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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Bald Patches On Head While Taking Elavil For Depression And Headache?

About 2 weeks ago I noticed that I have about 10 circular bald patches on my head. I m a 58 yr old female who went through menopause 10 yrs ago due to a hysterectomy. I looked up a few possible causes and wonder if it could be that I started taking Elavil for depression and neck tension headaches. I had my C-reactive protein tested a few years ago and found that I have a lot of inflammation, probably due to my spinal arthritis and degenerative disc disease and poor eating habits. A few months ago my TSH thyroid test was normal, but I wonder if the T3 and T4 conversion is messed up. I ve been under worse stress 5 years ago than I am now. I don t perm my hair. I do color it every 3 or 4 months. I don t use curling irons or products on my hair other than shampoo.
posted on Thu, 7 May 2015
Twitter Mon, 10 Oct 2022 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 18 Oct 2022 Last reviewed on
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Bald patches on scalp may be due to alopecia areata, due to medication like Elavil (like in your case), androgenetic alopecia, tinea capitis or fungal infection of scalp, recovery from a chronic illness like typhoid, chicken pox, stress, lack of sleep, trace elements deficiency, psychiatric disorder called trichotillomania or hypothyroidism.

Though the list is exhaustive, your symptoms seem to fit into Elavil usage and alopecia areata. Discontinue Elavil and ask your physician for alternative drug, intralesional corticosteroids. Use Minoxidil 5% solution only on the areas of hair loss. Topical corticosteroids are recommended, Tab. Trichoton daily one for 6 months. If with the above medication, won't go, then you need to consult a dermatologist.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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What Causes Bald Patches On Head While Taking Elavil For Depression And Headache?

Hello, Bald patches on scalp may be due to alopecia areata, due to medication like Elavil (like in your case), androgenetic alopecia, tinea capitis or fungal infection of scalp, recovery from a chronic illness like typhoid, chicken pox, stress, lack of sleep, trace elements deficiency, psychiatric disorder called trichotillomania or hypothyroidism. Though the list is exhaustive, your symptoms seem to fit into Elavil usage and alopecia areata. Discontinue Elavil and ask your physician for alternative drug, intralesional corticosteroids. Use Minoxidil 5% solution only on the areas of hair loss. Topical corticosteroids are recommended, Tab. Trichoton daily one for 6 months. If with the above medication, won t go, then you need to consult a dermatologist. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist