Citalopram-Associated Alopecia: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Citalopram-Associated Alopecia: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review. Curr Drug Saf. 2019 Feb 14;: Authors: Hekmatjah J, Tareen K, Tareen RS Abstract BACKGROUND: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatments for various psychiatric disorders. SSRIs offer improved side effect profile compared to older treatments, which improve patient adherence and quality of life. CASE REPORT: Here we discuss a case of an uncommon, but distressing side effect of citalopram. A 76-year old woman was referred to the psychiatry clinic for bizarre behavior. Patient was diagnosed with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, and was started on citalopram 20 mg and aripiprazole 5 mg daily. At 3.5 months the patient complained of diffuse hair thinning on her scalp. Citalopram was considered the offending agent and was discontinued. Within a few months, the patient regained most of her hair. Although drug induced alopecia is common among other SSRIs, it is relatively rare with citalopram. Early recognition, withdrawal of offending agent, and reassurance to the patient that hair loss is reversible can help alleviate patient distress and avoid relapse. PMID: 30767750 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Current Drug Safety - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Curr Drug Saf Source Type: research