Hi;
Has anyone experienced significant hair loss while taking
Wellbutrin?
I began taking Wellbutrin SR 200 mg. twice a day last September. Six or seven weeks later my hair began to fall out. And I don't mean just a little, I mean by the handfuls.
Some web sites indicate hair loss while on Wellbutrin can be a side effect, while others do not mention it at all.
I am not eager to stop the medication as it is the only antidepressant I have been able to tolerate, and it has truly helped me cope with my chronic pain, depression and stress. Maybe it bothers me more because I am a female.
I would like to know if the hair loss will continue, or if perhaps it will level out, as well as how others have dealt with this side effect.
Thanks.

Hi Dwiggie,

A few years ago I experienced a significant amount of hair loss and I was taking Wellbutrin. I was going through a very stressful time though and in the end my doctors and I felt that it was more likely stress that caused the hair loss and not the Wellbutrin.

My GP referred me to a dermatologist who said my hair was definitely thinning out and he sent me for some bloodwork. He said he didn't know what was causing my hair loss but if I wanted to know if it was the Wellbutrin then I would have to stop taking it and it would take several months to see any improvement. Luckily I have naturally thick hair and it was thinning out quite evenly so I didn't have any bald areas. People who knew me said they couldn't tell I was losing my hair but I was always seeing it on my shoulders, pillowcase and in the shower. It bothered me enough that I did try switching to another antidepressant, but my depression and anxiety really increased so I ended up going back to Wellbutrin.

I think it was at least 6 months before I thought my hair was becoming thicker again and now I believe it is as thick as it ever was. I just had a haircut and I had my hair layered and thinned out a lot!

I am taking Wellbutrin again, but I have a lot less stress now.

Have you talked to your doctor about it?

Another side effect that I researched with Wellbutrin is ringing in the ears and that is something I've experienced with taking it.

I hope things improve for you!

YES, I had hair loss on this drug, was on it for 5 months. Hair was everywhere.On my pillow, in the sink, in my food. The drug did nothing, and I came off of it. My hair is still not as thick, however I am not losing it.

I too had severe hair loss on this medication. But.....was told by my Doctor that I was low on my B vitamins. (did a blood test) Started me on the B-12 shot and had me take a complex B vitamin and the hair loss stopped.

Just something to consider, but talk to your Doctor....