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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has Anyone Experienced Hair Loss From Their Meds?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Westville, NJ

I take levodopa and amantadine and have experienced significant hair loss. I’m wondering if this is from my medication.

July 26, 2020 (edited)
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I have also suffered hair loss and my neurologist assures me it’s nothing to do with my medical but I’m not convinced.

July 29, 2020
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes, but my was related to an anti-depressant. I'm continuing that med but the dermatologist told me to take Nutrafol, the male version, because it is stronger than the female version. It took about 3 weeks but my hair is thickening. The hair that fell out was not gray but the new hair is. I'm just happy not to have to shop for a wig. I used a prescription shampoo to relieve the itching and that is a great help.
Maria

November 23, 2022
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

YES!! When I first noticed it, I was seeing a hairdresser. I couldn’t wash my hair on my own, and my scalp itched. She told me that there was a reason that they used to say to brush your hair 100 strokes a day. When I was younger, I had such thick hair, the weight would pull it down from the elastic band.
At first my scalp was pretty tender, but I added a few strokes a day. My hair is growing back in and is becoming thicker. About 6 weeks in, I started to feel the re-growth. The stimulation from the extra brushing is the main help. She also told me not to wash my hair so often. The natural oils help keep the scalp moisturized. Felt pretty gross at first😂😂
Now I wash about once a week, and have had significant re-growth. My scalp still itches, but not quite as bad😜😝 I have had my husband massage my scalp as well.

November 18, 2022
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I am still dealing with hair lose and agree, this adds insult to injury. I recently saw a dermatologist and she relates the hair loss to the depression medication. I've changed to a different anti-depressant without this known side effect and the dermatologist also suggested taking prenatal multi-vitamins and take Nutrafol. I don't see any further hair loss but I don't see and regrowth but it has only been about 2 weeks since these changes.

Since so little is known about PD, I'm just praying I don't turn into a big, hairy gorilla next ....lol
Maria

September 28, 2022
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I have also experienced significant hair loss in the past yr. I'm sure some of it is genetic and aging but my dermatologist thinks it is related to the anti-depresent I take. She recommended nutrafol and biotin and it worked initially but stopped helping after 4 mo. Not so funny, now I have a beard and hair on my legs but am still losing hair on my head. I'm still looking for the silver lining to this one but am happy it is not the worst thing I have ever experienced, although, I would really like to keep my hair. I kinda like it.
Thank you for sharing Julie. I hope you find a remedy and you will share it with us.
Maria

September 4, 2023

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