Lithium and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• mam...
• June 25, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was so nervous about taking Lithium for my bipolar. I had read far too much, the good, the bad, the ugly. I was worried about what this medication would do to my body, my kidneys, etc., and more superficial concerns about weight gain and hair loss. I have been taking lithium for approximately 1.5 years now. Aside from a very slight tremble when I sometimes drink, the side effects have been minimal. I'd estimate I have put on approximately 1 stone since starting the medication, but that is something that I am in a good mindset now to tackle, and think I can lose. No problems so far with skin and sun sensitivity. The regular blood tests are important and come around quickly, but so far results have been in the normal range. I feel like I have my life back. My marriage was in real danger, I couldn't enjoy parenting my children, now I feel I am back in control. When I think of all the trepidation I felt at the start of this journey, I wish I could tell my earlier self to give it a go, things are going to be okay."

• Jen...
• October 27, 2016

For Depression "I have attempted suicide three times in my life. The first two times were before I knew of Lithium, and the third was when I took a break from Lithium, foolishly thinking I had gotten better. Lithium, at 900mg, almost completely eliminates the suicidal ideation. Symptoms of depression are still present, however, much better. Side effects I have had are weight gain (5 lbs?), frequent urination/thirst, thinning of my hair, and sometimes I feel tired. I'll take these side effects any day over how I used to feel. This medicine has kept me alive. If you have recurring suicidal ideation, I would highly recommend."

• Ret...
• February 22, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking lithium, 1000mg a day, for the past 39 and a half years. I always drink a lot of water daily, and urinate a lot, of course. I have experienced tremors when water intake is low. I initially had hand tremors and some thinning hair. I have been taking 2000mg of fish oil for the past 15 years and have recently started Epilim to fine-tune my short manic episodes. Lithium has been the savior of my life many years ago after 2 manic episodes in one year. I take blood tests yearly or every 2 years (if I forget) to determine the effect/normality of the internal organs in relation to lithium. Resisting gambling, drugs (smoking), and limiting alcohol has given me a lovely wife and has allowed me to see my now 2 adult sons grow up."

• Kyl...
• November 14, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm a 21-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, ultra-rapid cycling. Before I started on this salt, I was truly at the mercy of my moods. My highs ranged from acting highly inappropriate in public places to my highly suicidal lows, for which I've been hospitalized. My psychiatrist quickly put me on the 'Gold Standard' for bipolar treatment. I titrated up. My first dose was 300 mg, then 600 mg, and now, 900 mg. My dosage at 900 makes my emotional roller coaster a smooth and highly manageable kiddie ride. The side effects I've experienced are an increase in appetite and weight, a small amount of hair loss, and a bit of fatigue. Give lithium a shot - it has potential, but remember, it is not for everyone."

• Dan...
• January 31, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm bipolar and was recently put on lithium. I can tell a huge difference, and so can my family, but it's been about 4 months now, and I'm at a crossroads with staying on it. Some of the side effects I'm having are weight gain, thirsty all the time, constantly having to pee, hand tremors, my hair is falling out, and blank emotion. I've read a lot about this drug, and I know my liver, kidneys, and thyroid are all at major risk for damage, so what do I choose? Feeling better and dealing with all the crap that goes with this medicine, or get off of it? Decisions, decisions???"

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium made my hair fall out and made me so depressed, more than before. The depression started to lighten after a month, but I still felt agitated and down. I was puffy and gained weight, too. I am so mad I took this drug. It also apparently destroys the kidney and the thyroid, so hypothyroidism is a very real result, kind of expected in time. Depakote is the same. Do not take this drug."

• Sha...
• June 20, 2008

"I spent years having horrible reactions to that time's crop of popular medicines. I am not bipolar and have never had mania. As a last resort, because nothing else worked on my chronic depression, I was given a prescription of lithium carbonate. That was 23 years ago. My side effects are that I drink a lot and pee a lot, and thinning hair (bummer). Lithium is my passport to sanity and normal life."

• Ano...
• October 16, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on lithium for 6 months for bipolar I and have had such amazing results. I feel like myself and hadn't since over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed. I would give it a 10 if not for the side effects and necessary bloodwork. When I first got on, I noticed it felt like my legs were giving out when I was walking. The first 2 months on it had significant hair loss, but I don't experience it anymore. I think it made me lose about 5 lbs. It gave me moderate acne, which is improving, but I also went on spironolactone for the acne... If you can deal with the side effects, it's pretty great!"

• Nig...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 30, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium is for mania. It is NOT a mood stabilizer. Lamictal is an awesome mood stabilizer. Anyway, lithium has done wonders for me! I feel calmer on it and not so spacey and think clearer. The only thing that I do not like is the fear of it damaging my liver and/or kidneys. I do blood work every 3 months to get my levels and make sure everything is ok. He did lower me once because the lithium level had gotten too high. Also, my hair is thinner and drier since I started it. Not fond of that either."

• 22 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed bipolar 2, although my hypomania would get quite extreme, and I think I was headed for mania with the last bout. Took away suicidal thoughts almost entirely. Puts you in a kind of haze, but a very functional haze, not a 'zombie' feeling; it's good for paranoia too. And the best thing is you still have highs and lows; they are just less intense! YAY, not over-medicated. So far, have noticed thinning hair and minor scalp pain, but when it comes to mood, I am STABLE. Taking with Seroquel also, but only 100 mg as I'm weaning off the Seroquel. Maybe the Seroquel in addition is causing the side effects, unsure. I do feel that lithium is affecting my skin and hair, though. Lowers sex drive but doesn't get rid of it entirely."

• Mau...
• October 9, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 600 mg lithium. The only side effect I have are the tremors. Have been on it for the past year. Thought I was taking it for 5 years when I was first diagnosed with bipolar 13 years ago. I wanted off it then because I was doing well, and I continued to do so for many years afterward until the depression came back. Then, after trying different meds that were unsuccessful, I went back on lithium. I'm amazed at some of the very high doses some are taking, as mine was increased to 800 mg. I wasn't even on that dosage a week and had to reduce back to 600 mg again as I went toxic. I remember Depakote causing my hair to fall out, and it was an extremely good med other than that."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I started lithium nearly 2 years ago, thyroid went almost instantly, along with energy and about 10% of my hair. Then followed by liver (they keep saying liver isn't affected, but I never had a problem with my liver and had blood tests done 3 months before my lithium start). I have a huge personal event happen that shattered those around me, but I am completely numb. When you can't feel, then you have to ask, is it worth it."

• Sta...
• October 11, 2010

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Lithium for almost 2 years now. It is actually amazing mood-wise, and it helped me get over my social anxiety. The side effects I've had, which technically are not good at all, but are almost worth how I feel, are: I had to be put on blood pressure medicines, my hair is shedding a lot more than normal, I have more acne than I used to, and the worst one: I've gained about 25 pounds, which, for me, wasn't good, I was already overweight. Oh, and I haven't had a period for almost three months now (not pregnant), my doctor thinks Lithium might be to blame. I'm only 25, by the way, so I should still have a period. Besides all of this, Lithium was the best thing to ever happen to me."

• Cbo...
• March 8, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Worked fine at first, but my Dr. constantly messed with the dose (15-20 changes in 2 years) to keep my lithium levels consistent. I ended up with almost every side effect (hair loss and tremors were most severe), and it just stopped working altogether. My episodes were worse than ever, and I ended up being hospitalized from being put on too high of a dose (vomiting blood, and lithium level was at 2.4 instead of 1.0). Eventually, I just stopped taking it on my own and switched doctors. It might have worked well if I had a more responsible doctor to monitor everything, but I’m too shell-shocked to give it another go :/"

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 8, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Not happy with the regular diarrhea, thinning hair, and general muscle weakness. Also, my arthritis has amplified quite a bit since starting lithium. Not as depressed in general, but I don't feel like myself, and I'm really scared this drug will eventually do major damage to my physical health. The long-term side effect profile is just awful."

• I...
• July 1, 2016

For Cyclothymic Disorder "I've been on lithium for 4 months now. As far as helping my mental symptoms, I couldn't be happier, BUT after about 2 months, my hair started coming out. My doctor assured me it was not the lithium (even though it's a documented side effect). He said it was due to the huge amount of stress I had been under, and hair shedding was the effect of it now. 3 months later. Well, after 4 months, my hair is STILL coming out, and I have 1/3 of the hair I had before. I cringe every time I wash it because I don't want to see all those strands circling the drain. My doctor insists I continue it, and he hasn't even offered to change it (only reduce the dose 1 month ago). Folks, I have had enough!! I decided to try lithium orotate OTC. I started it today."

• kbk...
• February 25, 2009

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "Lithium works wonders to stabilize my mood. Only negative is some hair loss and acne."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Made me more depressed and anxious. Tried to switch to it from Lamictal because Lamictal makes my hair fall out. Looks like I’ll be sticking with Lamictal. Pity."