Can Citalopram Cause Hair Loss Signs And Next Steps?

Hair loss is a distressing side effect, and when you are taking a medication for your mental health, it can feel like an unfair trade-off. The short answer is yes, citalopram can cause hair loss, but it is not a common side effect. If you are experiencing shedding while taking this medication, it is important to understand why it happens, what the signs are, and what steps you can take to address it safely with your doctor.

Is Hair Loss a Known Side Effect of Citalopram?

Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance have documented hair loss as a potential side effect, though the exact frequency is not well established. It is considered rare, but it is a recognized event that the FDA lists in the drug’s prescribing information.
The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is likely related to how the medication affects serotonin levels. Serotonin is involved in many bodily functions beyond mood, including the regulation of hair growth cycles. Some research suggests that changes in serotonin can push hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely, leading to shedding a few months later.

What Does Citalopram-Related Hair Loss Look Like?

The hair loss associated with citalopram typically presents as telogen effluvium. This is a temporary condition where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time. Instead of growing, these hairs sit dormant for about three months, then fall out.
The most obvious sign is diffuse thinning across the scalp, rather than bald patches. You might notice more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain. The shedding is usually noticeable two to four months after you start the medication or after a dose increase. This delay often confuses people because they do not connect the hair loss to the drug they started months earlier.

How Common Is This Side Effect?

It is difficult to give a precise percentage for how many people experience hair loss on citalopram. The data is limited, and many cases go unreported because people do not mention it to their doctors. Some studies suggest that SSRIs as a class can cause hair loss, but the numbers are small.
What is clear is that if you are experiencing this, you are not alone, but it is not something that happens to most people taking the drug. The risk appears to be higher with certain other antidepressants, like bupropion, but citalopram carries a lower reported risk. Still, individual response varies widely, and some people are simply more sensitive to the medication’s effects on hair follicles.

Other Causes of Hair Loss to Rule Out First

Before assuming citalopram is the culprit, you need to rule out other causes. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal changes are common triggers for the same type of diffuse shedding. Depression itself can cause hair loss, as can poor appetite or changes in sleep that often accompany the condition.
A doctor can run basic blood tests to check for iron deficiency, thyroid problems, or vitamin D deficiency. These are common and easily treatable causes of hair loss. If your blood work is normal and your hair loss timeline aligns with starting or increasing citalopram, the medication becomes a more likely suspect.

What Should You Do If You Notice Shedding?

The first step is to not stop taking citalopram on your own. Suddenly stopping an SSRI can cause withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and mood swings. These symptoms are uncomfortable and can be dangerous if your mental health is fragile.
Instead, schedule an appointment with your prescribing doctor. Bring a timeline of when you started the medication, when you noticed the shedding, and any other symptoms you have. Be honest about how the hair loss is affecting you emotionally. For many people, the benefit of stable mood outweighs the cosmetic concern, but that is a decision you and your doctor should make together.

What Are the Next Steps Your Doctor Might Recommend?

There are several evidence-based approaches your doctor might suggest. The first is simply waiting. Telogen effluvium is often self-limiting, meaning the hair typically grows back within six to twelve months even if you continue the medication. The shedding usually stops once the body adjusts to the drug.
If the hair loss is severe or causing significant distress, your doctor may consider lowering your dose. Some people find that a lower dose reduces the side effect while still managing their depression. Alternatively, your doctor might switch you to a different SSRI or a different class of antidepressant entirely. Fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are sometimes tolerated better in this regard, but there is no guarantee.
There is no specific medication approved to reverse drug-induced hair loss. Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is sometimes used off-label to stimulate regrowth, but it is not a cure for the underlying cause. It works best when the trigger is removed or resolves on its own.

What Is the Outlook for Regrowth?

The prognosis for citalopram-related hair loss is generally good. Once the medication is stopped, or in some cases even if it is continued, the hair follicles typically recover. The regrowth process is slow, and it can take several months to see noticeable improvement.
The hair that fell out was already in the resting phase, so the follicle itself is not damaged. It will re-enter the growth phase in time. Full regrowth to your previous density may take up to a year. Patience is the most important factor, and consistent communication with your doctor will help you make the right choice for both your mental and physical health.