Shir asked
I am taking Lyrica, propananol and Xanax. I also take 1/2 scoop of Quest twice a day. I am having a lot of hair loss and can’t figure out how to stop it.
At a glance
- Alopecia (hair loss) is a reported side effect of Lyrica (pregabalin). The prescribing information lists an incidence rate of 0.1-1%.
- All beta-blockers are associated with hair loss, including propranolol.
Answer
Although not common, a few of the medications you listed in your inquiry have been reported to cause hair loss, also known as alopecia. These medications are:
Lyrica And Hair Loss
Dermatologic reactions are thought to be uncommon with Lyrica (pregabalin). Nevertheless, the prescribing information for the drug lists the following adverse reactions (occurring in 0.1-1% of individuals):
- Alopecia
- Cellulitis
- Dry skin (xerosis)
- Eczema
- Hirsutism (excess hair growth)
- Photosensitivity
Cosmetic side effects are among the most commonly reported (and troublesome) side effects of antiepileptic drugs.
Although Lyrica is more commonly used to treat nerve-type pain, it can be used as an anti-epileptic and is related to other anti-epileptic drugs, such as gabapentin.
In the vast majority of cases, if Lyrica is the cause of hair loss, it is reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
Propranolol And Hair Loss
Like Lyrica, hair loss has been associated and reported with propranolol. In fact, hair loss is thought to be a possible side effect of all beta-blockers, which includes:
- Propranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Atenolol
If hair loss occurs while taking a beta-blocker like propranolol, it is thought to be reversible upon discontinuation.
Other Drugs Associated With Hair Loss
Aside from Lyrica and propranolol, there are many different medication and medication classes associated with hair loss. They include:
- ACE-Inhibitors (1-5% incidence)
- Anti-anxiety drugs (e.g. benzodiazepines and buspirone)
- Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) (>5% incidence)
- Antifungals (e.g. fluconazole) (>5% incidence)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g. diltiazem)
- Immunosuppressants
- NSAIDs
- Oral contraceptives (early generation progestins)
- SSRIs (e.g. Zoloft)
If you are experiencing hair loss while taking medication, it is important to make your doctor aware so you can be appropriately evaluated.
In general, medication-induced hair loss generally occurs 1 to 3 months after initiation of therapy (often not immediately).
The good news is that once the offending drug is discontinued, the hair loss is generally reversible but has been reported to take between 2 and 12 months to see re-growth.
As every individuals' medical situation is unique, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor.
About Lyrica
Lyrica (pregabalin) is used for a variety of indications, including:
- Neuropathic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizure
Lyrica is structurally similar to Neurontin (gabapentin) but has far greater bioavailability. It is available in both capsules and oral solution, which may be administered without regard to meals.
About Propranolol
Propranolol is nonselective beta-blocker that is used for various cardiac conditions (e.g. angina, heart failure) but is also used for indications ranging from migraine prophylaxis to anxiety.
Propranolol is best absorbed and tolerated if given before, or with, meals.
References
- Diffuse hair loss: its triggers and management. PubMed
- Drug reactions affecting hair: diagnosis. PubMed
- Alopecia associated with fluconazole therapy. PubMed
- Clinical practice. Hair loss in women. PubMed
- Alopecia and drug eruption of the scalp associated with a new beta-blocker, nadolol. PubMed
- [Drug induced alopecia]. PubMed
- Cosmetic side effects of antiepileptic drugs in adults with epilepsy. PubMed
- Lyrica Prescribing Information. Pfizer
