November 1 2007, 8:35 am PT | Posted in: Drugs
I recently have had surgery and have been on pain meds prior to and after. Hydrocodone and oxycodone. Do these meds have any hair loss side effects?
Hydrocodone (marketed as Vicodin) and oxycodone (known better as OxyContin) do not have hair loss side effects — not for short term use, anyway.
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I believe oxycodone does cause hair loss. My hair was healthy, no breakage or split ends. I noticed my hair started shedding within two weeks of taking oxycodone. I stopped taking it and dealt with the pain. My hair grew back. I started taking the oxycodone again. yet again within to weeks my hair comes out in my hands with a single stroke.
I too believe oxycodone causes hair loss. I was on it for a month and my hair started falling out.
I’m a 32 year old female with very thick long flowing hair until last year. I woke up one day in great pain. I felt as though my shoulder was being ripped off. The ER doctor found a blood clot and put me on a bunch of drugs.:hydrocodone being one of them. I have been on this drug for a year and nine months and my hair is so thin if I run my hands through it, it comes outfrom the root. What do I do? How do I fix this?
I was hit by a car and need Percocet for the pain. This happened in 2007. Here we are a year later and my hair has gotten thin/split ends and I am balding. I am only 25. I have no family history of hair loss. Especially not at such a young age. I am worried sick about this. My hair has fallen out way too fast as well for me to think it is natural hair loss. Basically it is completely in line with the pills i have been taking. Or it is just a giant coincidence.
I BELIEVE LONG TERM USE OF OXYCODONE OR PERCOCET WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOSE YOUR HAIR…
There’s a difference between your hair falling out and actually balding. Sure excessive use of pain killers can cause dry and brittle hair that can fall out in certain places. But, the hair will still re-grow in most cases.
I was using hydrocodone for less than a month and my hair would fall out by the handfuls. In the shower and whenever I brushed my hands throughout my hair. After being off of it for just days the “shedding” stopped. Definitely a side affect. After looking into it I found it’s a side affect in less than 1% of people.
It’s not very inspiring that Dr. William Rassman, Medical Director and Founder of the New Hair Institute has no idea that this med causes hair loss. Whether it’s temp or not, rare or not, it obvious DOES have the potential to cause hair loss.. I find ‘user reviews’ on websites way more helpful than doctors these days. Doctors always say i’ts not a problem. I had a doc tell me that about Prozac - said it didn’t cause hair loss. Well, within 8 days, my hair went into resting phase (telogen effluvium) hair loss & i’ve been losing hair steadily for 2 months,.. even though I stopped the med after 8 days.
Be careful folks with medications. It may be ‘rare’ side effect, but it still affects some people, and it can be devasting - (especially if your female)
I too am convinced that opiates can lead to hair loss. I have been taking oxycotin and methadone for the past five months and have not only noticed substantial hair loss on all parts of my head (not just the tell tale male pattern baldness locations) but also on my arms, legs, and chest. I did some research and read this could be a symptom of thyroid problems, but I don’t have any other symptoms that also suggest these problems. I have only stopped taking the opiates for two days so I am still waiting to see if the hair loss stops or slows. I am also going to the doctor to get my blood tested for the thyroid stuff. If I notice a difference in a few weeks due to stopping the opiates I will let you know
My hair starting falling out this summer. I get my hair done at least twice a week and the hair stylist noticed how much hair was washing down the sink. She seemed alarmed enough to tell me I should go to my doctor. This has been happening for the past 3 months or so - right around the time I started taking vicodin for a back fracture. I am going through menopause also so my hormones are out of wack right now also. However, the hair loss started soon after the meds. Makes you wonder? I’m freaking out to say the least. Off to the store to buy some vitamins then…off to see the doc.
Hello All, I am on this site with major concern about my hair loss. I’ve checked several drugs that I am taking for hair loss and was very suspicious about the Vicodin (Hydroco/APAP). This site (among a couple of others) as confirmed my suspicions. I have had a LOT of back pain (have rods in my back since ‘03) and now have another problem. I have been on Vicodin for several years (but only taken as necessary) until this last bout of pain (sciatica/piraformis muscle) and now back on Vicodin for the last 5-6 months. I have lost about 1/2 of my hair. My hair dresser also pointed this out to me. What else can one do for so much pain? Doc is looking at surgery but only as a last resort. SO, do I loose my hair or opt for a surgery that may not fix the problem? There ARE some consequences with the surgery. Sucks to get old but beats the alternative!!
I am so thankful that I found this page. I was convinced that a Norco/Hydrocodone 10-325 tab Rx was causing my hair to fall out at an alarming rate but all research I was finding told me otherwise until now. I had taken a Hydrocodone Rx for shoulder pain between 2005 and 2008. It was being perscribed by a “pharmacologist” who lost his liscense due to insurance complaints. This Rx had a higher dose of acetominiphen and less codine and did not seem to cause hair loss that was at least noticable. When this Dr. could no longer perscribe, I went off it cold turkey determined NOT to develope an addiction. I went through 48 hours of no sleep and semi hellish feelings of discomfort but was relieved when that was all it took to be free of this highly addictive pain killer. Then in April of 2010 while at my General Practitioners office I mentioned that both my shoulders were causing me discomfort from popping joints and that Hydrocodone worked well in the past. I showed him my old Rx bottle and he said that the acetominiphen level was way too high in that perscription and he perscribed the 10-325 tab that had a much higher level of codine. By late August 2010 I had lost nearly 3/4 of my hair, I was having bizaare edema on the right side of my body with tingling and numbness in my hands and I felt TOXIC beyond belief. My iron level had dropped to a low 28 (norm is 45-175) and I felt sick and lethargic. There was no doubt that this new Hydrocodone Rx had something to do with it. The minute I tapered off I felt immidiate relief. After 24 hrs without-I would bite one in half and take only that for the day only to wake up the next morning with this right side hand discomfort where I could not clench a fist at all, I felt strange nerve pain and my face/lips felt numb and swollen. Convinced that the Hydrocodone is to blame I have once again quit but still seem to be losing an abnormal amount of hair daily, I have stocked up on iron and vitamin supplements and some biotanical shampoo/conditioner and am hoping for the best. Any suggestions or reccomendations would be welcome and truly appreciated. I wish you all an abundance of hair and health!
Further more…Dr. Rassman….Retire or Re-educate yourself please. Things change so rapidly these days in our chemically infested, grossly poisenous and toxic environment that your opinions and pre-historic medical education need to be seriously re-evaluated. This goes for all medical professionals who believe that their education ends when their practice begins.
Well so this confirms it…I have been going out of my mind trying to figure out what is causing my hair loss and dryness…I asked my Doctor several times and she said it could be realted to the stress from my accident….I had my doubts about that and thankfully have continued with my search for the answer…I am currelty on 5/500 mg 2 to 3 every 6 hours…well thank God that I do not take them as prescribed ..my hair has become so thin and brittle that I can not even stand to touch it, nor look in the mirror…It came on suddently and since is out of control…I to was diagnosed with a thryoid problem but levels are staying normal and i do not have all the other thryoid symptoms…just this hair that is pathetic… I will do my best to go without the Vicodon to save my hair…
I can add to this. I started taking Vicodin (hydrocodene) and even oxycodene after my last nose surgery for scar tissue removal from an injury. The doctor prescribed me pain medication, and to be honest, I would take the medicine even when I was not in a lot of pain. Over the last 4 months that i took it, my hair has thinned out so much. I used to have a full head of thick, very thick hair, i was told I have as much hair to fill 2 or 3 heads..but not no more. In the shower everyday while shampooing, running my fingers through my hairs fall out. If i slightly touch some areas with my fingers, hairs fall out. My temples are receding as well, and its very upsetting. This all happened being on and off of vicodin in the past 4 or 5 months. When i did take the medicine, I took it 1 or 2 times daily. Today, i was brushing my hair and my hair just shed everywhere enough to really cause concern so I did some research to find side effects of this drug, and sure enough I landed here. This is a major concern for me, I have now stopped taking this medication in hope to reverse whatever hair I lost. Im also very nervous that it might never grow back! Im sure I wont get my temples back but atleast the thick dense hair I had on the top of my head gives me hope of reversing this. Everyone who is experiencing hair loss with this drug, ask your doctor to prescribe you something else.
I am so glad I found this page. I have been on hydrocodene for 9 months now, and my hair has started falling out in clumps!!! OMW. i have been freaking out, not knowing what is causing it. I suspected it could be the medicine, because I have always had THICK hair and never had a problem with hair loss. Going to the DR today to talk to him about this!!!
Like Erica I am super happy I have found this page. I fell 2 weeks ago and ended up with a sprained ankle and a broken arm (radial fracture). The dr decided not to give me a cast, but to allow me to move it, but forewarned me that I would be in a lot of pain. hence he prescribed Lortabs, (hydrocodone). A few days ago, I noticed that I had a ton of hair on my shirt, brushing it would cause the sink to be full. I took a bubble bath tonight and had to have my husband come in and take out a handful of hair that came out when i wet my head. This is horrible!! I am 32, and generally when i have my hair cut, the take a razor to it, to thin it out!! I’m glad i’m not losing my mind and my hair and i’ll try to make do with tylenol and ibuprofen.
I am also glad I found this site…I really thought I was going crazy. I swear I have half the hair I did a year ago. I have been taking loratabs for a little over a year now and have been to the doctor several times about the hair loss, had my thyroid checked out and all was fine.
I was taking vicodin for several years for endometriosis, and, like any opiate, when you’re taking them consistently, you have to take more to get the correct effect. Last week,I was diagnosed with alopecia and i have a spot 30mm by 30mm. As an engaged 26 yr old female, i was devestated. i told the doc about the vicodin and she also said it could not be the cause. I am convinced otherwise. I am scheduled to see 3 other docs for a more educuated answer.
Wow. I am very happy that i found this site. I was addicted to all sorts of opiates for the past year and am only 21. Recently I got my prescription cut off and was stuck in withdrawal so i was taking very large doses of Loperamide 96mg+ to get a buzz and stop the pain because it is an over the counter opiate that does cross teh blood brain barrier if taken in large enough doses. I am completely amazed at how much hair is coming out if i run my fingers through my hair. Literally 10 at a time and it doesnt stop. I feel if i kept running my fingers t hrough it i woudl be bald within 24 hours. OMG i am done. Idc how much withdrawal i am going to go through it is not worth it.
Wow, I to am so glad I found this page, I was in a snowmobile accident in 04 I have perm. hardware from my L2 - T12 (fusion) I have been on oxycontin since the day of my accident I used to have really thick hair I used to go to the hair dresser just to get it thinned out!!! now my husband says when I pull it back in a ponytail he can see bald spots I am so embarrassed!!everytime I looked up side effects for oxycontin it never mentioned hair loss. I hate feeling toxic all the time from this gross drug!!! My OT said just yesterday to maybe try morphine as it is a more natural drug (comes from poppies) and it has less side effects also does not make you feel like a wet rag all the time.
Has anyone found that their hair has grown back?
I have been taking Vicodin for almost a year now due to a herniated disc in my upper back/ lower neck (c4) - And since last fall I have noticed greatly that my hair has been thinning and falling out like crazy..
Since then, I have gone to get blood work done 3 times and my hormone/thyroid levels were all coming back fine - I even went to an endocrinologist for more examining and testing. I got an ultrasound done on my thyroid for further testing and she found 3 cysts on and around my thyroid. I was sure this was the reason why my hair was falling out; my thyroid was invested with cysts.
Luckily it wasn’t thyroid cancer, and the biopsies even came back negative! Dumbfounded, I asked my doctor for the final time: “Why on Earth is my hair falling out this much?!…There HAS to be a reason why” (I take vitamins on a daily, I work out, I eat very, very well, I am HEALTHY for the most part! And my endocrinologist (From NYU Medical, I might add) simply says: “Well, sometimes hair can just fall out for a few months and regrow”
Wow…That’s real groundbreaking.
It did, however, start to grow back and get fuller over the summer….to the point where friends were noticing how much healthier my hair looked…then like clock work: as soon as September rolled around, it started falling out again - maybe it’s because of the dry weather? I don’t know…
Thank heaven I found this site - you all just confirmed my reasoning - it has to be the vicodin/percs …I cannot imagine what else there is!
Hope this helps - and if anyone has suggestions on how to slow/stop the process or to keep the locks in place, do share.
xx best of luck, all,
I have been on 5/325 oxycoden, percocet since may 03′ and have always had thick long curly hair. I too, am losing a great amount of hair. I asked my Dr. to start me on a detox program, he advised me to call and talk with the pharmesy that they’d know more. I was in a vehicle accident and smashed my 12th vertebrae like a pancake. thank God, no surgery. I am beside myself what action to take? I am in pain without the med. It is also damaging to the liver, let alone, on losing your hair!! the
Pharmesy did state to try and have the Doctor prescribe a sleep med such as lunesta or ambiem cr. (for sleep) after I am slowly weaned from this drug. I have missed taking the med and woke up the next morning drenching wet!! help!!
thank you, thank you, thank you- i am not going crazy… every medical site i looked up hair loss was not a side effect but, now i finally know what is causing my hairloss
I was hit by a car December 16th. My doctor prescribed my hydrocodone. I have been on this pain med for approximately 2 weeks and almost immediately started noticing hair loss. I think hydrocodone definitely causes hair loss.
OK- back to square 1: does ANYBODY have an answer? Any substitute pain killer?