losing hair?

[drea]

Hi I just came across this site and thought Id see if anyone knows about hair loss and adderall. I can relate to some other symptoms some of you spoke of--hyperfocusing (so that it now takes 2x longer to write a paper or take a test), and nail biting to the extreme, etc..

Anyway, my housemate and I (females of 23 and 25) started on adderall around the same time (2 months ago?) and we noticed our hair is shedding at an abnormal rate. Is this a normal side effect? I asked my Dr and he never heard of this, but its concerning both of us. I would appreciate any responses as to whats going on. Can you all relate to this? Will this keep going on until we are near bald or what?

Thanks

[Gregster]

That's the first I've heard of anyone losing hair.
Could it be anxiety?
I presume you're not pulling your hair out?

[FlakeyGirl]

Maybe having to do with the change in your hydration level? Itchiness, (picking at) dried out nails and cuticles also related to dehydration.

Could also be change in diet. A common side effect of stimulants is decreased appetite which could result in decreased intake of very vital protiens, vitamins, minerals and fats. Yes, you DO need fats to keep skin, hair & nail cells healthy and healthy looking. How's your skin? I always listen to my skin, it never lies.

[Tara]

I have actually heard this question asked a few times by females taking stimulants. I don't remember if the were all taking ADDerall though.

I took ADDerall XR for about a month this past winter and did notice that my hair was falling out more than usual. But it was also a very cold winter. I do wonder if the ADDerall had anything to do with it.

As far as I know it isn't a known side effect but most of the studies with AD/HD meds have focused on younger males. Research is showing that the hormones in females play a huge part in difference between men and women with AD/HD.

I suggest contacting Dr. Patricia Quinn at http://www.ncgiadd.org and asking her.

[Gregster]

I just read on the crazymeds site, and it listed hair loss under the "freakly" side effects - rare, but not unheard of.
Maybe a change of dosage or to another drug? I'd ask my Dr.

[Lfrance]

Have you ever had your thyroid checked? I know that causes hair loss. Also, thyroid problims can cause emotional problims too. This is just a thought..... If you have noticed a change with your weight (before adderall) I would go to your General Dr. and ask for him to send you to an endocrineologist for thyroid testing. Or try another med. Good Luck!!!

[drea]

Thanks for the input...I guess I'll go to a regular Dr and check for potential hormonal or thyroid problems. It is a strange coincidence though that my housemate and I both experienced hair loss simultaneously when we started adderall, isnt it? Some one told me if you have done a lot of drugs in your past the use of stimulants will speed up the effects of these on your body, eg. something that may not have affected you for years to come can surface early from the use of stimulants/ amphetamines...
I really appreciate that peole out there care for each other
and are in the same boat. Its a nice feeling.
Thanks.

[Brianne]

I wa on Adderall 4 years snd have been on Adderall XR almost year and never heard of that. Wish I could be of more help but I have not experienced that at all.