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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Hair Loss While On Lithium?

I have been taking lithium for over 2 years now for bipolar. I have noticed a lot of hair loss. I have been sort of a guinea pig with medication. I m an ex addict of 10 years now. I m looking for an alternative for the lithium. Can u suggest anything? I was thinking about Prozac again. I was on it over 20 years ago. So I m up for any suggestions. Oh...I m 44 and have been diagnosed for almost 10 years. I suffer from insomnia and chronic back pain...2 bulging discs in L4 and L5. Thank u
Fri, 9 Jun 2017
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello,

Lithium is considered one of the best medicine for bipolar disorder and most of the people tolerate well with lithium. You are complaining of hair loss with lithium. There are other mood stabilizers available like Valproate and Oxcarbazapine. But valproate can also give you hair loss so you can consider taking Oxcarbazapine or Lamotrigine. But I would suggest to continue with lithium considering risk benefit ratio and for hair loss you can start Biotin.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Prashant Gohil
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What Causes Severe Hair Loss While On Lithium?

Hello, Lithium is considered one of the best medicine for bipolar disorder and most of the people tolerate well with lithium. You are complaining of hair loss with lithium. There are other mood stabilizers available like Valproate and Oxcarbazapine. But valproate can also give you hair loss so you can consider taking Oxcarbazapine or Lamotrigine. But I would suggest to continue with lithium considering risk benefit ratio and for hair loss you can start Biotin. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Prashant Gohil