ADD meds/hair loss

[johnnynoony]

For the past 6 months to a year I've been getting a slightly receding hairline which I assumed was male pattern baldness so I took everyone's great suggestions here and ordered propecia, shampoo and a copper peptide spray. Well what I didn't tie in was the fact that I've decided to take a stimulant medication because my ADD has just gone through the roof as far as trying to focus. I'm not a big fan of meds so I try to take the smallest amount and only when really needed- but it does help. Now I'm hearing these cases throughout the web that people- even children and women- are going bald from this stuff. Now I'm wondering if it's male pattern baldness or the Ritalin?? I'm not even sure if I should go through this whole propecia regime if the stimulant is causing the hairloss because propecia isn't going to help that. Gheesh! You find something that helps and them 6 months later you're going bald. Any suggestions or experiences is appreciated.

John

 

[Aplunk1]

Personal experience:

I started out taking Ritalin at a young age, then went to Adderall for a few years. No thinning, whatsoever, just some anxiety from the comedown on Adderall. Anyway, I know that this is a rare side effect, hair loss, but I feel that the hair loss from a stimulant medication is an indirect side effect. I think that the stress and anxiety caused by the stimulants in some people will result in thinning, balding.

Also, when I was on those medications (I take Strattera now-- but it's not as good), I lost tons of weight. I know that weight loss can factor into hair loss, too.

Anyway, my two cents

 

[johnnynoony]

Thanks for the reply Aplunk1. I didn't realize anxiety caused hair loss? Since that is not part of male pattern baldness does the hair grow back if you learn to handle stress? How is Strattera working for you? I've heard it has some weird side effects. I think with any stimulant med you have to be real careful. I've taken it a couple times the day after I went out drinking and that can make your system a mess. I have the utmost respect for this medication so I'm very careful how much I take. The weird thing is people that are noticing drastic hair loss after being on it only a short time. When I see women complaining of alopecia from it that's when I started to take notice. Anyway thanks for the post.

 

[Aplunk1]

Anxiety can cause hair loss. And for those who have male pattern baldness, it's likely to accelerate the process. I'm sure that if you become less anxious, then the shedding will (probably) gradually stop.

The first 2 months on Strattera were awful...awful. I had to increase the dosage slowly for the first 2 weeks up to 80mg, which I am currently taking now. I used to find it very difficult to sleep, and I was often jittery when I first took it. Also, I became impotent for the first couple of hours after taking it.

It's probably been about 4 months since I've began taking it, and so far it has worked wonders for my ADHD. My memory is much better (except for the drinking, lol) and I am much more calm and collected. I usually find that if I take Strattera then a lot of my anxiety tends to go away now. Which is definitely a bonus.

Though I miss my stimulant medication because it helped me so much in school, Strattera has definitely proved itself to be a great medication. It takes a while to adjust, but eventually you'll get used to it.

Good luck, buddy
Andy

 

[johnnynoony]

Hey Andy-
Thanks a lot for the advice. I got worried when I heard all these reports about stimulants reducing the bloodlow to the scalp which in turn can make you lose your hair. Just thinking about all this stuff can make you lose your hair! I was just looking at chrisrtmas pictures last year though (I'm 33 years old) and there is no receding hairline(you start to notice these things) and a year later after going on the meds I have a receding hairline. Just makes you think- but then the points you made about anxiety/stress with stimulants might be the main factor. I appreciate you taking the time to write a reply Andy and Merry Christmas!

John