Hair loss and Ritalin? | ADHD Information

Hi Guys-
Thanks for all the info, this board has been very helpful. I've been taking Ritalin SR for the past 3 or 4 months and it has worked great, the only problem is I swear my hairline in the front has gone back a good 1/2 inch. I am still in my twenties and my family has no history of hair loss, my older brothers have abolutely no hair loss and my hair has always been very thick. I make sure to take vitamins, exercise, etc. I did a search on the web and cases were popping up all over where people were experiencing similar issues. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced something similar, not sure what to do. Thanks again.

I am a hairstylist and I swore the same thing with Concerta. I don't recall losing hair with immediate release Ritalin (generic), but I was not on it very long. I was on the Concerta for about 2 months and I noticed an increase in hair loss when shampooing. Now that I am back on Adderall, my hair loss is back to normal. My APRN and I had a giggle when I told him about the hair loss. Kind of ironic being a stylist!(gotta laugh when you can!)

Lori

Yes, my hair grew back. It is also hard to say if it would not have given enough time. It could have been an initial reaction.

I think you have to way the prose vs. cons with any medication. I would venture to say that the majority of medications (even Motrin) will likely cause a side effect of some kind or another. There is always a risk. You have to weigh those options and base your choice on what you come up with.

Maybe you can try some other options/combos and see what you conclude. You might decide the hair loss is worth it, or not.

Good Luck and keep me posted!

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Lori

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Hi Lori-
Thanks for the reply. So did your old hair grow back? I think it's back to the drawing board again which is unfortunate because the Ritalin SR was working so well.