Medications can be both friend and foe. While medicine may cure what ails you in one part of your body, it can wreak havoc on your hair. Some medications cause hair loss and hair thinning, according to Jan Nissl, RN, BS of Revolutionhealth.com.

Medicines Harmful to the Hair

Medications that are problematic for your hair include birth control pills, antidepressants, gout medicine (allopurinol and colchicines), medicines for heart problems (propranolol/ Inderal or metoprolol/ Lopressor and Toprol XL) , high blood pressure and anti-coagulants (Heparin, Warfarin, which is Coumadin), which are blood thinners.

Chemo Drugs

The drugs given during chemotherapy may cause your hair to fall out, but it depends on the dosage and the specific type of chemo drug that is used in your treatment.

Other Culprits

The arthritis medicine indomethacin can result in hair loss as can seizure medications such as trimethadione, valproic acid and carbamazepine. If you are a migraine sufferer and take methoysergide, you may experience hair loss.

Additional Considerations

Lithium, which is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, can cause hair loss as can speed or amphetamines (Dexedrine) or methamphetamines.

Resolution

If your hair is thinning or falling out due to a medicine that you are taking this will usually resolve itself if you stop taking the medication or switch to a lower dosage. Consult with your health care provider.

Source:

Revolutionhealth.com: Medicine and Hair Loss

Familydoctor.org: Hair Loss and Its Causes