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Psychiatric shades of grey: mirtazapine-induced hair discoloration and hair loss

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2016

M. Osman  and
M. D. McCauley
M. Osman*
Affiliation:
St Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland
M. D. McCauley
Affiliation:
St Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr M. Osman, MBBS, MRCPsych, M.Sc., St Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland. (Email: mugtabasulman@yahoo.co.uk)
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Abstract

Introduction

Mirtazapine is indicated in the treatment of major depressive disorder particularly in selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors resistance. Its effect on hair loss is rare with no previous documented effect on hair colour.

Method

Review of relevant literature and description of a case report of a 54-year-old male patient who developed alopecia and hair discoloration after initiation of mirtazapine treatment.

Results

Upon cessation of mirtazapine treatment full restoration of hair colour and regrowth of hair was attained within 10 weeks.

Discussion

There was clear temporal relationship between experiencing hair loss and commencing mirtazapine treatment. No other more likely medical reason to explain such experience was established. A noticeable restoration of the hair colour occurred following mirtazapine cessation.

Conclusion

Mirtazapine is associated with hair discoloration and hair loss. The possibility of such distressing adverse effects needs to be conveyed to patients by clinicians and to be further explored by researchers.

Keywords

Adverse effectsalopeciadepressive disorderhair discolourationmirtazapine
Type
Case Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 33 , Issue 3 , September 2016 , pp. 175 - 178
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2016 

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