I am suspicious this med has caused hair loss in me because of when both events started. Even though tramadol has worked for me in controlling my back/sciatica and knee pain, the hair loss has been depressing
Can tramadol cause hair loss?
Question posted by nirvanmusk on 5 Aug 2013
Last updated on 2 January 2023
6 Answers
Missy1315
20 May 2022
Hi, I’ve been dealing with hair loss since my mid 30’s. I have hypothyroidism, and I’m very sensitive to medications that cause hair loss. I’ve lost hair on various antidepressants, on blood thinners, on levothyroxine and on another pain medication called Belbuca (that’s also why I stopped taking it).
I can tell you that I’ve been taking Tramadol 4 times a day for well over a year now, and in that time I’ve had zero issues with hair loss. Which is a big surprise to me because if a medication says it can cause hair loss you better believe I’ll be the one losing my hair from it. Of course every comment in this post is just an anecdote, in reality we don’t know a lot about most medications and hair loss isn’t taken seriously by the medical establishment. I just wanted to add my experience as I’m someone whose hair follicles are sensitive to medications, but Tramadol hasn’t been an issue for me. I take 50mg 4 times a day, along with Gabapentin.
cw12141965
20 May 2022
YES YES YES‼️‼️‼️ Tramadol absolutely makes your hair fall out ‼️‼️‼️ it can also affect eyelashes. I lost over half of my Hair and eyelashes. I don't care who tells you it doesn't I know for a fact it does. I stopped
taking it about two weeks ago, and my hair is already so much better.
Kris5622
2 Jan 2023
I've been taking tramadol for 2 weeks and noticed my thick, waist-length hair falling out at the root. I started finding stray hairs on my arms, back, furniture, and floors after noticing my scalp was VERY tender. I ended up having to cut my hair off just below shoulder length because, in such a short time span, I was losing handfuls.
I stopped taking the tramadol 2 days ago (I'll deal with the pain) and still am experiencing hair loss and a tender scalp. tramadol acts on some of the same opiate receptors as opiates but was originally developed as an antidepressant and isn't an opioid as some would have you think.
I have taken opiates for chronic pain and my hair has never been affected adversely. And since doctors will no longer prescribe opiates and I cannot take Ibuprofen, I will just have to suffer.
grantzmeds
21 July 2018
I take 200megs in the morning. I take them for no other reason but to feel good. I also repeat that dose in
the evening. I am losing my hair in patches. I"m afraid to stop for I am prone to depression. I would go to the doctor but I am worried that he may discontinue their use. I am 66 and balding slightly but this is tragic. I have read so much about folks suffering from withdrawal, I am afraid that with my propensity towards feeling down that this is yet another reason for crying off any help. Please can anyone offer any suggestions towards my dilemma? Although it's my own stupid bloody fault
Missy1315
20 May 2022
Hello, patchy hair loss can be alopecia areata which is an autoimmune disease. I would recommend consulting with a dermatologist for a work-up, Tramadol isn’t known to cause hair loss so I don’t think you need to be afraid they’ll take it away from you. There are so many different causes for hair loss that’s why it’s important to see a specialist. Good luck <3 I’ve been dealing with hair loss since my 30’s, I can empathize about how devastating it is.
Delila
6 Aug 2013
Hi, it is little known that hair loss has been attributed to Tramadol use. Reports of this are very low, less than 1%. It is difficult to say if the Tramadol actually caused it, or as afisc9 has said, it could be caused by other conditions and be a coincidence? Who's to know. But the statistics say it is possible...
nirvanmusk
6 Aug 2013
thanks for your reply : )
afisc9
5 Aug 2013
I have suffered with back pain since 2009 andhave had two spinal fusions took tramadol many times it didn't help me but never lost any hair. I waa just on cymbalta and have lost about half of my hair. Dr said pain stress and anxiety can cause hair loss if u haven't done so yet fo get your thyroid checked mine was normal so it wasn't my problem but it could be yours good luck and keep your chin up!
nirvanmusk
6 Aug 2013
Thank you for your reply and support. I have hypothyroidism but its been corrected with med. i definitely have pain, anxiety and stress so that could the be real reason. I had a hemilaminectomy done in 2008 in my L5-S1 disc but unfortunately it did not relieve my pain. Actually, i have more pain and increased disability now after the surgery than before. When did you have your fusions done and did they help your back condition? I am not sure if to try fusion surgery or artificial disc replacement or an electronic pain stimulator or non-treatment. I tried pretty much all of the more conservative treatments (epidurals, pt, acupuncture, etc.) without success. Thank you
afisc9
6 Aug 2013
Had fusion on s1 l5 l4 one in 2011 and it never fused so added more hardware in 2012. The first one was anterior and lil from back too and was awful second one was all from rhe back and my cut is 7 inches so now I have no stomach muscles or back muscles. Wishing I would of done more research not sure if I would do the same thing over again. I have heard great things about art disks not sure if they would be a option for me now. Both fusions I had done in Sioux falls sd one from Neuro dr and second time I went to ortho since my bone wasn't growing. Took all my records to a new ortho dr in a near by town and he is now sending me to twin cities spinal center in MN. Praying I get some answers when I get their. I am to the point where I don't want another surgery and would like to just get something implanted for pain. I have a 8-6-4 year old and I am only 30 its really changed my life and I would love to have just even one day with no pain. Where r u located?
nirvanmusk
7 Aug 2013
I truly wish you the best in your quest for a healthier life. Hopefully you and your dr. can find an implant that will really decrease your pain. I live in Las Vegas, NV.
kaismama
5 Aug 2013
It doesn't have that side effect. If you haven't I'd see a dr. You could have something going on that is causing it.
nirvanmusk
5 Aug 2013
thanks Kaismama
nirvanmusk
13 Aug 2013
Hi Kaismama. I have a question for your on a somewhat different topic.
I am planning to go to school for a short career and study phlebotomy. I take medications for anxiety, depression, and chronic pain (buspar and ocassionally clonazepam, wellbutrin, and tramadol as needed). I have been taking these meds for years and have been employed for 14 years at my current job without a problem. My question is if the potential hospital/healthcare employer sees the medications that I take when they do the pre-employment drug screen, what are the chances they will shy away from hiring me because of my multiple medications. I am afraid I might not appear as a suitable healthcare employee because of the meds I take and the negative stigma that comes with them. Do you believe I would have any problems finding a phlebotomist job at a hospital/clinic given my meds.
I want to change careers but I am afraid of investing time and money that I barely have and then find out it is hard for me to find phlebotomy job. Since you worked for years in healthcare you probably know something about this. Thanks for your time and sorry for the long message.
Related topics
pain, back pain, sciatica, tramadol, chronic pain, knee, knee pain
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
