KUWAIT CITY, Nov 30: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications may secretly be contributing to hair loss, a warning issued by a Los Angeles-based anesthetist has highlighted. Dr. Zain Hasan, who has a following of 636,000 on social media, identified five common drugs that could be accelerating alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, or causing hair follicles to shut down.

In a TikTok video shared with his audience, Dr. Hasan emphasized that while hair loss is natural with age, especially in men, the use of specific medications could be hastening the process. "If you want to keep your hair, you want to know about these five medications," he said. "Even if you don’t use these yourself, I know you know someone who is."

The first drug on Dr. Hasan’s list is Wellbutrin, a popular antidepressant known to boost mood-regulating hormones in the brain. Although it’s widely prescribed, research has shown that Wellbutrin can lead to hair loss in both men and women. A 2018 study compared one million new users of nine common antidepressants, revealing that those on bupropion (the generic name for Wellbutrin) were most likely to experience hair loss. Patients have also reported the side effect online, with some describing it as "terrifying" and emotionally distressing.

Doctors suggest that the drug's effect on dopamine levels might trigger hair follicles to enter the resting phase of their growth cycle, thus halting hair production.

Next on Dr. Hasan's list are retinoid medications, commonly used for acne treatment, such as Accutane (isotretinoin). While hair loss is considered rare with these drugs, Dr. Hasan noted that patients on higher doses might be at risk. A 2022 study involving 565 patients found that 6% of those on a high dose of isotretinoin reported hair loss, compared to 3.2% of those on a lower dose. Research also suggests that older patients, those on stronger doses, or those undergoing prolonged treatment are more likely to experience this side effect.

Retinol creams, which are available both over-the-counter and via prescription, may also cause hair thinning or loss, especially in individuals with sensitive scalps. Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green warned that these products could lead to scalp irritation, further contributing to hair loss.

Dr. Hasan also highlighted anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Eliquis, Warfarin, and Heparin, which are taken by millions of people annually. Hair loss from these medications typically starts two to four months after use. Studies have shown that blood thinners can cause hair follicles to shift into the "resting" phase of their growth cycle, leading to temporary hair loss. While this side effect is not usually permanent, it can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, according to researchers.

Another drug mentioned by Dr. Hasan is metoprolol, a beta blocker commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure. Though not a frequently reported side effect during clinical trials, rare cases of reversible hair loss have been observed, typically occurring two to five months after starting the medication. Dr. Kristianne Hannemann, a California-based pharmacist, explained that the drug likely interferes with the hair growth cycle, leading to hair shedding.

Lastly, Dr. Hasan discussed tamoxifen, a cancer medication used to treat breast cancer. A significant number of people taking tamoxifen (about one in three) experience hair loss, particularly because the drug lowers estrogen levels, which is thought to disrupt the hair growth cycle. This hair loss is generally noticeable between six months and two years after starting the medication.

Dr. Hasan also mentioned anecdotal reports linking hair loss to other medications, including the diabetes drug Ozempic, although these cases remain less documented.

He stressed the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescribed medication, urging patients to weigh the potential benefits of their treatment against any side effects they may be experiencing.

As hair loss can have a profound impact on an individual's self-esteem, Dr. Hasan advised people to be aware of the medications they are taking and to seek medical guidance if they notice excessive shedding or thinning.