018

alternating doses (10mg/5mg) started in winter 2018

7.5mg/day since 14.05.2019

6.25mg/day since 15.11.2019

5.625mg/day since 20.12.2019

5mg/day since 03.03.2020

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On 11/16/2019 at 4:55 AM, Annala said:

Hi everybody,

 

I'm curious if anybody has observed hair loss as side effect?

 

I started to lose tons of hair in August and it's still ongoing. The dermatologist confirmed via a so called trichoscan that I am suffering from hair loss currently (so not only a "turn over" or wrong perception). We tested nearly every possible cause via blood tests, ...like iron, zink, etc, all vitamins, thyroid issues (again...), autoimmune diseases. My gynecologist did a hormone status...everything is perfect.

I'm not having a lot of stress at the moment (or when it started) either.

 

So I wondered if Cipralex, or tapering it could be the cause?

Maybe it's not very likely, as I've been on a stable dose since May. I don't know...

OMG. I am in the process of tapering of meds after 30 years and these last several months I have lost so much hair ( thank god I have a lot). I think our system is shocked and this might be a reaction. 

1986 started Xanax 

then rivrotril till 2000

2000 started paxil 20 mg

2012 Paxil stopped working and tried a gamut of anti depressants. Nothing worked. Continued 20 mg Paxil. 
oct 2018 went from 20 mg to 15 mg

Nov 2018 15 mg to 10 mg

Aug 2019 10 mg to 5 mg

Sept 2019 5 mg to 0

nov 17 10 mg amitrypaline

Jan 11 5 mg paxil

taking b vitamins, COD liver oil,  probiotics, vitamin c, Redmond’s salt, Epsom salt baths.

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On 11/19/2019 at 3:57 AM, Gigi12 said:

OMG. I am in the process of tapering of meds after 30 years and these last several months I have lost so much hair ( thank god I have a lot). I think our system is shocked and this might be a reaction. 

 

It's so shocking to see all that hair in the brush, isn't it? I hope it stops soon!

 

Paroxetin in 2002 for about 6-8 months / Trevilor (Venlaflaxin) 2004-2011

Cipralex (Escitalopram) 10mg 2011

Cipralex 5mg in summer 2018

back to Cipralex 10mg in autumn 2018

alternating doses (10mg/5mg) started in winter 2018

7.5mg/day since 14.05.2019

6.25mg/day since 15.11.2019

5.625mg/day since 20.12.2019

5mg/day since 03.03.2020

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On 3/12/2017 at 7:05 PM, keepinghope said:

I've definitely had increased hair shedding in WD, and I've also found the texture of my hair is changing. It was always fine and straight, now it's dry and coarse, and breaks a lot. Seem to have a lot more greys too, and the annoying thing is they're popping up just as my hair decides it can't take even the most gentle colourant! I'm a walking bad hair day advert - split ends and frizz!

 

Going to give KarenB's egg/honey and vinegar recipe a go, I think it's hugely lacking in protein. Been using coconut oil overnight, but even that's not cutting it anymore.

Hi keepinghope 

is your hair still breaking or has it recovered ? 

Mine has been breaking for several

months now 

thank you 

LRH

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I've had quite significant hair loss over the past nine months.  My hair also feels very dry and brittle. I think it's perhaps connected to the stress of withdrawal. It seems to have coincided with my sex drive finally returning (first it giveth, then it taketh away).

 

  I'm actually considering whether it's worth coming off these drugs now, and perhaps even upping my dose.  I'm quite a skinny guy - I don't think I'd suit being bald (I'd look like a convict).

 

There seems to be no end to side-effect profile of these strange alien drugs.

Past four years: Fluoxetine, 10mg; currently tapered down to 2.8mg. 

Diazepam, 5mg, once daily (goes up to 8mg sometimes during taper). 

1999-2016: Mainly sertraline but also Venlafaxine  and Paroxetine. 

31 Oct: discontinued Fluoxetine.

1 Nov 2019: started Sertraline, 12.5mg, once every two days. 

13 Nov 2019: Reinstated Fluoxetine due to adverse effects from Sertraline. Plan to start Citalopram once stabilised on Fluoxetine 

 

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9 hours ago, Greenriver said:

I've had quite significant hair loss over the past nine months.  My hair also feels very dry and brittle. I think it's perhaps connected to the stress of withdrawal. It seems to have coincided with my sex drive finally returning (first it giveth, then it taketh away).

 

  I'm actually considering whether it's worth coming off these drugs now, and perhaps even upping my dose.  I'm quite a skinny guy - I don't think I'd suit being bald (I'd look like a convict).

 

There seems to be no end to side-effect profile of these strange alien drugs.

Hello Greenriver

 I definitely feel mine is connected to WD. Hair loss dry and brittle with lots of breakage. I’ve stopped washing it so often and using a mild shampoo also a conditioner that I leave in for an hour once a week. Sundays I put Argon Oil through my hair and leave it in all day and night . Look like a grease ball walking around but I don’t care!!   Better than losing my hair . 

Just had blood tests carried out and apparently I’m low in vitamin D and borderline for Iron. Being low in either of these can create hair loss. So I’ll start taking supplements. 

Ps. Like your sense of humour . We need one going through this !! 

LRH

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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Did the doctor tell you where you fell in the ranges for those tests? Reason I ask is, I was nearly out of range for iron and was not told until a long time after the test was taken, and I have benefited from taking iron.  So if they didn't tell you where you were in the range I would ask, and then if you are almost low in something, ask if it would be beneficial and safe to take a supplement.

 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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Hi :)

 

yes, I always take the result sheets with me!
The only thing that maybe could be of importance was iron. I had 23 ng/ml Ferritin (reference stated 13-150 by lab), gyn and dermatologist said it was perfect and can't be responsible (as hemoglobin was perfectly in the middle of reference so...), but I read in some scientific publications that regarding hair loss if you got <40ng/ml Ferritin it COULD be the reason. I asked the dermatologist about it and he said there are different opinions and if I wanted to I could supplement iron.

So I've been taking 100mg/day iron for about 1.5 months now. I thought about waiting at least 3 months and then maybe test again if Ferritin levels have improved.

Paroxetin in 2002 for about 6-8 months / Trevilor (Venlaflaxin) 2004-2011

Cipralex (Escitalopram) 10mg 2011

Cipralex 5mg in summer 2018

back to Cipralex 10mg in autumn 2018

alternating doses (10mg/5mg) started in winter 2018

7.5mg/day since 14.05.2019

6.25mg/day since 15.11.2019

5.625mg/day since 20.12.2019

5mg/day since 03.03.2020

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On 12/3/2019 at 6:25 PM, Greenriver said:

 I'm quite a skinny guy - I don't think I'd suit being bald (I'd look like a convict).

 

I'm female and my hair thinned because of withdrawal too.  Now I'm left with various options...

 

1) wear hair extensions

2) wear a wig

3) put eye shadow that matches my hair color on the areas that thinned out so you can't see my scalp

4) wear a bald cap; after all if I wear one of those people will think I have a nice full head of hair I have to cover up (for some inexplicable reason)

5) daily full Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek cosplay

 

i can't do the last one though because I hate the word cosplay. 

 

 

 

 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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Longroadhome, does the argon oil work to regrow hair?

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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8 hours ago, UnfoldingSky said:

Longroadhome, does the argon oil work to regrow hair?

Hi US

no I just use it to put oil back into my hair it’s so dry at the moment.

It feels softer and less like straw after using it .

WD affects everything.  

How long have you been in WD and are you still on any meds? 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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On 12/4/2019 at 8:56 AM, Longroadhome said:

Hello Greenriver

 I definitely feel mine is connected to WD. Hair loss dry and brittle with lots of breakage. I’ve stopped washing it so often and using a mild shampoo also a conditioner that I leave in for an hour once a week. Sundays I put Argon Oil through my hair and leave it in all day and night . Look like a grease ball walking around but I don’t care!!   Better than losing my hair . 

Just had blood tests carried out and apparently I’m low in vitamin D and borderline for Iron. Being low in either of these can create hair loss. So I’ll start taking supplements. 

Ps. Like your sense of humour . We need one going through this !! 

LRH

Thanks for  the tips. I might go and get my bloods checked. I put coconut oil through mine but it didn’t seem to do anything. It might be my imagination, but my hair loss seemed to speed up when I used the coconut oil. 

Past four years: Fluoxetine, 10mg; currently tapered down to 2.8mg. 

Diazepam, 5mg, once daily (goes up to 8mg sometimes during taper). 

1999-2016: Mainly sertraline but also Venlafaxine  and Paroxetine. 

31 Oct: discontinued Fluoxetine.

1 Nov 2019: started Sertraline, 12.5mg, once every two days. 

13 Nov 2019: Reinstated Fluoxetine due to adverse effects from Sertraline. Plan to start Citalopram once stabilised on Fluoxetine 

 

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On 12/6/2019 at 11:15 PM, UnfoldingSky said:

I'm female and my hair thinned because of withdrawal too.  Now I'm left with various options...

 

1) wear hair extensions

2) wear a wig

3) put eye shadow that matches my hair color on the areas that thinned out so you can't see my scalp

4) wear a bald cap; after all if I wear one of those people will think I have a nice full head of hair I have to cover up (for some inexplicable reason)

5) daily full Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek cosplay

 

i can't do the last one though because I hate the word cosplay. 

 

 

 

 

It’s bad enough losing your hair as a guy, but I can’t imagine how bad it must be as a female losing your hair. These pharm companies have a lot to answer for, and hopefullly one day people will be held to account for the damage they have inflicted. 

Past four years: Fluoxetine, 10mg; currently tapered down to 2.8mg. 

Diazepam, 5mg, once daily (goes up to 8mg sometimes during taper). 

1999-2016: Mainly sertraline but also Venlafaxine  and Paroxetine. 

31 Oct: discontinued Fluoxetine.

1 Nov 2019: started Sertraline, 12.5mg, once every two days. 

13 Nov 2019: Reinstated Fluoxetine due to adverse effects from Sertraline. Plan to start Citalopram once stabilised on Fluoxetine 

 

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On 12/7/2019 at 2:44 AM, Longroadhome said:

Hi US

no I just use it to put oil back into my hair it’s so dry at the moment.

It feels softer and less like straw after using it .

WD affects everything.  

How long have you been in WD and are you still on any meds? 

 

Hi Longroadhome, I am off all pills, and have been for a long time.  I don't have good genes re hair loss, so was always going to be losing some, but in the acute part of withdrawal it really turned up for a time.  I don't know if withdrawal caused me to go low in iron, or if something else did, but I ended up low..I'm sure the stress of withdrawal did me no favors either. Now I have some issues going on, I think maybe a thyroid condition, not sure if the pills I took caused it or not. 

 

Also I did not realize low vit. D could cause hair loss...I had that too. That definitely had a lot to do with withdrawal as I became so light sensitive I spent a lot of time indoors.

 

 

 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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On 12/10/2019 at 4:24 PM, Greenriver said:

It’s bad enough losing your hair as a guy, but I can’t imagine how bad it must be as a female losing your hair. These pharm companies have a lot to answer for, and hopefullly one day people will be held to account for the damage they have inflicted. 

 

I think the part that bothers me the most is having to spend money and time on just trying to look like an average person.  Lots of women wear hair extensions now who don't need them, and so far the loss isn't so severe I have big bald spots or anything, but I'm already tired of having to use the extensions. It's just one more time and energy drain for me.  I'd be so happy to just be able to get out of bed in the morning and get dressed and not have that include throwing on someone else's hair!  

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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9 hours ago, UnfoldingSky said:

 

Hi Longroadhome, I am off all pills, and have been for a long time.  I don't have good genes re hair loss, so was always going to be losing some, but in the acute part of withdrawal it really turned up for a time.  I don't know if withdrawal caused me to go low in iron, or if something else did, but I ended up low..I'm sure the stress of withdrawal did me no favors either. Now I have some issues going on, I think maybe a thyroid condition, not sure if the pills I took caused it or not. 

 

Also I did not realize low vit. D could cause hair loss...I had that too. That definitely had a lot to do with withdrawal as I became so light sensitive I spent a lot of time indoors.

 

 

 

Thank you for reply much appreciated 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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  • Altostrata changed the title to Hair loss, poor condition, body hair, excessive hair growth
On 12/6/2019 at 6:22 AM, Annala said:

Hi :)

 

yes, I always take the result sheets with me!
The only thing that maybe could be of importance was iron. I had 23 ng/ml Ferritin (reference stated 13-150 by lab), gyn and dermatologist said it was perfect and can't be responsible (as hemoglobin was perfectly in the middle of reference so...), but I read in some scientific publications that regarding hair loss if you got <40ng/ml Ferritin it COULD be the reason. I asked the dermatologist about it and he said there are different opinions and if I wanted to I could supplement iron.

So I've been taking 100mg/day iron for about 1.5 months now. I thought about waiting at least 3 months and then maybe test again if Ferritin levels have improved.

 

Hi Annala,

 

Thank you for explaining about the ferritin results. I had never heard that before.  I hope the iron does the trick for you! :)

 

Also off topic but I am curious, I just noticed you are in Germany..How often do they prescribe psych drugs there?  Are they taken by a lot of people?

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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10 hours ago, UnfoldingSky said:

 

 

 

Also off topic but I am curious, I just noticed you are in Germany..How often do they prescribe psych drugs there?  Are they taken by a lot of people?

 

I'm not sure about absolute numbers, but there were a lot of reports lately that there has been a massive rise in prescribed antidepressants in the last years. I think, if I rememeber it correctly, Germany is somewhere in the middle regarding OECD countries, but with one of the highest increases in prescriptions.

Paroxetin in 2002 for about 6-8 months / Trevilor (Venlaflaxin) 2004-2011

Cipralex (Escitalopram) 10mg 2011

Cipralex 5mg in summer 2018

back to Cipralex 10mg in autumn 2018

alternating doses (10mg/5mg) started in winter 2018

7.5mg/day since 14.05.2019

6.25mg/day since 15.11.2019

5.625mg/day since 20.12.2019

5mg/day since 03.03.2020

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  • 1 month later...

I am getting desperate for a remedy for the hair loss.  Iron has helped some of my problems and may be slowing some of the loss but I've lost so much already that I feel I need to figure out a way to fix this if possible.  Has anyone ever tried saw palmetto?  Specifically anyone who had severe withdrawal or really bad reactions to psych drugs?  I may be seeing someone I can ask about it, just wondering in advance if it's even relevant given withdrawal and the possibility/likelihood of withdrawal-related sensitivity to it. 

 

 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 1/18/2020 at 7:34 AM, UnfoldingSky said:

I am getting desperate for a remedy for the hair loss.  Iron has helped some of my problems and may be slowing some of the loss but I've lost so much already that I feel I need to figure out a way to fix this if possible.  Has anyone ever tried saw palmetto?  Specifically anyone who had severe withdrawal or really bad reactions to psych drugs?  I may be seeing someone I can ask about it, just wondering in advance if it's even relevant given withdrawal and the possibility/likelihood of withdrawal-related sensitivity to it. 

 

 

I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing hair loss.  I will keep you in my prayers.  I wish I had an answer.  My husband, who is a pharmacist, says biotin might help. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Hair loss has been an ongoing issue for me.

 

None of my bloods have indicated low iron levels or anything out of the ordinary.

 

However, for some reason (and I think this is down to WD), my GOOD cholesterol has been below normal levels for the past 3 years now.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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6 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

Hair loss has been an ongoing issue for me.

 

None of my bloods have indicated low iron levels or anything out of the ordinary.

 

However, for some reason (and I think this is down to WD), my GOOD cholesterol has been below normal levels for the past 3 years now.

Hello There Jungle 

my hair has been dry and breaking for the past year since tapering too fast on Paxil . I have to be extremely careful with products I put in my hair . 
iron fine vit D low. 
 

also considering I’m a gym freak and slim build my cholesterol is a little above normal and I have also put this down to WD. 
 

 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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On 1/19/2020 at 9:31 AM, getofflex said:

I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing hair loss.  I will keep you in my prayers.  I wish I had an answer.  My husband, who is a pharmacist, says biotin might help. 

 

Thank you. I feel so frustrated by all of this...I will have to look into the biotin, and maybe some other solutions too. 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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On 1/20/2020 at 5:46 PM, Longroadhome said:

Hello There Jungle 

my hair has been dry and breaking for the past year since tapering too fast on Paxil . I have to be extremely careful with products I put in my hair . 
iron fine vit D low. 
 

also considering I’m a gym freak and slim build my cholesterol is a little above normal and I have also put this down to WD. 
 

 

 

Hi Longroadhome,

 

Low Vit D can be due to lack of sunshine.

 

I think WD messes with so many things in our bodies.  

 

TC,

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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  • 4 months later...

Hi everybody, 

suffering too of hair loss since tapered escitalopram back in 2014, it goes up and down in severity can't understand what is the root cause actually or which could be the actual biological target to "FIX"it. 

 

Just wanted to say something about it, but in general about SSRI. 

 

- Actually, SSRI INCREASE estrogen production, this is widely known and it is easy to find several papers on it, SSRI actually enhance the activity of the aromatase enzymes (CYP 19) that is crucial in Steroidogenesis to push the balance androgen/estrogen in the estrogen direction. Check this out: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28179152/ 

https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/article/163/2/609/4947780

Again there are several evidences of this imbalance caused by SSRI this are just two straightforward paper...

 

- Another interesting thing to mention is that the drug Finasteride used to treat male pattern baldness, that basically stop the 5 alpha reductase enzyme (the enzyme converts testosterone to diidrotestosterone, but is also involved in the genesis of other neurosteroids), it gives the same post sexual dysfunction of SSRI. The web it is full to people reporting this and as happened with SSRI recently, the drug company had to admit and inform that Finasteride could lead to persistent sexual dysfunction. There is an interesting paper,  Post-finasteride and Post-ssri sexual dysfunction, two side of the same coin?, where actually they try to find the link causing the same problem from two different medication. They indeed debate on the neurosteroids importance on sexual function since they are involved in several osmotic and nervous regulation around the body.

 https://iris.unito.it/retrieve/handle/2318/1677433/440640/2018Giatti-MS.pdf

 

- SSRI acts also on dopamine, LH and FSH. All go down during medication intake. dopamine is directly involved in sexual behavior. FHS and LH acts on testis or ovaries and promote testosterone production in male and estrogen and progesterone in female. They also up regulate Prolactin.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18626269/

 

-SSRI Influence also other Cytochrome P450 enzymes that are not involved in the Steroidogenesis, can't find the papers where I have read this, but actually these cytochromes are involved in drug metabolism and also other metabolism like prostaglandin. Most SSRI down regulate them, so probably even this event may contribute to the so called toxicity of ssri. I will try to find the paper.

 

- Another consideration is about histamine, most of you know that is "touched" during SSRI medication. What is interesting is that researchers showed that mice without histamine function ( Gene knockout) basically did not respond to SSRI treatment: " Here, we report that behavioral and neurochemical responses to SSRIs exclusively, and not to other antidepressants, are abolished in mice genetically or pharmaco- logically unable to synthesize histamine". It plays a way bigger role than is thought. Histamine mediates a wide range of inflammatory processes .

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25899065/

 

- Another interesting reading is " Serotonin and Brain function: a Tale of two receptors", I strongly suggest this, it is very mind opening to understand what's going on when you take ssri. It basically outlines that serotonin receptors have different, in some case opposite, responses/action. It also challenge the belief that enhance serotonin would lead to "Happiness mood" since it seems pretty strongly demonstrated that the 5HT2A receptor is overexcited in depressed person ( person that are depressed and do not use medication), and so the so called desensitization of this receptor due to the enhanced exposure to serotonin during SSRI would be the real mechanism of action that lead, let's say, to the better mood. It is a really good article, at the beginning is a bit technical if you do not have basis of biochemistry, but in the second part it describes in a evolutionary/adaptive way the role of the receptors taking into consideration brain plasticity and the concept of transformation/change.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28858536/

 

 

-  It widely acknowledged  that SSRI interact with far more targets that its name would suggest. I feel like everything goes down to cellular homeostasis regulation made by ion channels. SSRI have been shown to inhibit most of them. Interestingly, I found some research on LOW POWER LASER IRRADIATION that seems to improve Pssd and it is also used to treat baldness and other disease. It is hypnotized to work through modification on ion channel potential.

 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987707005853 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25483212/

 

Anyway, sorry this is a very long post... to go back to the alopecia issue I feel like that the medical explanation of it ( increased sensitivity to dht in the hair follicle) it is way too reductionist. I believe it can be a factor but it does not play the big role is told. I haven't find anything to reverse the shedding which I am almost  sure was caused, at least triggered, by ssri withdrawal.I haven't tried anything in particular thought, just few supplement but without constancy. 

 

I personally think that it is not wise to mess up with pro estrogenic stuff which include saw palmetto and all these natural dht inhibitor especially if you have tapered or tapering out or having withdrawal.

The only thing that seems to helped me out with that is meditation. Probably a better explanation or understanding about what kind of epigenetic change or disregulation  SSRI do cause in the long term would be useful. If anyone has some study please share. Also I am not sure I understand what neuorotoxicity really mean in the long term...I followed an American doctor on YouTube, Stuart Shipko, speaking about it. It seems that to regenerate nervous tissue the healing curve is 5 to 7 years. I feel like it is true since I am almost 6 years off now and I feel good overall, it is also true that I have been taking escitalopram "only" for 1,5 years which I feel it is not a lot on average.

 

Big hugs.Ciao.

 

Cipralex starts : Mid- May 2013 10mg

Cipralex dose increased: July 2013 20mg

First attempt to quit : December 2013 ( very fast tapering, all happened in 1 month)

I started again cipralex: January 2014 10 mg

Cipralex dose increased: March 2014 20mg

Cipralex discontinuation: Between June and Agust 2014 I discontinued cipralex (about 3 or 3,5 months tapering)

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  • 5 weeks later...

I've found meditation helps too, just in terms of learning to accept my fate. Although it can be difficult to stay disciplined with it.  I thought about Finasteride but then read about the sexual dysfunction. Post-Finasteride syndrome sounds quite similar to severe SSRI withdrawal, particularly the PSSD part. Looks like there has been quite a few suicides linked to it too. Having been through PSSD, I don't want to screw with pharm drugs again, although it is tempting when I see me hair coming out in chunks. I think lockdown has actually accelerated it. Hair is constantly falling onto my desk and keyboard. That never happened at work.  I stopped Prozac for a week there and switched to Citalopram. My hair texture definitely changed. It wasn't frizzy and stopped falling onto my desk. Unfortunately I started to experience mild genital numbness , so I panicked and went back on Prozac. I think the stimulation from Prozac is linked to the hair loss. I think I just need to accept it, which is easier said than done (particularly when you're still single). Strangely, it started when my sex drive ramped up. On the higher doses of Prozac (and Sertraline) , I didn't really experience orgasms or sexuality that intensely. I could appreciate the opposite sex but I just wasn't that bothered. I was walking about in an opiated SSRI fog (Interestingly, I think SSRIs mimic opiates in ways science has yet to cotton on to. They do feel remarkably similar, especially in the shortlived honeymoon period when they start working and get their claws into you). Getting down to the lower doses has definitely woken me up in that regard. Perhaps that has caused an increase in testosterone and subsequent hair loss.

Past four years: Fluoxetine, 10mg; currently tapered down to 2.8mg. 

Diazepam, 5mg, once daily (goes up to 8mg sometimes during taper). 

1999-2016: Mainly sertraline but also Venlafaxine  and Paroxetine. 

31 Oct: discontinued Fluoxetine.

1 Nov 2019: started Sertraline, 12.5mg, once every two days. 

13 Nov 2019: Reinstated Fluoxetine due to adverse effects from Sertraline. Plan to start Citalopram once stabilised on Fluoxetine 

 

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  • 6 months later...

If you developed hair loss after stopping an SSRI, how bad did it get and did it ever stop?  I’ve had multiple blood tests and everything is fine but I continue to lose excess strands each day.

Paxil 2001- 2016.  Came off of it on a slow taper.  After 9-12 months, I was put back on Paxil because I was unable to function. Paxil reinstatement triggered a rash.  I was then placed on 20 mg of Cymbalta on 2018.  I chose to take 10 mg.  I then had to be taken off of Cymbalta due to it causing cardiac issues in 2019.  I was placed on Seroquel and it caused a rash.  I was then moved to 12.5 mg of sertraline  where I did a fast taper which ended April/May of 2020.  I had to fast taper because of joint pain and joint redness.  August 2020, I was considered presumptive positive.  Since then, I’ve been prescribed Atenolol and Diazepam for withdrawal symptoms of tachycardia and massive anxiety.  I take these very sporadically and less than 1/4 of a tablet at a time.  I was given metformin in September 2020 for diabetes and it triggered massive anxiety after 1/4 of a pill.  I attempted to reinstate 1 mg of sertraline on 9/20/20.  I am supposed to be taking B12 injections and prescribed vitamin D.  I will stop these for now.  On 9/29/20 I was moved from 75 mcg generic levothyroxine to 88 mcg Synthroid.  This triggered anxiety approximately 2.5 hours later.

10/5/20 less than 1/8 teaspoon of Benadryl 

10/7/20 & 10/8/20 .10ml Benadryl (stopped 10/2020)

10/9/20 3mg Atenolol  (stopped 11/2020)

10/16/20 started taking magnesium citrate during the day (stopped 10/2020 due to it triggering more anxiety)

11/9/20 grain of diazepam @ 2:30 am for muscle spasm pain (stopped 11/2020)

11/10/20 .50mg of metoprolol tartrate (stopped 11/10/20 due to nausea, weakness in arms & legs, anxiety)

11/11/20 using lidocaine patch on neck and chest for pain due to muscle spasms

1/1/21       1 drop of liquid b12 (stopped 1/4/21)

 

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  • 6 months later...

Hi everyone! What specific products do you use for your hair? My hair has been gradually falling out as I am weaning off lexapro. I've been on 2.5 mg for the past 4 months and I felt "stable" so I got my hair dyed twice in the same week because the first time it was messed up. It was dumb but I just wanted to feel pretty. It made the hair fallout from the follicle for the past month and its very dry, frizzy, and brittle, 50 percent thinner than it was a year ago now. I believe I have a major hormonal imbalance because my hair is androgenic hair loss at the temples and scalp and I have had ovarian cysts for months. 

 

I read coconut oil once a month for thinning, fragile hair. What else can I do to condition it daily without it being harmful? Coconut and olive oil make my hair fallout. I I use argon, castor, or rosemary/peppermint oil on my scalp for 30 min before I shower will that be easier on hair? Are essential oils too harsh for withdrawal? How can I condition my actual hair? Is there a specific shampoo and conditioner and deep conditioner or leave in you use? What about a scalp detox? I have to eat allergen free and follow the antihistamine and low fodmap/GAPS diets so raw ingredients are a must with no alcohol or chemicals. Which supplements should I yry first to not get setback into withdrawal? Can you tolerate nettle and spearmint teas which are supposed to help with hair growth and hormonal balance?

-2014: Lexapro/escitalopram 10 mg, 2015-2021: Lexapro/escitalopram 20 mg

-10/2020-3/2021: decreased 20 mg to 15 mg, 1 mg a month

-4/2021: decreased to 10 mg, held for 11 days, 4/2021: decreased to 5 mg, held for 8 days

-4/2021: 3-6 days cold turkey lexapro, withdrawal symptoms so reinstated 2.5 mg 

-omeprazole taper: 9/2021 cut 25%, 10/20/21 25% cut, 12/1/21 25%, 12/28/21 25% cut, (9/36 beads of 40 mg)

-11/2020 omeprazole 20 mg, 3/2021: omeprazole 40 mg,

-Nordic Naturals Ultimate omega 3 fish pill: 1280 mg

-montelukast: 10 mg dailyzyrtec: 10 mg daily 

-3/20/2021-7/25: mesalamine 1.2 GM, 3 times a day - dropped

-birth control: Trilinyah 2014- 2/1/2021 quit cold turkey middle of pack 

7/16/2021-8/1/2021 Quicksilver Liposomal multivitamin liquid: biotin, zinc, Vitamins A, C, D E, K, Niacin,, Thiomine, Riboflavin,Vitamin B6, B12, 7/16/2021- 8/25/2021 - boswelia complex (tumeric. ginger, celery) - 2 a day - dropped

7/16/2021 - probiophage probiotic - dropped 

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