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Most medications come with a pretty long list of potential adverse reactions. When a health professional prescribes a medicine, such as a beta blocker for the heart or high blood pressure, the chances are that she will focus on the drug complications that seem serious such as slow heart rate, insomnia, digestive distress, sexual difficulties or dizziness. Many doctors may consider a hair loss side effect as a minor problem. But for some people this is a very big deal. This reader shares her emotional distress.
A Hair Loss Side Effect Story:
Q. I am very upset about a side effect of beta blockers. These drugs are widely prescribed for blood pressure and other problems and a huge number of people are taking them. But they make our hair fall out! This is devastating for a woman.
I have appealed to my cardiologist to help me with this problem and she has offered to switch me from carvedilol (Coreg) to metoprolol (Toprol). If this doesn’t work, what’ll I do?
A. Beta blockers like atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol and propranolol can lead to hair loss. No one knows how common this complication is because it has not been considered a serious side effect (by researchers and doctors). Patients have a very different perspective!).
One reader reported her experience with a different beta blocker:
“I started drastically losing my hair soon after starting on atenolol. My doctor was reluctant to take me off of it since it was working so well in lowering my blood pressure. But there are many meds to take for hypertension, so don’t let your doctor keep you on any one medication if you are experiencing side effects that bother you.
“Hair loss from atenolol IS reversible. My hair grew back completely in less than six months. It’s taken me a few years of trial and error to find the drugs that work best for my blood pressure without side effects.”
Hair Loss Side Effect Research?
We have been disappointed with the amount and quality of the research into this issue. Most everyone knows that certain chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment cause baldness. Surprisingly little attention has been paid to hair thinning brought on by common medicines.
Dutch researchers have reported (Nederlands Tijdschrift Geneeskunde, May 8, 1999):
“Hairs are produced in hair follicles that have a cyclic activity. The cycles that normal hair follicles go through are the metabolically active anagen phase, the catagen transitional phase and the resting telogen phase. Loss of more than 120 hairs daily is called alopecia. Drugs typically cause a diffuse, reversible alopecia by influencing one of the cycles that hair follicles go through.”
Some of the medications discovered to cause alopecia (hair loss) by the Dutch researchers include:
- ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
- Anticancer chemo drugs
- Anticoagulants
- Antimalaria medicines
- ARBs for high blood pressure
- Beta Blockers
- Lithium carbonate
We are sending you our Guides to Blood Pressure Treatment and Hair and Nail Care so that you will know which common drugs cause hair loss.
Revised 5/18/18
Sally
I have been on Timolol for 2 years. A couple months after starting my hair started shedding a lot while in the shower. I had been eating healthy, then, during pandemic found out I needed to take it. I went from being in great shape and having the best hair of my life to now feeling like I have no bangs. It is not my imagination. It truly is devastating!!
The kicker is that they now have laser surgery to help with Glaucoma, which I had and to which I responded well, and the doctor did not change my meds dosage. So, why did I bother having the surgery? It also makes me exhausted and like doing nothing. My quality of life is lowered with this stupid medication!
Gina
I am taking name brand Bystolic 2.5mg once a day, and my hair is falling out. I am on it for high heart rate caused by several heart arrhythmias, so I can’t stop taking it. Had I known this before starting Bystolic I would not be taking it. I am in tears daily because of it. I was told I now have alopecia caused by taking the beta blocker. I am having to get a wig😢
Diane
A cardiologist I was sent to by my Dr. put me on Atenolol. I was on Atenolol starting January of 2019. I didn’t really take them every day. I’m bad about that. Really only took them when my heart would act up–beating fast or anxiety attack. Didn’t notice hair loss.
In March of 2019 I was switched to Propranolol by my doctor. 20mg 3x daily. I took these as directed every day. My hair was past shoulder length. By June of 2019 I noticed it coming out. I had gone to my doctor for something else so I also mentioned it. They kinda just shrugged it off. My oldest son went into the hospital in Dallas end of August. Lg. B Cell Lymphoma. I thought the stress of knowing he was terminal was why my hair started really coming out.
Anyway my son surprised me and sent me for a cut and to nail salon. I had it cut short–a cute hair style. I was thinking maybe the long hair needed to be cut. Anyway after my son passed in October 💔 my hair was still coming out, and I was still taking the propranolol. Dr cut me down to 2x day 20 mg. After I started looking up beta blockers, I am weening off them–am down to one until I can get back to my doctor and see if this helps. Also I have such extremely dry skin when I shake my night gown skin flakes fall every where. Horrible. So idk if this is causing my skin to dry out so bad.
Any ideas why my skin flaking off every day?? I take vitamins like zinc, D, B12, I don’t know if it’s the propranolol or not.
Carlotta
Am taking 80 mg of Propanolol for essential tremors. Losing lots of hair strands. Any suggestions for what shampoos or treatments to stop the loss? Anyone else taking something for ET?
Diane
I am 55 years old and have been taking a very low dose of metoprolol tartrate, varying 12.5mg to 25mg 2x/day for the past 7 months. A few months ago I told my doctor I was losing hair, and it seemed like the first time he heard of this. He switched me to bisoprolol, with no change in hair loss. Vitamins/topicals/shampoos weren’t working, and I had chest pain with Rogaine.
On a follow-up visit I complained of breathing problems on higher doses of the med and said that 50% of my hair was lost. He immediately took me off it and said this isn’t what medication is supposed to do. It was hurting me. I’m not a risk to where he doesn’t feel comfortable trying this route (my heart is scarred as a result of trauma, but I’m stable). We are going to meet again in 2 months.
This week, for hair growth, I started kefir (antioxidant), collagen powder, peppermint/rosemary oil topical, lots of water, Omega 3. I’ll still take biotin, vit D supplements. I will update the group on my progress. Don’t give up, and find a doctor who cares.
Violet
I have been taking Metoprolol Tartrate for almost 15 years. I have increased my dose during the past two years from 25 mg twice a day to 50 mg twice daily. For the past three months my hair has been falling out. It devastating. I don’t know what to do.
Maxine
Queensland
I am taking metoprolol for SVT at a very low dose 20mg a day and after 18 mths my hair is very very thin. My cardiologist will not accept that it is a result of taking this medication and tells me nothing else will work as well. Perhaps taking a supplement to stimulate thyroid function may help. An article on any research would be greatly appreciated as the condition is sole destroying.
Carole
Sydney NSW
I was on propranolol for quite a few years. I ceased in April 2017 and discovered that it had been the cause of my hair loss. In Feb 2018 I went on to a very low dose of metoprolol, and at beginning of July started shedding hair. Last week I ceased metoprolol. I would like to know if there is an alternative medication.
My blood pressure is currently low but I have Atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal) and Essential Tremor. I take Avapro, spironolactone, 20mg Lasix, Xarelto. Lipitor keeps my cholesterol in the acceptable range. I take Cymbalta for chronic pain and depression. A thyroidectomy due to cancer means that I take thyroxine, Calcitriol and Caltrate daily. Breast cancer with radiation therapy and fibromyalgia means I take magnesium for my bones and muscles. I use 1 or 2 Panadeine Forte tablets daily if I need to. Cetrizine is the usual antihistamine – I have allergies to moulds, dust, grasses, ad nauseum.
Rosemarie
Illinois
Why would Lisinopril kill people????? I have started to take it.
Sandie
Hamburg, NY
It seems that there are so many possible issues and side-effects with various medications that it’s a complete roll of the dice whether anything will work without causing problems. Today I was expecting my cardiologist to want to increase the Lisinopril dose, or the Diltiazem, because, by my observation, they aren’t doing a whole lot. But no, we will continue at the present dose.
Hair loss? He thought that was mostly with beta blockers. I don’t know if even a major heart center would be of much help, but that could be a resource, although I learned while I was hospitalized in early March that the matter of the correct medication is a guessing game, something I had never known before!
Katherine
Greensboro NC
Synthroid and its generics also cause hair loss!
Terry Graedon
It’s very difficult to tell if is is the medication or the underlying thyroid condition causing the hair loss. If the dose is correct, thyroid hormone is not supposed to cause hair loss.
Carlton S.
Studies have shown that the beta-blocker metoprolol increases insulin resistance – doesn’t everyone want help with becoming type 2 and or type 3 diabetic? Other beta-blockers (coregg) can increase insulin sensitivity.
Terry Graedon
Here’s the research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16230261
Betty
Beta blockers block adrenalin receptors to get their intended effect of reducing heart stimulation to allow a slower heart rate. BUT, they also block cell thyroid hormone receptors AND disrupt the conversion of T3 to T4. T3 is the active thyroid hormone form, which not only gives you your metabolism it also ensures hair, skin, and nail growth. Sadly, these unintended effects are why patients on beta blockers both gain weight and lose hair.
Donna
I have very high BP, and 2 1/2 years ago my doctors started increasing my medication. I was on Losartan 25 mg. in AM and 25 mg. in PM, plus 1/2 HCTZ in AM. They started “experimenting” with atenolol, metropolol, amlodepine and clonidine. The side effects were unbelievable! Hot flashes, migraines, groggy for hours, dizzy, short term memory loss, weakness, and I believe hair loss. Since there was no success, my doctor allowed me to cut back to just the Losartan and HCTZ. All the side effects went away! But the hair loss was in full swing. I have no idea when or if it will ever stop but it is now down to a super thin look. This means I must always wear a wig, scarves, and hats.
In December, I was advised to increase my biotin from 4,000 mcg. to 10,000 mcg. Within two months new growth began to show all over my head. So here we are in May, and I am still shedding like crazy each and every day but also can feel the new growth. (Perhaps the new growth is pushing out the older hair.) Whether the new growth will stay or fall out also, I do not know. But it calms me down to know there is a chance I will not be completely bald. My hair grows very slow so this process has a long way to go.
Psychologically, this has been a difficult road to travel. My family and friends love my wigs and hats, and I try not to make a big deal out of it. At home, however, I have had many a hysterical moment and still dislike washing my hair and seeing the results of the hair loss. But hope springs eternal, and I pray that the new growth continues. Apparently people have known about the advantages of taking the higher dose of biotin for some time. Go to Amazon and look up Biotin and the reviews.
My prayers go out to each and every one of you. I know the path you are on and hope it helps you to know you are not alone.
Gin
ABQ, NM
I took Atenolol for years because the doctors thought it worked best for HBP and Afib. My doctor just blew me off about the hair loss. I lost eyebrows, most lashes, legs & arms, even under arms as well as hair loss on my head, which never grew back. Upon a referral to an Endocrinologist when I mentioned having taken Atenolol and that the doctor refused to accept hair loss caused by this drug, he started laughing and replied, “I know it does as I took for for 2 years, and it caused me to lose hair.”
Recently, when I was reading some research by a drug company about hearing loss due to loss of the small hairs in the ear, a light bulb went off because I am now hearing impaired to the degree of using hearing aids. I began to lose my hearing after I took the Atenolol for several years. I am wondering if that was a causative factor. Confound these drugs and their side effects and doctors who refuse to listen to the patient.
Terry
Ohio
Please consider an article on thyroid medicine causing hair loss. Thank you. :)
Jane
The “cures” are often worse than the disease these days. Doesn’t seem to bother the FDA. My inhaler makes me permanently hoarse so talking is almost impossible. Doc took me off Lisinopril because it kills people. That’s nice. I give up.
Colin
Los Angeles
It really is a guessing game with these BP meds. With Lisinopril, I was coughing my head off. With Metoprolol, a beta blocker, I loved the effect but I was constantly tired and short of breath. Now they are trying Losartan, so we will see why that isn’t good for you either.
Gary
Ovilla, TX
I guess I’m lucky. I have been on Atenolol for more than 15 years. Have had little or no hair loss, and I take 100 mg per day. To me it’s a miracle drug, keeping my blood pressure low.
aronna
why doesn’t ANYONE know a medication for hypertension that DOESN’T cause your hair to come out in gobs? This is crazy …..
Ruth
One tablet (2,500) of Vitamin B12 from the grocery store stopped my beta-blocker and eyedrops-caused hair loss in one week. Kept on taking it; my hair grew back in several months.
Ruth
Clarification on Vitamin B12: I meant, one tablet per day, not a single tablet on one day!
Amystery
Same here and also stopped canker sore formation in my mouth.
Annemarie
West Sussex
I can’t understand why doctors don’t tell people about hair loss and beta blockers. My doctor didn’t even mention the possibility when I consulted her about it, but so much about it when I checked the internet after seing a newspaper article. I changed to losartan and a year later am no longer having such a miserable experience every time I wash my hair. It was so depressing !! I became obsessed with looking at other people’s hair. I recently saw my cardiologist and she didn’t bat an eyelid when I said beta blockers had caused hairloss. They DO know !!!
Christine
Merseyside
I am absolutely furious with the nurses and doctors treating my heart failure, and high blood pressure, and with the pharmaceutical companies who make all these blood pressure drugs and beta blockers. How dare they not tell patients of the likelihood of dramatic hair loss with these treatments! I am devastated that my already fine hair is falling out rapidly. I am on Furosemide, Candesartin Cilextil and Procoralan (Ivabradine).
My plan is to start taking natural diuretics, and aim to get off these drugs as quickly as possible. It’s too depressing for words to lose one’s hair. This is NOT age-related. My sympathy to all the others on this website who are clearly equally upset about this extremely undesirable side effect.
David
Amarillo
Have been on five different blood pressure medicines the last eight months and ALL of them are causing my hair to shed like snow flakes falling when I shampoo in the mornings. There have been NO OTHER CHANGES in my life, and I have NO DOUBT it is the BP medications.
Janice
I’m taking a low dose of carvedilol 3.125 mg 2 times a day. I asked my doctor if it would cause hair loss and he said he didn’t think so. This is Beta Blocker. I took Atenolol about 12 years ago and lost over half my hair. I am really worried that it will. Has anyone experienced hair loss with this drug ?
A. P. B.
OH
I’ve been taking metoprolol succinate – 50mg/day for about 6 months, and my hair is thinning. I’ve always had very thick hair, so this is very disturbing. I will talk to my cardiologist to see if there is an alternative medicine. I still work full time and this is distressing.
Caye
Texas
I have been taking metoprolol succinate – 50mg/day x 2 for about 6 months…..in addition to lisiniprol x 3. I never had any problems with the lisinprol but since I’ve started taking the metoprolol…….geez…..nothing but problems. (However….it does keep my BP normal). I’m losing my thick hair……I’m short of breath when climbing stairs, I feel lazy (I used to go to the gym 3-5 times a week) I’ve gained 6 lbs. (which is a lot on a 5’3 frame). I told my cardiologist that I wanted to get off of this beta blocker….she wanted me to have a cardiac cath to make sure there was no blockage in my heart. Had it done yesterday……there is a very slight blockage….but nothing to worry about. All my problems are side effects from this drug….I’m sure of it. I can’t tell you how miserable I’ve been on this drug……my hair comes out in globs. There HAS to be another drug that will work instead of a beta blocker………..These side affects are devastating!
Judy
Burbank
Yes my hair loss is very noticeable since I started with Carvedilol in July, 2017. When I shower I have to clear the drain of my hair so the tub can empty.
Ethel
Az
Same with me! Need to find different drug. My thick hair is going rapidly.
Peggy
CA
I started taking a low dose of carvedilol 6 months ago, and my hair is falling out. I only recently made the connection.
Andrea
USA
I’ve been taking Coreg TR and Lisinopril for several years and have been experiencing rather severe hairloss on my scalp during that time. My identical twin sister has experienced NO hairloss at all, so I think that it must be these two meds that I take rather than just age and genetics.
Michael
CT
My ENT had me take a beta blocker (Singleair) for a post-nasal drip cough that was going on for months – I took it off and on for a couple months only to notice my hair coming out a lot in the shower.
My skin doc said I would probably experience shedding for up to 8 months. I started B vitamins which seemed to stop it from getting worse toward the end, but there are two noticeably thinned areas at the crown – and the doc says there has been a certain amount of global thinning at the top, which makes getting my hair wet in the shower a heart-breaking experience.
I tried Rogain to no real effect while the shedding was ongoing – very hard to gauge any progress in areas that you can’t really see in the bathroom mirror. Trying Propecia again – suffered from headaches and insomnia the first time around, but taking with the morning meal instead of later.
The skin doc says that in some cases, there is regrowth close to a year after the 8 month period the betablocker is in one’s system…. has anyone had that experience?
Vicky
After reading all your thoughts I never knew the outcome of using beta blockers and never knew it would occur hair loss but all I can say is the positive outcome I’ve had my hair is fuller longer and looking a lot more healhly since using beta blockers since alot of stress in my personal life were then my hair was very thin and falling out,
Vicky
liverpool
Since been on beta blockers around 5 month ago I have found my blond hair to become very strong and thick and looking very healthy and growing quite long. before been on these i had very thin hair and was sufferng a lot of stress due to relaionship problem and very surprised in the growth of my hair and how healthy it looks.
Michele
Indiana
Which medication were are you on. I am on Lisiniprol and my hair growth has slowed a lot?
Melissa
Essex
I have never had thick hair and it is dead straight, but since the menopause about 15 years ago it does seem to be a bit thinner. Whether it was also because of medication I was taking at the time I don’t know. I’ve had migraine for 56 years since I was 10 and also have chronic daily headache, so I don’t know what it’s like to wake up without a headache. I have had countless medications in that time and for some periods wasn’t taking anything at all, because I had the migraines whether on medication or not! However they got so bad that I was getting a migraine lasting 2-3 days every weekend and vomiting two days running each time, taking a few days to recover so feeling unwell for about 4-5 days a week, most weeks.
I was referred to a neurologist at a hospital in London who put me on propranolol, which I’d had in a low dose for a couple of years a few years previously. It helps with anxiety which can also help migraines apparently. However, he said the dose was far too low and I had to increase it by 10mg every two weeks until I was on 60mg twice a day! So I am now on 120mg a day. The migraines have got much better as I haven’t had a full blown attack for about a year and when I have had them, apart from on one occasion, I have not been sick. I still get the daily headache though. I suffer with insomnia and never sleep through the night, sometimes taking hours to fall asleep and then waking several times during the night.
I always had lovely long dark eyelashes since childhood, but over the last few years they have deteriorated, which I put down to the menopause. They are far shorter than they used to be and much sparser, and also I have a few almost bare patches. I mentioned the possibility of hair loss due to propranolol to the neurologist, but he shrugged it off and made me think it was unlikely or if at all, insignificant. I am thinking of gradually cutting them down, but am worried about the migraines returning to their previous intensity.
I am on a lot of medication due to migraine, hiatus hernia and IBS. They are propranolol, frovatriptan (which I take if I feel a migraine starting), mebeverine, lansoprazole, Buscopan.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Lynn G.
Illinois
Since being diagnosed with very high blood pressure (bp) in 1999, I’ve had a difficult time finding a bp medication that doesn’t give me intolerable side effects and/or lowers the bp to an acceptable level. I have been on all the different classes of bp meds and have been on Carvedilol, a beta blocker (25 twice daily) since 2011.
However, in the last few months my upper bp number has been in the high 150’s to low 160’s. Although on the highest recommended dose, my doctor had me try 25 three times daily which resulted in intolerable side effects. Then tried 2 1/2 daily (although the pill should not be split) but it still didn’t lower bp enough. Also, since being on Carvedilol I’ve noticed considerable hair thinning, low platelet count, double vision in one eye, worse tinnitus, joint pain, and crusty scalp.
My doctor doesn’t think these symptoms are from Carvedilol and was attributing them to aging (I’m in my 60’s). I told her I thought it awfully coincidental that all these symptoms have developed while being on Carvedilol and want to get off a beta blocker. I’ve also become a blood “clumper” in the last two years but the hematologist doesn’t think it’s from the beta blocker (?).
She is not happy with me since we’ve tried so many other bp meds (Carvedilol is the 12th) but I finally convinced her to get me off it. I am currently weaning off Carvedilol and she had me add one low dose Amlodipine Besylate (a calcium channel blocker) while doing so. But I’ve tried a calcium channel blocker in the past and got leg, foot, ankle, and shoulder flu like aches. Well, we will see how this works. My doctor is practically at a loss for what else to do and may refer me to a cardiologist. ALL that being said, is anyone else having a difficult time finding a bp medication that lowers it enough without intolerable side effects?
Joan
Cheshire
Have you tried changing from the PPI your taking to perhaps Zantac or similar? I was losing my hair and thought it was the Beta Blocker but found out it was the stomach tablet. Might be worth while investigating. Good Luck
Denise
ST CHARLES, MO
Hi Joan,
May I ask which ppi caused your hair to fall out? That is a theory for me I haven’t considered. A year ago, my doc switched me to Rabetraprozole, or something like that.
Norma
Ohio
I have been on 9 different BP meds. Some do lower my numbers but all have caused side effects. I am very sensitive to prescription meds. Hair loss is one of the main culprits. I am tired of doctors brushing it off. Don’t understand why the pharmaceutical companies can’t own up to these side effects and do something about it. There has to be something that can be done. It is obvious that many people suffer from hair loss and others symptoms. If I don’t take a beta blocker, I experience tachycardia really bad and cannot function well. Can’t afford to use natural compounds (insurances don’t cover them). It’s a catch 22 situation that I find intolerable. How exasperating!
Christine
Hi Norma. I am equally upset at doctor’s attitudes that we should be prepared to put up with hair loss, because it’s inevitable on these drugs. It’s unbelievably upsetting to discover this is a possible side effect only after it has set in. My hair started observably falling out last week, but no one had warned me it might happen, and there’s nothing in the drug leaflets listing this horrible side effect. For someone who lost all their hair 20 years ago through chemotherapy, this was an awful revisiting of a very traumatic event. How dare they minimise this important issue?
aronna
Texas
carvedilol does cause hair loss and amolodipine causes feet swelling for me at least.
Sheila
Nevada
I will be 75 in a few months so I think doctors just assume my hair loss is age-related. I started on Metoprolol 25mg twice a day for high blood pressure with palpitations about two years ago and noticed hair loss but I was under a lot of stress so ignored it. I had been taking Benicar 40mg for several years with no apparent side effects. Over the past few months the hair loss has greatly increased. Since I started with a thick head of hair it took a while before I noticed how much I had actually lost. Now it’s very, very thin and panic has begun to set in. My thyroid has been checked and it is normal. I don’t want to just accept that it’s age and nothing can be done until I’ve ruled out other possibilities. Anyone have a similar situation? Any suggestions?
A. P. B.
I take metoprolol as well. My once thick hair is thinning, and I am worried how far it will go. Does anyone know of another beta blocker that does not have this side effect?
Elene1
halesite
I have been on propanol or whatever you want to call this drug that helped me with migraines but my long thick hair is now unto my shoulders and falling out. i am definitely coming off this! my hair is course and lifeless started sibu vitamins and sugar bear vitamins to try to help!!!!!!
Caldonia5
New Jersey
Hello unknown friend! I am overwhelmed by my entire life presently. I’ve been on the web for 16 hours…I’m quiet but since absolutely everything is wrong, I had to try writing. BTW, reading hundreds of books, writing tons of cards/letters since age 8, working as the best transcription analyst (computer work for major book publishing co. w/ nothing but H.S. diploma–big family; poor; smart; DRAMA, etc.), “it’s been real.”
Had a tough, fun, blessed life. I chose to write you: first, you’re 75 years young! But I’m 58 years OLD. My health/appearance is very bad. Had friends, boyfriends, husband (no kids)! I’m literally all alone. I now know my B.B.’s making me bald! Keep on keeping on–wish I had a suggestion but I’m housebound, no access to healthcare or transportation, and live in my wealthy husband’s “sick house”…honest.
Ma’am, your age isn’t the problem. So, don’t accept that please. There’s an answer for you. No matter your religious beliefs, MY only gift I can give you, and everyone on this forum, is my sincere prayers. I would also request that at least 1 person would pray for me. Not to preach (‘though I am!) I pray every day and night…of course, I’m a mixed bag w/ anger, bitterness, sadness and all. Aren’t we all human?! I miss my deceased parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and my brother-in-law who died of 2 staph infections at age 50, ten yrs. ago. That hospital soon thereafter shut down.
My husband developed a strong interest in collecting Nazi items about 8 yrs. ago. For many reasons I called the cops on him a few times…that’s why he left me 4 yrs. ago & filed for divorce (he doesn’t want a criminal record). Believe it or not, we’re still married! He has an attorney, and has had 2, costing his 89-yr.-old mother about $2,000 a month for 4 yrs.
They all say I can’t afford one…including his attorney. His previous attorney, who charged even more $, was “fired” by my husband a yr. ago. That first lawyer sent me a letter saying I should get my own lawyer, which I did…I know VERY LITTLE about legal issues. Well, I did get one but she did nothing to help me–not much.
I was promised that my husband’s “team” would pay for my legal help. NO DICE. To this day, I get a monthly invoice from her. Get this corrupted stuff: I “owe” her over $11,000, and she keeps adding interest each month! I no longer have a bank acct., his current attorney wants me to get yet another lawyer (since I’m about $30,000 in debt–bankrupt…) I haven’t had a grocery shopping trip in roughly 10 WEEKS. I order crummy take-out food and try to keep it down. My husband was in this run-down, mold-infested, mice-droppings (TONS) hovel for 3 minutes yesterday. Only one horrid bathroom w/ broken sink since Oct. Holocaust —- On and on–yikes.
So sorry for all this. I just don’t know why this is happening to me. He’s had everything bought for him, done for him–everything brand-new. SO TRULY SORRY, EVERYONE, for not being of good cheer. I know how much suffering is out there and I tried (and believed succeeded so often) to make others feel and be better. Lastly, it’s taken me forever to type this as I can no longer keep up w/ technology. I used to “do it all” and that’s why this is devastating. I had 2 totally different computers for my jobs. The one I had for R.R. Donnelley & Sons was actually much harder than the ones today (extremely complicated, so it was like having to have 500 brains and think backwards).
I worked for Dun & Bradstreet for 4 yrs., keypunching, waitressing, baking pies for a diner, was a hostess, 3 cashier jobs, shipping dept. work, so–I’d think I’m not lazy. Also moved 13 times and commuted out of state for 10 yrs. each weekend to see my future husband (in used cars) before marrying…and IT WAS ONLY BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONLY MAN I EVER LOVED–it was not for money, I swear. Anyway… I now “hunt and peck” on this laptop. I hate it…everything takes forever.
May God bless you ALL, and the medical/balding issues. Thanks for reading this.
Sheila
Nevada
To Caldonia5: Sorry for the delayed reply but I haven’t been on-site for a coupe months. I hope during this time life has improved for you. Stress can definitely affect hair growth, especially what you describe. I will say a prayer for you and also encourage you to try and let go of the disappointment and anger caused by others. At 58 years you should be feeling stronger and in touch with the true you. That is the only person that can bring peace and comfort at this point in your life. Work on somehow getting out of the house, even if it’s only for a short walk. There are so many different support groups out there that can at least give you someone to talk and share with. The answer for you is not the computer and blogs. That’s not real life. I wish you well.
Teri B
OH
I thought this was about hair loss?
Ann
New Jersey
I am currently taking Lisiniprol and have been taking this for years. Not only do I suffer from alooecia, I am now beginning to loose ALL of my hair. Went to my hair stylist today and even she was schocked. The first thing that she said to me was “Are you on Blood Pressure medicine? Not only am I on this medicine, but I really don’t have high blood pressure. The Dr. states that he keeps me on this for my kidneys.
Something is wrong here. Is there anyone looking into this (FDA)?
SWhite
Ny
Has anyone seen any change in their hair growth and thinning afer stopping the meds with beta blocker?
Ann
Huntsville, Al
Beta Blockers will absolutely thin your hair.. I was on Atenalol then doctor switched me to Nadalol this was from 1999 to 2007.. my hair thinned but I was also going through a rough period in my life so did not give it much thought.. I stopped taking all blood pressure meds for the next 7 years and my hair became thick and beautiful.. unfortunately in April 2016 the medical profession got their hands on me again and I’m on metoptolol (another beta-blacker) my hair is thinning now.. Since I now know the problem, it’s time once again to go another round with the doctor…who I view as a necessary evil.. Please stay vigil people as they treat you with their “business as usual” attitude.
A. P. Brown
Thank you, Ann, for you input.
Nancy
Michigan
I have been taking Metoprolol for heart palpitations for 6 months and noticed hair loss as well. I have been off of the meds for one month and my hair is still shedding. My cardiologist said that it’s not a side effect, but I call the FDA and reported the numerous posting regarding beta blockers and told them that it should be on the list of side effects near the top so that we have an option when taking these drugs. I don’t know if there is any other medication for these palpitations, but for right now I am just putting up with them. I had beautiful thick hair, my pride and glory and now it is thin and lifeless. Hopefully, I will see some regrowth soon.
Wes in Honolulu
Honolulu
WOW !!! Beta Blockers help you in one way, then take away your precious hair!
Berlene
Raleigh 27612
I take Metoprolol and Amlodipine for blood pressure and am loosing lots of hair daily. I am using Rograin and growing a little fuzz that keeps my scalp from shining! Please tell me what can be done?
anne
scotand
I’ve been on propanlol for nearly 4 years for panic attics. I reduced to one a day..40mg. Now my hair has. Thinked so much Left me a bald patch at temple. Always had a fringe but does not cover. Going to docs next week. Good luck to all. Am just a small blonde with baby hair.
anne
Correction: should have said “thinned.”
Don
She did this on a smart phone and bumped the suggested word. I do it a lot. A stylus is $25 for this phone. A finger and focus is cheaper, and I still bump and miss words that shouldn’t be there.
Susan
My husband ignored his high blood pressure for years – but still had a full head of hair. He’s taken Lisinopril for a few year and he’s losing his hair, but I’ll take a balding husband over a dead or disabled one any day.
That said, I don’t want to minimize how hair loss and other unpleasant side effects of medications affect people. After reading all these notes, it’s obvious that many people are distressed over this side effect, and angry they weren’t informed about it. And who can blame them?
Whoever regulates those lists of side effects caused by medications (FDA?) has a clear obligation to include hair loss and all other side effects on those listings the pharmacies attach to our prescriptions.
And while we’re on the subject, why can’t the pharmaceutical industry develop a BP medication that won’t cause hair loss? Maybe it’s not profitable enough for them? When they do produce that medication, be prepared to pay big-time, out of pocket prices for it. Be well.
Rome
Florida
OMG, I have 10mg propranolol for months and I, too, started seeing thin hair in front hairline. I’m only 26 and need help.
Johnny
Pennsylvania
My doctor put me on Atenolol for hbp after other medications caused side effects (lisinopril made me cough and amlodipine made my legs swell). I honestly can’t remember how long after I started atenolol that my hair started to shed excessively. I went to a dermatologist and after a scalp biopsy, it was determined that the cause was androgenic alopecia commonly known as male, or in my case, female pattern baldness (miniaturization of the hair follicles). She also said it was probably age-related and genetics. I believed her and kept taking my medication never realizing that the alopecia may have been caused by my taking the atenolol.
I was surfing the web for a solution to my problem when I read that beta blockers could cause hair loss. Has anybody had this experience? Also, I’ve lost most of my pubic hair and a great deal of the hair under my arms. My eyebrows are still quite thick and hasn’t been affected at all. I am currently on nefedipine, hctz, atorvastatin, and metformin.
Jeri
Charleston WV
My hair shedding stopped when after much research and experimentation I quit the hctz for good and titrated down veeeery gradually the metoprolol extended release from 50 to 25 mg a day. I drink hibiscus tea as a natural diuretic. Ginger root tea from fresh root also works well as a diuretic for me.
Matt M.
Fl.
I’ve also had the same side effect, head hair loss and body hair loss.
Britt
Ga
I been on a beta blocker for two months and my hair has thinned tremendously
Britt
Columbia
Lebetalol took my hair out in 2 months.
Sherry
Canada
I am so damn angry, I can barely type this post. I’m on bisoprolol and clopidogrel, both high blood pressure pills, when I don’t even have high blood pressure! My hair is falling out like crazy! I’m only 42 and have beautiful long blonde hair. I feel like I’ll be bald very soon if this loss doesn’t stop. I’ve only been on these pills for a few months. The stress and worry this hair loss is causing me, is worrisome in itself. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow and letting him know I’m all done with high blood pressure pills. No drug is going to make me lose my hair and I’m angry that these doctors prescribe these pills without even telling me the risks or side effects. How dare they!
Thor
Good for you! I don’t even know you and I am proud of you and your decision.
Victoria-25
New York
I was taking atenolol 25mg and then 50mg for migraines. It was not only not working for me but I suffered from severe hair loss from it. I went to a dermatologist about it and they stated that all beta blocker medications can cause hair loss and that I was to keep away from them.. and that I was to just do rogain for the rest of my life pretty much inorder to get the growth back. (I am waiting a year to hope-and to see if it will start to come back on its own, so I know if it was the medication causeing the hair loss). I am now on Topamax 150mg and migraine free and side-effect free.
Michelle
US
Topamax can cause hair loss too. There is an extended release version called Trokendi which may have lower side effects. Use the lowest effective dose, split the dose AM/PM if you take regular release. If you have bad side effects get the brand name Topamax, my daughter had awful side effects with the generic, stomach pain, etc. MUCH better on the brand. it is expensive, but she feels better. Top hair dermatologist in NYC said he has seen many patients with hair loss from Topamax. Unfortunately all preventatives for migraine seem to be on the “causes hair loss” list, including botox….
Patsy
Mississippi
My hair started thinning when my Toprol dosage was doubled. I also take Lisinopril. I have a Boston Scientific defibrillator because of VT and was shocked. BUT I had taken Naproxen 1 hour before the shock. That is why my doctor doubled the dosage on Toprol.
One doctor added Synthroid to my medications. Within 2 days my hair was coming out in the shower by the handsfull. So, I stopped the Synthroid, and my hair thickened back up. The beta blockers slow your thyroid down. Now I am gaining weight, and my hair is thinning again. I may cut back on the Toprol. I started taking Niacin thinking it may thicken my hair back up, plus I just started taking B12, and Vitamin D as I am deficient. The meds make me vitamin deficient, and I stay tired. I do not understand why doctors do not work together on these things.
kathy
south dakota
I have recently stopped taking metoprolol and I am taking cardizem- but the generic one diltiazem but it has only been a week, however, I still am losing hair. What or how long does it take before it stops falling out. The cardiologist said it would take 3 to 6 months for the hair to start growing back. Also I had a mitral valve replacement (St. Jude) on April 27, 2015 so I do take warfarin too. Please give me advise, I am too young to be so thin haired.
Melissa
Oklahoma city
I too have had hair loss all over my head. I was taking lisinopril and Coreg. Google medications that cause hair loss…lisinopril is listed. My doc said it would be OK to stop taking it and see if that helps. It’s only been a few days and I can’t tell any difference yet but I hope it works. I feel your pain and wish you all the best. Keep trying and don’t give up.
liza
I was on propranolol for 3 years and realized in June that my hair was starting to fall out and become thin and super coarse. I stopped my meds right away (as directed by my doc) and it’s still coming out. I’m not seeing any regrowth. I feel like i can see my scalp more than normal! Help! I asked my doc about it the other day and he said no way is that a side effect. After reading this thread I beg to differ!!! All he offered me as help was to use biotin. UGH. It’s been 3 months now. Wondering how long this will last???
It’s so upsetting. I’m using hair, skin, and nails vitamins in hopes to cause some regrowth to start as I’m only 32! =(
kourtnie
nm
I am in the SAME BOAT!!! I’m 29 been on Propranolol for 3 years, going to the dr soon about it. Im Sick of my hair falling out, it has never been this thin in my LIFE. Since this post, have things gotten any better? I read that it could take 6 months to a year for you to notice regrowth, so if not, don’t be discouraged. =)
Liza
My shedding has decreased to a more normal range I think! No regrowth noticeable yet though which is super depressing. Ugh I hate my hair wet. Feels so thin. Hubby doesn’t notice. But it’s hard to wear it up since the sides are getting thin and I have dark hair :/ hoping to see new growth soon. Good luck to you!!
Mavis
California
I use Jason Elixer once a day for hair growth (buy in a health food store), plus I take Biotin once a day. It takes about 6 mos. for new hair growth. I took carvedilol & Lisinopril for CHF & stopped both because my hair was falling out. Its been a week now, & I think I see less hair loss when I shampoo or brush my hair.
Britt
Any update?
Liza
My shedding stopped after 6 months back in December. But I’ve noticed it picked up again a few weeks ago. :( no regrowth from before noticed. My hair is getting thin!! I’m so discouraged.
Michelle
LIZA – try D, biotin, SELENIUM (centrum silver is often recommended), folinic acid (not folic acid), B6 (P5P type), B12 (adeno or hyrdoxy). Also get your hands on a collagen supplement. Or make bone broth and have soup every day with the natural gelatin from the bones. Exercise helps everything, circulation, etc. HAVE YOUR FERRITIN TESTED. If you Ferritin is below 40, you will have hair loss…numbers in the 20’s not good regardless if in the “normal zone” on a blood test. You may have to get to 70 on Ferritin to get regrowth. Shedding should slow at 40+. Try ProFerrin ES, and maybe bovine colostrum which has lactoferrin (but do not take a synthetic Lactoferrin supplement as these are usually apo-lactoferrin and have no iron and deplete it). Who knows maybe the blood pressure med lowered your iron levels, a lot of meds affect vitamin/mineral absorption.
biox
chester
Taurine and Theanine lowers blood pressure very good.Gaba is more then effective. You can try all a time.helps against anxiety and a lot off things. Taurine from holland&barrett theanine from naturesbest gaba from now foods worked best for me they are gluten free for real.
sherree
Los Angeles, CA
I am a 72 year old female, and I’m convinced that my meds, (all prescribed to me POST a minor heart attack) but more specifically: ATENOLOL, are causing my SEVERE hair loss. This is very demoralizing. Aging is hard enough on one’s ego and self esteem, but hair loss for women is devastating. In addition to daily, 50 mg. ATENOLOL
I take: ISOSORBIDE, DN 10 mg., 2x day;
RANEXA, 500 mg., 2x day;
CYMBALTA, 60mg. 1x day
ATORVASTATIN 40mg. 1x day, However, due to leg cramps, I will simply skip days
I will be making an appointment with a different cardiologist in order to get a second opinion regarding this devastating hair loss, side effect. I appreciate any input regarding the meds and hair loss.
Paulette
California
I took Metoprolol 25 mg for 7 – 8 years, I noticed my hair is getting thinner, but never thought was drug side effect until I found out from Internet. I lost almost 30% of my hair, now I switched my medication and hoping my hair will come back soon.
Sandra
Tennessee
My hair started disappearing 3 months after taking metoprolol tartrate 25 mgs twice a day to control blood pressure and heart rate. My mother and brother have are now taking the same medicine, same dosage. I have notice that their thick hair is now thinning at an alarming rate. I guessed it was the meds that caused my hair to come out, now I KNOW its the metoprolol!
Lyadonna
Mississippi USA
after taking Metoprolol Tartrate 50mg twice a day for only 16 days, my thick hair is gone! it just falls out at an unreal rate everyday! I have been so depressed about it. I literally have stringy hair now that I can’t even touch…..because it comes out. Can’t brush it or use a wide comb…it comes out. can’t wash it or dry it….it comes out. I’m not taking that medicine anymore! I will call a new doctor Monday morning. I am so glad I googled this possibility and so grateful to you and the other women who posted about their hair loss after taking this medicine. Thank you so much!
Sarah
Scotland
Lyadonna I am so sorry to hear this has happened to you, but it is very unlikely that the metoprolol caused your hair loss to start within 16 days. I say this because you may be able to identify another trigger. When medication (or shock, or illness) causes hair loss the hair fall likely to begin 3 months after the trigger, because shedding hair will always ‘rest’ for 3 months before falling. The fact that this happened within 16 days suggests your trigger was something a couple of months before you started that medicine.
I hope you find a solution soon, I know how distressing this is.
Sandra
Milton, NY
Fascinating site, as an RN working for a major insurance company I was placed on Metaprolol & Lisinopril with HCTZ after I had rapid sudden high BP spikes and failed my stress test .10 years ago I was put on Lipitor which caused a moderate Hepatitis so I stopped the drug at my MD and liver specialist’s recommendation. I was put back on a statin drug and experienced severe pain and weakness in my thighs as well as a series of falls (several down stairs, luckily no breaks).
I gave my liver a break then was put on Zetia & WelChol which became increasingly expensive and I still have severe weakness in my legs. I struggle on stairs and have severe difficulty rising from chairs and sofas. The pain & weakness in my legs have NOT improved that much and now I am beginning to connect this to Metaprolol as well as the weight gain. While I have retired I (about 18 months I was certainly not the stay at home type and was walking 2 miles a day (+ gym time) until the pain forced me to stop. My goal is to stop all drugs (thru weaning & MS assist of course) and get my my life back (I expect to see an improvement in my breathing & a return to normal hair re-growth as increase in my activity.
Lyadonna
also, grateful to this website..thank you!!!
Lyadonna
Just awful. My hair has fallen out in just 16 days after taking Metoprolol Tartrate 100mg a day. I’m flushing it all…did you ever find a new blood pressure medicine that worked for you? i\I hope so!
Michelle
did you try plain old magnesium? Most people are deficient, and it lowers BP pretty well. My dad went off his BP med he had been on for years after I told him about magnesium. Get Mg Glycate or another highly absorbable form.
Janice Nixon
I would like to stop taking meds too. All meds have devasting side affects. Just thinking about taking meds for the rest of your life is devasting! I would like to stop taking meds & try Herbal Remedies for my ailments!
Teena
Tasmania
Have just been prescribed Inderal for migraine prevention but I’m afraid to take it now after reading all these comments
Jacqueline
Cream Ridge NJ
I recently started taking 12.5 mg of Carvedilol twice daily and my hair is falling out at alarming rates. I am 45 years old and had many tests performed to find out what is causing my high blood pressure, which has gotten up to 183/134, with no answers except that it must be hereditary. My hbp was diagnosed in my 20’s and has been difficult to keep down until recently. I do not want to lose all my hair and I will be looking to see what alternatives may be available besides wig shopping.
Janice Nixon
I just starting taking Carvedilol also, and I noticed my hair thinned out too! The choice is to take Carvedilol and have hair loss or to not take Carvedilol & have hbp! Both choices are upsetting ? This is something to give serious thought to!!! ?
Cath
Hobart Tasmania
I would like to let you know that I have been taking Karvezide 300/12.5 for my high blood pressure for 2 years with good results but last October (2014) I noticed significant hair loss when I washed and brushed my hair. I approached my Dr who did a complete blood work test.
Which came back all A Okay, no thyroid problems either which is what he thought it was. I mentioned the Karvezide but he said there is no medical evidence that this medication can cause hair loss. I decided to stop this medication, as I also had gained 5 kilos in weight, I have since lost this weight and my blood pressure now ranges from 123/90 to 118/84 over the last 4 months. Unfortunately my hair loss is still occurring (up to 50%). I have done a lot of research on this and have found that the beta blocker causes the hair follicle to open and release the strand of hair and may take up to 12 months for my hair to stop falling. I will do my best to make sure I never, never take this medication again it has wrecked my hair. There needs to be more scientific studies on medication and hair loss.
Michelle
Try magnesium. 400mg per day divided doses.
carey
michigan
I really wish I would have known years ago that taking propanolol would cause hair loss. I stopped taking it 4 months ago after being on it 3 years and have lost almost all of my hair. I’m falling into a depression and don’t want to leave my house. Does anyone know if and when my hair will start to grow back???? Please any input would be great and much appreciated.
Sunshynne
KY
I was in the same boat at you, 5yrs on Propanolol and yes I have loss damn near all my hair. I had hair pass my shoulders now I’m stuck with going natural. I transitioned 2 yrs ago and had a nice fro going. The moment I got stressed out and pressure went out of wack my hair just started breaking from the top middle on down to the back. I almost had a “George Jefferson”. That’s my last round with these BP meds – I’m done my orders. I’ve quit smoking a year ago, I have lowered my stress greatly (If I can’t change it; I’m not going to worry about it ),I have changed the way I eat, I exercise and I take plenty of multi-vitamins and water. My pressure is now controlled and my weight is down. I have a full fro at the moment with no breakage and I will continue this journey til I see different and right now I have hair and great BP with only natural remedies (what I mentioned before). If your Caucasian use Keranique and if you Afro American/Multi Cultural use Black Castor oil for regrowth in a hurry :)))
Britt
Ga
Thank you
Robin G.
Michigan
I started losing my hair shortly after taking a beta blocker. I have been off the medication for 3 weeks and I am still losing my hair. Does it take a while for the hair loss to stop? I have had my thyroid and my iron count checked and both are normal. Any guidance would be appreciated.
J sc
My hair comes out every morning, so distressing, taking propanolol 40mg 1od
Joanne
Illinois
I took Sotalol for about 5 years & have had hair loss however shortly after going on Sotalol I also was put on Warfarin for Atrial fibrillation. I had an AV Ablation for a-fib ….was taken off beta blocker and M now on diltiazen & still Warfarin.
I felt Warfarin caused hairloss as have lost almost half my hair in past 8 years. I’m a senior so thought that too is a cause. Now however I’m losing very little… I wash my hair just once a week with natural shampoo. Wear hairnet at night & remove hairpins. DO NOT brush hair or comb but when I wash it. 100% improvement. Washing hair & brushing very hard on hair… usually hair isn’t oily with hair loss …..it worked for me….though my lost hair hasn’t come back yet either,
Michelle
when you say iron, what did they test? Did they test Ferritin? needs to be over 40 to stop shedding and 70-80 to get good regrowth. it can take 3 months for the shed to stop. Another 3 to see noticeable growth.
Sandie
whittlesey. Peterborough
I have been taking propranalol for months now and my beautiful thick hair has halved. It’s in an awful state. I am going to reduce the amount and then stop taking it. I take 2x 10mg, 3 times a day. The doctor gave it to me for severe pain in the head upon arousal so I’d rather give up my love life than lose my hair. Not too sure my husband will be happy but there you go!
Deb
I have Afib and am on Sotalol and Digoxin and Xaralto. For Seven months my hair has been falling out and has gotten very thin.. Which one of these could it be? I think sotalol and if so are they drugs that are not beta blockers that treat Afib?
Zak N.
Is there a site where, we/all people can visit to learn about the (non-hair loss meds???
People’s Pharmacy response: We are not aware of a single site that pulls all this information together, but if we find it we will link to it.
Roxanne
I have been taking Sotalol (generic Betapace) 80 mg for Tachycardia and wondering if this is the cause of my hairloss. Is there any other drug other than betablockers to treat Tachycardia?
Mickey
I too started losing my hair when I started Sotalol as prophylaxis for paroxysmal A Fib. and to lower my resting heart rate which was 104 to 110. After an episode of A Fib in December my Sotalol dose was increased and my hair loss also increased and that was when I put the two together.
Mickey
I have had the same experience and my hair loss increased when my Sotalol dose was increased last month. My doctor’s RN told me that hair loss was not a side effect of Sotalol but i saw a piece in the newspaper that named hair loss as a side effect but one that is not listed because it is not considered a serious side effect (obviously the opinion of a man, not a woman).
Jennifer I
I have been taking propranolol 80mg per day for over a year. I noticed hair loss within 6 months of starting but didn’t think it was related. I’m going to see my Dr ASAP now that I figured it out.
MS
Will propanolol (a beta blocker also known as Inderal) at 40 Mg. per day to prevent migraines cause hair loss? If so, what percent of patients experience this side effect?
LISA
DURHAM, NC
I was also taking propanolol (80mg) to prevent migraine and have also been experiencing hair loss.
Now I find that beta blockers can worsen asthma symptoms and was even told that beta blockers can interfere with the effect of the medicines used to relieve asthma symptoms.
Have started a long slow taper off the propanolol (hopefully this will not cause headaches). It just shows how vigilant patients need to be — my doctors were aware of all the medicines I was taking, but it took a chance comment from another doctor to start to understand what was going on.
Teena
Did you try taking Inderal and did you have any hair loss? Did it help your migraines?
E.S.
I have been taking Athenolol for about 2 years.
My hair has become lifeless, thin, and falling-out.
I stopped taking Atenonol, so I know my Dr. would not approve of it. My hair is much better, and slowly growing in.
Barb G.
I would like to know if any of the three drugs I take Metoprolol Tartrat 25MG morning and night along with Losartan-HCTZ 100-25MG T once a day and Prazosin HCL 1MG Cap can cause Hair loss? When I first started on the high blood pressure meds I went through at least 1 that I could not tolerate and two that didn’t bring down the blood pressure. These drugs seem to work, the Metoprolol keeps my heart rate normal and the other two controls the blood pressure but my hair is falling out. I was losing some hair before because of my age 77 and I have bald men, grandfathers on both sides of the family that were completely bald along with a uncle. From what I have read on other sites Metoprolol seems to be the cause of it.
Is there any other drug on the market that could replace Metoprolol to slow the heart rate down that would be safe. Since all of this happened last year I have started on a low sodium diet along with eating mostly vegetables with small amounts of fat free chicken breast. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Barb G.
Polly E.
I have lost over half of my hair this year. I am taking carvedilol, furosemide , Diovan all for heart and blood pressure. The doc f says it just old age. Before this year my medication was varprimil (?) and hydrocli. Which worked for me. I am in a depression. I don’t want to stop the meds, but this new doctor is not listening. I have done some research and it seems that every one of the meds I am taking has a hair loss story. Comments please.
kim
Orlando, Fl
Switch doctors if they are not listening to you.
DM
I have been taking Carvedilol (Coreg) for about 5 years and my hair has been thinning. I too thought it was age related. I learn so much from this site.
Dee
My PCP prescribed Metoprolol, which I take daily with good results on blood pressure control. However, I, too, have had severe hair loss and thought it was the aging process (I am now 75). I even tried Rogaine for men as suggested by my MD but I used it only once and had such a bad reaction that I gave the product away. I never in a million years thought there was a link to Metoprolol. What is the next best thing to do? What is a good BP Rx to help keep numbers reasonable without serious side effects such as hair loss???
ML
Will the hair loss continue until a person is bald?
I’m checking into other solutions for my hypertension.
I’ve been taking CoregCR for 7 years. I thought age was causing the hair loss.
I do hope it will grow back.
Phili J
Those side effects can be very hard to deal with. My hair loss specialist really knew how to help me out with the side effects from the beta blockers.
SR
I have been taking Toprol XL or the generic metroprolol for several years and over this period of time I have found that some of the generics cause hair loss more than others. I have no hair loss when using the brand name Toprol and none when using some metroprolol generics but with others the problem is significant enough to ask for a generic from a different manufacturer. I groan every time the pharmacy changes suppliers because of the hair loss and dreams/nightmares that occur with certain generic versions of this drug.
EK
I am no longer on Diovan. But now I have high Bp. my hair is falling out also. I take ramipril in the morning and amlodipine at night. also I have stuffed up nose. Please please help me what can I take for high Bp and falling hair.
Julie Riedel
I am a nurse practitioner and have often treated people with hypertension. Beta blockers (end in -lol) are NOT first line medications for hypertension unless you are taking them after a heart attack or because of another health condition (such as migraines). These guidelines for hypertension are brand new and will be soon published in the JNC-8.
First line treatment is always lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, limited alcohol intake and decrease in added salt. Second line are medications for hypertension in the ACE (-pril), ARB (-sartan) and diuretic classes. If a provider gives you a beta blocker right out of the gate, you should be asking some questions.
Susie
New Jersey
What a wonderful post! People follow their doctors blindly because it is easier to pop a couple of pills to mask a problem such as hypertension than to take care of the root of the problem. It takes commitment and hard work, and I’m talking about my own experience as a heart attack survivor. No wonder, we are dying like flies and consuming drugs at an increasingly alarming rate. Doctors do not emphasize the need for dietary changes and lifestyle changes at all. Their first reaction when confronted with a person with HBP, is to pull out the pad and write prescriptions galore. How sad…We need to be our own advocates and look for alternative ways to fix our health problems. Prescription drugs can be life savers for many people, but for the majority, serious lifestyle and dietary changes would eliminate the reason for taking drugs in the first place. Ask questions, investigative, Google! , but don’t start taking drugs which are doing nothing other than delaying the inevitable. Drugs are not the answer, they just “hide” the problem.
Mickey
Susie, your advice is dangerous unless the cause of the hypertension is known. Hypertension can be familial or genetic for some people. African Americans very often have essential hypertension. Lifestyle changes without meds will not help. the majority of those diagnosed with hypertension, and uncontrolled hypertension can lead to stroke, Myocardial Infarction, Kidney Failure and many other complications (the majority fatal).
Denise
California
I agree with Mickey. I have a mild heart condition and NEED to take beta blockers. It was because of my high blood pressure that I ended up in hospital. My hair is falling out but whats worse feeling your heart pound out of control every day (because of a condition) or losing your hair? I guess it really depends on your personal situation. Case by case.
Martha A.
Since being on beta blockers for 2 years my hair has gotten so thin, which I attributed to aging, but the hair loss is substantial. Never dawned on me it could be a side effect from Toprol 20mg.
paul
I have been on toprol since ’04 because of a mitral heart repair. At first I had severe hair loss the I started taking cod liver oil 2x/day and my hair almost all came back.
Pat K.
I have been taking Atenolol for years with no problem. I have recently discovered my hair has started really shedding when I comb, wash, etc. Would atenolol cause this now, after no problem for years?