Exploring the Question: Does Vyvanse Make Your Hair Fall Out?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While not a common side effect reported in initial clinical studies, post-marketing reports indicate that Vyvanse can make your hair fall out in some individuals. The hair thinning is often temporary and can be linked to other effects of the stimulant medication, such as stress and nutritional changes.

Quick Summary

Vyvanse can be associated with hair loss, often indirectly through stress, nutritional deficiencies, or sleep issues. This side effect is considered rare and is typically reversible upon dosage adjustment or discontinuation of the medication.

Key Points

Rare Side Effect: Hair loss associated with Vyvanse is not a common side effect reported in clinical trials, but it has been noted in post-marketing reports.
Indirect Mechanisms: Hair loss from Vyvanse is often not a direct drug effect, but an indirect consequence of other side effects like increased stress, appetite suppression leading to nutritional deficiencies, or sleep disturbances.
Telogen Effluvium: The specific type of hair loss is typically telogen effluvium, a reversible condition where stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase.
Reversible Condition: In most cases, hair growth will return to normal once the medication is stopped, the dosage is adjusted, or the underlying issues are managed.
Seek Medical Advice: If you experience significant hair shedding while on Vyvanse, consult a healthcare provider to explore potential causes and appropriate management strategies.

Can Vyvanse cause hair loss?

For some people, taking Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) can lead to a noticeable increase in hair shedding or thinning. While this is not a side effect reported as common in clinical trials, it has been observed in some patients since the medication became widely available. It is important to distinguish this from the more common forms of permanent hair loss, as the hair thinning associated with Vyvanse is typically reversible once the underlying issue is addressed. The precise reason for the link is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by indirect factors rather than direct damage to the hair follicles from the medication itself.

The role of telogen effluvium

The most common form of drug-induced hair loss is a condition known as telogen effluvium. Each hair follicle on the scalp goes through a growth cycle consisting of three phases: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. Normally, only about 10-15% of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time. However, a significant physical or psychological stressor can trigger a larger number of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely. The shedding then becomes noticeable about two to four months after the trigger event. As a central nervous system stimulant, Vyvanse can act as a trigger for this process in susceptible individuals, though the timing of hair loss can sometimes vary.

Key mechanisms connecting Vyvanse and hair loss

Several specific side effects of Vyvanse can act as potential stressors that lead to hair shedding. The mechanisms are complex and can vary from person to person.

Increased stress and cortisol levels: Stimulant medications are known to increase activity in the central nervous system, which can, in turn, increase the body's primary stress hormone, cortisol. High cortisol levels can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting phase and leading to increased shedding. Stress from adapting to new medication or managing underlying ADHD symptoms can also contribute.
Appetite suppression and nutritional deficiencies: A very common side effect of Vyvanse is a reduced appetite, which can lead to unintentional weight loss. If a person's food intake significantly decreases, they may not be getting enough essential nutrients required for healthy hair growth, such as iron, zinc, and biotin. This nutritional deficit can result in weaker hair shafts and greater shedding.
Sleep disturbances: Vyvanse is a long-acting stimulant, and taking it too late in the day can cause insomnia and disrupt sleep patterns. Lack of restorative sleep can increase overall stress and interfere with the body's repair mechanisms, including those that support healthy hair follicles.
Trichotillomania: In some rare cases, stimulant use has been linked to the onset or exacerbation of trichotillomania, a disorder involving the compulsive urge to pull one's own hair out. This is a distinct condition from telogen effluvium and requires different management.

Managing Vyvanse-related hair loss

If you believe your hair loss is linked to Vyvanse, the first and most important step is to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine the root cause and advise on the best course of action.

Here is a list of potential strategies for management:

Dosage adjustment: Your doctor may recommend a lower dose of Vyvanse to see if the hair shedding subsides.
Switching medication: If adjusting the dose doesn't help, your doctor might suggest switching to a different ADHD medication, such as a non-stimulant like atomoxetine.
Nutritional support: Address any potential deficiencies by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. Your doctor might also recommend supplements, such as biotin, iron, or zinc.
Stress management: Incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, or behavioral therapy, to help lower cortisol levels.
Improve sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent bedtime routine and avoid taking the medication late in the day to minimize sleep disturbances.

Comparison of ADHD medication side effects

Understanding the potential side effects of different ADHD medications can help inform discussions with your doctor. The table below provides a general comparison, though individual responses can vary.


Feature	Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)	Adderall (Amphetamine)	Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Potential for Hair Loss	Rare, typically indirect via stress/nutrients	Possible, potentially higher incidence reported	Possible, but less common; non-stimulant related
Mechanism of Hair Loss	Telogen effluvium via stress, nutrient deficiency	Telogen effluvium via stress, nutrient deficiency	Non-stimulant; mechanisms vary, can be linked to autoimmune factors
Effect on Appetite	Common side effect: appetite suppression	Common side effect: appetite suppression	Can cause appetite suppression but generally less pronounced
Effect on Sleep	Common side effect: insomnia	Common side effect: insomnia	Can cause insomnia; potential for sleepiness in some
Reversibility of Hair Loss	Typically reversible	Typically reversible	Typically reversible

Conclusion

Does Vyvanse make your hair fall out? While this side effect is not common, it is a possibility for some individuals. The most likely cause is a temporary disruption of the hair growth cycle, known as telogen effluvium, triggered by indirect factors like stress, nutritional changes, and sleep issues that are common stimulant side effects. This form of hair loss is almost always reversible once the medication is adjusted or discontinued. If you notice a significant increase in hair shedding, consulting with your doctor is the best course of action to identify the cause and develop a proper management plan. Never stop or change your medication dosage without first speaking to a qualified healthcare professional.

For more in-depth information on stimulant medication and its side effects, an authoritative resource can be found through the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair loss is considered a rare side effect of Vyvanse. While it was not reported in initial clinical studies, some people have experienced it after the drug became available for use.

The primary reason is believed to be an indirect effect, such as telogen effluvium triggered by medication-induced stress, nutritional deficiencies caused by appetite suppression, or sleep disturbances.

No, hair loss from Vyvanse is typically not permanent. It is usually a temporary condition that resolves once the medication is stopped or the dosage is adjusted.

Vyvanse-related hair loss is different from male or female pattern baldness. It is often a diffuse, temporary shedding associated with telogen effluvium, not permanent follicle damage.

You should first talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause, adjust your dosage, or discuss alternative treatments. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly.

If hair loss is linked to a nutritional deficiency from a suppressed appetite, your doctor might recommend a balanced diet and possibly supplements containing iron, zinc, or biotin. Always consult a doctor before starting new supplements.

The risk can vary. Some evidence suggests that other stimulants like Adderall might have a higher reported incidence of hair loss, but individual reactions differ. Comparing medications with your doctor can help find the best option for you.