Can Zoloft Cause Hair Loss?
Zoloft is a common anti-depressant that has been on the market and in fairly common use since 1991. There are many side effects to its use. Can Zoloft cause hair loss?
Zoloft is the brand name for Sertraline Hydrochloride. This is an anti-depressant drug that was introduced in 1991. It is used quite frequently in the treatment of depression despite the fact that it has been associated with some serious side effects. One of the lesser known effects has been hair loss. The question is often asked: can Zoloft cause hair loss?
The side effects of Zoloft are quite extensive. Some of the more serious ones have related to suicidal tendencies and reduced sexual performance. These two are of such a serious nature that they have received the bulk of the attention. Many tests have been done and studies undertaken on the side effects. These tests involved actual users and users you took only placebos. A review of the results does not exactly put one’s mind at ease and it is obvious that if you are taking this drug, you need to be under close medical supervision.
The hair loss side effect seems to be rather rare and has not received as much attention as some of the more serious ones. Even weight loss seems to have garnered more concern. However, a review of patient comments taken from the internet seems to indicate that hair loss is more common than it would first appear. It is, perhaps, the more serious nature of the other symptoms and side effects that makes this so. This is small comfort to the person experiencing the hair loss.
It should be kept in mind that virtually every medication has some detrimental side effects. Whenever you are taking any medication, you should be monitoring your complete condition and well being to watch for indications of adverse reactions. The treatment of depression is something that is being given more and more attention lately. The chemical management of it has become a common approach. However, there are also many alternatives to Zoloft.
The bottom line of this issue is that Zoloft can cause a lot of undesirable side effects and hair loss seems to be one of them. If you notice it, simply report it to your physician and an alternative can be found. Looking at the other side of the picture, stress and depression are also associated with hair loss, so it is quite likely a lot more people are retaining their hair thanks to Zoloft than there are people losing hair.