A few months ago I started taking lisinopril hctz for high blood pressure. I began to notice a bit more hair loss than usual when I shampooed, but nothing significant. However, it gradually increased to huge handfuls, plus would fall out all day long. Research indicated that beta blockers and ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril) can cause hair loss, so my doctor prescribed Losartan-HCTZ 100-25 instead. I've only been on it a week and the shedding has increased so much! Come to find out that hair loss is a side effect of Losartan too!
My question: Which bp meds DON'T cause hair loss? Every article I've read says to switch to a med that isn't known to have this effect, but they fail to mention which ones they are!
I'm so upset! Always had long, super-thick hair (the kind people remarked on) and now it's thin and getting thinner by the moment. :(
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53 Answers Page 4
PT
Ptricia3241
29 Dec 2016
New here... but I've been taking metoprolol for about 6 months and my already thinning hair is coming out by handfuls. I've started weaning myself off it. Was prescribed lisinopril but can't tolerate it well, the lowest possible dose drops bp too low. My hairdresser today noticed a major change in my hair as far as just coming out, more noticeable on top, in front. I'm also reading up on statins, specifically generic crestor, although I've taken it for years and never had my hair just falling out. At 63, I figured the thinning on top was age related, but what I'm experiencing isn't age related. Anyway, I'm glad I found this group. Good luck ladies !
Votes: +0
JL
Jlynnh
29 Dec 2016
I was placed on Lisinopril as my first BP med and developed the annoying cough. I was switched to Amlodipine and my hair started falling out. When talking to both the doctor and pharmacist, they both claimed ignorance to hair loss as a side effect. My hair was already fine and thin. Instead of suspecting the meds as I do, the doctor wants to send me to a dermatologist for a consult. My mother had hypertension and took minoxidil which caused her hair to thicken and grow. When I inquired about minoxidil, my doctor again claimed ignorance. Is anyone familiar with this med for high blood pressure treatment?
EL
EllaRS
29 Dec 2016
How could they claim ignorance about the hair loss? That's a bit concerning.
Minoxidil was originally developed as a hypertension treatment, and hair growth was noticed as a side effect. That's how its use as a topical product (Rogaine) came about.
That being said, I looked it up and there seems to be a lot of serious side effects associated with its use. This too:
"Elongation, thickening, and enhanced pigmentation of fine body hair are seen in about 80% of patients taking minoxidil tablets. This develops within 3 to 6 weeks after starting therapy. It is usually first noticed on the temples, between the eyebrows, between the hairline and the eyebrows, or in the side-burn area of the upper lateral cheek, later extending to the back, arms, legs, and scalp."
Maybe look for another drug, in a different class than the two you've already tried?
IM
Imrosie
21 March 2017
Be careful with Minoxidil/Rogaine... I was being treated for thinning hair and was recommended to use these products. I experienced severe side effects as it got into my blood system and increased my Blood Pressure to the point where the BP meds didn't work. I had to completely stop using either product, to get me blood pressure under control. Yikes!
CR
cruisequeen
9 Aug 2017
Also new to this group and am so glad that I have found u ladies. I have been experiencing thinning and bald spots that have been getting increasingly worse! I am 61 and have always had thick hair. I have watched my thickness significantly decrease across the years and could not figure out what the cause was. I initially thought it was from braids being too tight so I stopped having my hair braided - unless I did them myself. A few years ago my doctor added Lisinopril 20 mg to the Lisinopril HCTZ I was already taking in order to control my BP. The thinning became EXTREMELY noticeable. Then the bald patches started! Eventually my meds were changed to Valsartan HCTZ which gave me massive headaches and because of their size, acid reflux! I am back on Lisinopril after my daughter told me that if I stopped taking them in order to let my hair grow back, I could very possibly become a lovely corpse with great hair! I am open to suggestions (while I take my daily dose of Lisinopril, of course)!
EL
EllaRS
9 Aug 2017
Hi cruisequeen,
There are lots of different blood pressure medicines that you can try. I switched to Amlodipine and my hair grew back. Ask your doctor to put you on something else!
SR
Sroberts216
15 April 2018
I was just taken off metoprolol 25mg because of baldness. I didn't catch it soon enough where I noticed it. I an also on thyroid med so I blamed the thinning on that until the baldness appeared. My Dr. tried a Calcium Channel Blocker but since taking it I had another afib episode and my heart rate is spiking. So now I'm on this site hoping to find what med doesn't cause hair loss. Long story short since you are having trouble tolerating linsinoprol. I took half in am and half 12 hours later in pm and was able to tolerate mine. Other than hair loss, I had no side effects. Good luck finding the right one for you.
SA
sasidot
18 Oct 2018
This comment is for the lady who asked about minoxidil. I used it for nearly a year but my doctor always did blood work every 3 mos to check the kidneys,potassium and other things concerning use of these pills that and there is no change so i have to notice when the month is over to see if they alter body functions. My hair was nice while using the pills but i am on an increased mg of felodipine which was fine until it was increased from 2,5 to 10 mg along with hydrochlorothiazide with a lot of hair loss. So now i am on spironolactone which is to grow the hair. I have been on these since oct.1-2018 and there is no change. please as i say to all; when you receive a new med. please search it out because you may save your own life,
I take bp meds to I'm 35 an I have switch my meds 4 times because they all had bad side effect now the new one I'm one is making my hair fall out very badly an I'm depress I want to stop taking them but when I do my bp rise very high I rather live then have hair but at the same time I really want my hair to every time I go to wash my hair its coming out in big ball for a young women that's depressing I have been begging for them to change it again an they prolonging I just wish I could get off this stuff for good please tell me what I can do to keep my hair
Votes: +1
EL
EllaRS
18 Nov 2016
I feel for you, Nikki! Obviously I didn't want to die either :) but of course I wanted to keep my hair. Your doctor should be working with you to find a bp medicine that you can tolerate. Which ones have you tried? Lisinopril and Losartan made my hair fall out severely, but Amlodipine has been fine. My hair all grew back.
CA
candiss35
26 Nov 2016
I've been on Metoprolol for a year and have noticed a huge change in my hair. It's thinned put A lot and super dry and thin on the ends. I used to have real thick nice hair. I couldn't figure out why my hair has changed then started looking up these hear drugs. Ella is there any side effects,with the Amlodipine? I want to switch. At first I thought it was just from using my flat iron... but I don't use it that much. It's gotta be these meds. It's really worrying me. Anyone else on Metoprolol notice this?
EL
EllaRS
26 Nov 2016
candiss35 I haven't had any side effects with the amlodipine, but some people report ankle swelling.
CA
candiss35
26 Nov 2016
EllaRS thank you. How long did it take for your hair to start growing back nicely again after you switched? Did you notice the change pretty fast after you stopped? Yea I'm on that beta blocker which I read is not good for hair. My hair was always so long and thick and healthy.
EL
EllaRS
27 Nov 2016
candiss35 Within a few days of starting the Amlodipine I was elated to find my hair was no longer falling out. Then by coincidence I was reading an online forum (not related to hair or medicine) and someone mentioned they had amazing hair growth once they started taking hair vitamins (specifically Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Nutrient Tablets). I figured it couldn't hurt so I bought some. I started to see lots of baby hairs growing after a week or two. Now, if that was due to stopping the bad bp meds, or the vitamins were actually helping, I can't say. I continued to take them for about 6 months. Anyway, I'm not sure when my hair returned 100% to its normal thickness, but I can tell you it definitely did happen. I actually went to a new stylist last week and she exclaimed, "Wow, you have so much hair!" :)
JO
joysals
13 Dec 2016
Yes I'm on metoprolol. Just 50 MG in the a.m. but my hair has changed drastically it started falling out right after I was in a car accident so I thought that maybe that was the cause but now it's been so long it doesn't show it as much anymore but it is overall super thin compared to what my hair used to be and it is dry like straw even though I am a hairdresser and use the best products on it. I don't know why I never thought of the blood pressure medication before. So has anyone else had good luck with amlodipine???
CA
candiss35
13 Dec 2016
Joysals yes I had the same problem..I went to see my doctor. I was on 50 MG of Metoprolol then reduced to 25mg... still noticed my hair was crappy..thinning and very brittle like straw on the ends. I always use good products too like Redkin. I asked my doc to switch to the Amlodipine..I have the new pills and gonna switch soon but haven't yet. Cause yea, I'm worried all my hair will fall out. And I have always had long thick great hair. I noticed after bout a year on the medication. Its either that or hormonal changes. How long you been on the Metoprolol? I read the beta blockers can cause that.
JO
joysals
14 Dec 2016
@candiss35 I have been on this beta blocker for probably a year-and-a-half but I really started noticing the hair loss a year ago after I was in a car accident so that's what I was blaming it on in my mind. But luckily the thinning is pretty much even overall and most people don't really notice it but it is like half of the hair that I used to have! And it's not even the same here that I used to have . It has no body or life to it it is brittle even though I use the best products on it! I can tell that it grows a little because I have a little bit of highlights and they need touched up but obviously it breaks off because the length does not grow it's been the same length this whole time period... if I may ask why are u hesitant to switch to the other beta blocker? I'm ready to ask for it right away!
CA
candiss35
14 Dec 2016
Hi joysals... yea my hair sounds like yours. Its thinned out so much. Sorry to hear about your accident. But I'm willing to bet our hair issues are from the meds. I was maybe gonna,wait til after the holidays to switch to the amlodipine. I have a new bottle and will slowly wene off the Metoprolol. I hear you can't just stop it. Your pressure could go way up. The Metoprolol also helps a bit with anxiety my doc told me. Which helps too. It suppresses the epinephrine in your system. But I'm definitely gonna,switch soon. I can't lose all my hair. Let me know if you switch over and how it goes for you. :-)
JO
joysals
14 Dec 2016
candiss35 I'm going to email my doctor and I think I'm going to start cutting my metoprolol back to 25 milligrams in the morning and then see if she will start me on the new drug. I just can't take it anymore! I already have a lot of health issues Lyme disease, back problems, pacemaker and all of this depresses me! I've never had Gorgeous Hair anyway but at least it used to be full! I just want decent hair back and I've never had super scary blood pressure. I was having some spiking heart rates and that's part of the reason I was on it. I have a blood pressure machine at home I can keep an eye on it. I will get back with you in a few months if you don't hear anything from me just message on here. Thanks for your reply
CE
Ceilc
3 Jan 2017
I have been taking Metoprolol, Amlodipine, & Telmisartan. They definitely make you lose your hair! I've always had thick healthy hair. Started taking these drugs a year ago. My hair is not same texture or full & healthy looking. There should be a blocker to stop this!
MM
mmmdharris1
18 May 2017
I have been on bp meds for approximately 6-8 years. I noticed a change in my hair texture within the last 5-6 years and thought it was a side effect of my thyroid medication. I tried HCZ then switched to Lisinopril and then went back to HCZ. I changed beauticians and told her of my issue and she suggested contacting my Dr. I never thought of doing that because I knew I had to take the thyroid meds for life and I thought that was the problem. As it turns out, it's the bp meds that is causing the problem! My Dr. confirmed that fact last week, now she wants to put me on Atenolol. I have only 1 person who says this caused hair loss for her, everyone else says they've had good results with it. The person that experienced hair loss from Atenolol changed to HCZ and everything's fine for her, so I'm hoping it will work in the reverse for me (I was using HCZ then changed to Atenolol and instead of losing more hair, my hair grew back). I am thankful to have found this forum to hear what others are experiencing and see if together we can find solutions! Thanks!
EL
EllaRS
19 May 2017
Hope you find a solution, mmmdharris1! Just as an aside, thyroid meds can cause hair loss/texture changes too.
LY
Lynae
24 June 2017
I am so glad I came across this post. I've been taking Hydrochorizide for about 10 years. My hair has thinned to the point that I can only wear wigs or sew-ins. My grandmothers are 87 and 81 with high blood pressure also but have thicker hair than mine so this is not hereditary. I was told I had alopecia but don't have bald spots, just see-through, extra thin hair. I am presently in my week break before my next sew-in and I'm going to request a walk-in app that just so my primary care doctor can have a good look and prescribe me something else. This all started after a very traumatic event and even though I noticed it, I didn't have the will or energy to care or do anything about it and even thought it was the stress of it all that was causing my hair loss... I'm too young for this. Thanks you all :-)
SF
Sfrank
28 Sep 2017
I am currently on lisinopril and metoprolol and since i started metoprolol i've notice alot of shedding. I also have MS but none of the medications for that has a side effect of hair loss or thinning.
SU
Suzi3955
30 Oct 2017
I’m 62 and Just recently was told about my HBP. I tried 4 different types of HBP meds and had different side effects from each. About 12 weeks ago, I was changed to Lisinopril 20 mgs. I thought,”Great! No bad side effects!” But now my beautifully thick smooth shiney hair is dull tangled and falling out not just when I wash it but when it’s dry and I style or brush it! I hate that feeling of hair strands on my back!! I knew this had to MORE than just “my age” or “menopause”; I tend to blame any negative physical change on menopause! I, too, began to research and that’s how I found this website, among many others. So it IS this Lisinopril HBP medication! AMA, I stopped taking it this past Thursday. Today, I want to call my PCP to tell him and ask for a different medication.
First, I want to know which meds are less likely to have hair loss or swelling or bad constipation (lol) as negative side effects! You are really young to have to go through this. I feel for you. Try to get a med that’s not likely to help you lose more hair. Keep researching! TELL your doctor your findings and what you think you should take. If he/she doesn’t respond in a way you like, find a different doctor. First, though, quit that Lisinopril!
EL
EllaRS
31 Oct 2017
Suzi3955 I think you mainly have to try different meds until you can find one that works for you. Massive hair loss was pretty unacceptable to me! The amlodipine works well. My hair grew back and I don't have any side effects that I'm aware of.
DC
DC96
20 May 2018
I am a 45 black women with high bp. I have been taking Amlodipine for approximately 2 years and it has caused by hair to thin severely. It is to the point that it doesn't even grow anymore. I have tried PRP (platelet rich plasma), with no results. This is completely depressing. I am starting to believe that if you have high blood pressure, you are domed to have hair loss. If you know differently, please advise.
GL
Gloria Bray
9 Sep 2019
YES! Metatopral definitely made my hair much thinner. I was on 50mg twice daily. My doctor changed the beta-blocker to 12.5mg Carvedilol once daily, and my hair is still falling out badly. There must be an answer. I also am on a diuretic and it is just as bad.
GL
Gloria Bray
9 Sep 2019
YES! Metatopral definitely made my hair much thinner. I was on 50mg twice daily. My doctor changed the beta-blocker to 12.5mg Carvedilol once daily, and my hair is still falling out badly. There must be an answer. I also am on a diuretic and it is just as bad.
Oh my God and I thought I was crazy. I had thick hair and now its so thin. I am so glad I came and saw this. I will try and find out which one to take. I have hypertension.
Votes: +0
JM
JMJEV
3 Aug 2016
I was on 10mg of Lisinopril. I was just like you. I had long strawberry blond hair. I would get comments on mine also. Then about a month into taking it, I started to notice my hair falling out. Just a little at first, but then it become rediciouls. I went and had it cut short hoping it would help somehow, but if didn't. I've never had hair do thin. It was very depressing. I couldn't shower without crying. I stopped it and was pets bribe Norvask. It stopped my hair from falling out, but if I stood on my feet longer than 20 minutes, my calves would swell up to the point I thought my skin would rip. Not my ankles or my knees, just my calves. It was horrible. I could hardly walk. Finally I was put on Coreg. So far no side effects. I'm just hoping my hair grows back fast so o can wear it curly and in a ponytail. I hope this helps. -JMJEV
Votes: +2
EL
EllaRS
31 Aug 2016
Thanks for your response! This question was from a year ago and I'm happy to say that I continued on the amlodipine and my hair not only stopped falling out, but grew back nice and lush. Hope yours does too!
GA
gampeaches
30 Sep 2016
Thank you for your post! I have been taking Lisinopril now for about 2 weeks and I've noticed also that my hair is thinning like crazy! I've always had strong natural hair. I need to try something that doesn't have this type side effect !
PO
Poopsie37211
20 Oct 2017
I have been on lisinopril for about a year and my hair is soooo thin now. It has been coming out and I barely have any left.
RO
RosenowL
29 Oct 2017
I’ve never had thick hair but it was thinning slowly now I’m shedding more than my dog. I already had to stop taking a medication for Arthritis because of this same problem. I’m going to try different ones after reading about the Lisiniopril,the one I take. Also Lisiniopril seem to make my feet swell. I’ve also started taking Folic Acid and Biotin it helped before.
Thanks for the responses. Of course my first priority is DON'T DIE. :) But in addition to not dying, I'd like to keep my hair. I'm now on amlodipine, and the shedding is less, but still more than normal. Sigh.
Votes: +0
BR
BrianDSmd
16 Oct 2017
Death comes to everyone. How much do I sacrifice in order to progress deeper into decrepitude?
IH
Ihateparmeceuticals
20 Jan 2018
Not sure I can accept total baldness just to be on a beta blocker. I'm on Bystolic (for only about a month), but have had to be fitted for a wig already! SAD.
CO
coloresue
4 July 2015
I can tell you lisinopril and benicar haven't caused hair loss for me. But we're each unique and react differently to different drugs, so your own response to drugs will tell you what you need to know.
Votes: +0
NA
Nattjenta
4 July 2015
This happened to me as well. I had nice thick hair, and then I had a severe blood pressure event and was put on several different blood pressure meds, as well as blood thinners. I had no idea at first what was causing the hair loss, and thought maybe my hospital stay and the IV drugs there had caused it. Then I started educating myself on all the drugs I am on, and found that most of them can cause hair loss. I'm stuck with thin hair if I want to stay alive. I figure at least it's not balding. It's just thinning all over. I can live with that. Literally. :)
Votes: +0
CO
coloresue
30 June 2015
I think your best bet is to go to your pharmacist and tell him/her about the drugs that failed you and ask for a recommendation for a different drug. Next would be your Dr. but I think you've already tried that.
Votes: +5
JE
Jenks57
3 March 2017
The Amlodipine brought my hair out by the handfuls especially during shampoo. My hair had been slowly thinning after using Lisinopril 2010 and at times large handfuls. So I went back on the Hydrochlorothiazide which slowly thins my hair. After a couple of years I had to use an additional bp med. So then it was the Lisinopril which caused lots of hair loss so visible I immediately knew it was the Lisinopril. About 5 months ago I was prescribed 5mg of Amlodipine additional to the Hydrochlorothiazide. My hair has been shedding & shedding. I didn't get it was the Amlodopine until last week my hair came out by the locks (I'm African American)! It dawn on me to check side effects of the medicine. I only take Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide when I swell. I'm almost bald now and I had hair down my back 7 years ago. Several years ago when I told my doctor she suggested I visit a dermatologist who diagnosed my hair loss due to perming my hair for so many years.
So I've gone natural. The hair loss worsened. Now my doctor suggested yesterday prescribing Losartan. Reading tonight I'm finding that its just as bad! So It Has to be a blood pressure medicine without this side effect. Now I'm finding out why my grandmother got bald, and my mother. I am sick I'm just putting all together. But it seems like its not going to make a difference. Because its either bald or stroke out! Please Someone Help!!!
BR
BrianDSmd
16 Oct 2017
I've been on gradually increasing numbers of anti-hypertension meds. Perhaps some hair-thinning over the years but I attributed it to age. (I'm a 64 y.o. male.). However the recent of Amlodopine has caused my hair to fall out. After every shower I find clumps of hair accumulating on the drain. I have had great hair, but now I see scalp in my part! I'm stopping Amlodopine yesterday!
BR
BrianDSmd
16 Oct 2017
I wish I could edit!!! No, the newest RX for HTN was Cardura. It is an alpha-blocker. It was with this med that my hair began to fall out.
"Hair loss is found among people who take Doxazosin mesylate, especially for people who are male, 60+ old , have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months, also take medication Aspirin, and have Psoriasis. This review analyzes which people have Hair loss with Doxazosin mesylate. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 8,192 people who have side effects when taking Doxazosin mesylate from FDA , and is updated regularly." EHealthme
EL
EllaRS
29 Oct 2017
BrianDSmd--I hope you find a solution! Hair loss is a terrible side effect.
RO
RosenowL
22 Nov 2017
That’s an excellent idea! I’m trying another BP medication so I’m hoping it works. My Doctor says hair loss isn’t a side affect. I told it her it should be because almost everyone who takes it has hair loss. She switched me so we will see. If anyone has a BP medication that hasn’t caused please let me know.
RO
RosenowL
25 Jan 2018
That’s a good idea. My Doctor denies BP meds cause hair fallout. I told her to check it out on line.
RO
roxthefox123
29 Nov 2018
I am on a lot of blood pressure medication. About five different ones now because I recently had a seizure because my blood pressure got so high. I did start noticing hair loss when I would shower BUT I also notice Hair Growth! That’s because of one of the new blood pressure medication my doctor put me on; Minoxidil . One of the side effects is hair growth! Which if your a man I would assume it would not be a big deal, BUT if your a women (like me) it’s tough because you don’t just start going hair on your head, you start growing hair everywhere . And when I say everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE. Arms, legs, chest, face, neck etc... So I am kind of in a dilemma because it’s keeping my head hair from balding spots, which I did start noticing when I started taking all these different medications, but it’s making me grow hair everywhere else; darker and thicker.
EL
EllaRS
29 Nov 2018
@roxthefox Don't think I'd be too happy about that!
