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. :(
I been on Generic Inderal for a while, my hair has been shedding so I thought it was normal from the grey cover up. I would dye my hair about every 4 to 6 weeks to cover up my greys. I take very good care of my hair as far as conditioning and moisturizering my African American hair. Every week I wash it there would be a small wad of hair in the drain. Hair in the comb and brush, on my shirt as I comb it; between my fingers when I style it. I have 4c hair around the sides, back and 4b on top/crown. To date my crown has about a inch of hair and the rest 6/7 inches.
Votes: +0
TA
tamcancan
15 Aug 2017
I've been on these horrible meds for 18 years. And, it's always been a nightmare. The side effects are scarier than taking my chances. I've taken most of the drugs. And, I'm desperate to get off of them. Currently, I'm taking amlodipine metoprolol amiloride losartan potassium metformin w/hctz.
The medications are not only causing hair loss, but, they change the way your organs work. And, cause you to have premature death rather than keep you alive. I water fasted from all medication for 9 days and my hair and skin cleared up and my blood pressure and diabetes corrected. The doctors were talking about removing my adrenal glands for a problem that medications are causing. The next time I see my doctor, I'm going to tell her wean me off my medications. They make my heart failure worse and make it difficult for me to lose weight.
Votes: +1
NE
NeemaBGood
11 Nov 2018
I really hope you stay on them and/or find alternatives than just "taking chances." More can go wrong than your heart going boing (though that is pretty scary itself). A dear friend of mine went off his, because all his homeopathic buddies pressured him to. A year later, his kidneys failed, and this was because he had stopped taking his blood pressure meds (3 of the doctors he visited told him this). See if your doctor can help you find alternatives versus "weaning off." If not, don't take matters into your own hands. Keep looking for a good doctor.
FA
Fab4gal
4 Aug 2017
I wish I had read all this years ago. I take metoprolol and lisinopril and have for many years. I thought my thinning hair was from other things, so i discontinued doing these other things (blowdrying, coloring, possibly not eating enough protein, etc.) , but nothing helped. I hope going off these bp meds will bring my beautiful, native american locks back. My bp has been good even when ive forgotten to take my bp stuff, so im going to see how long i can continue without them. Thanks much to everyone ... my fellow sufferers... for all your help. This is a turning point for me. Btw, I am female and 50. If Willie Nelson can have that gorgeous hair at his age, theres no reason why we all cant... am i right? Much peace and love and good health to all of you!! Thank you!
Votes: +0
EL
EllaRS
4 Aug 2017
Fab4gal It's not a good idea to just stop taking your bp meds, so be sure to monitor your pressure daily. Your doctor can always have you try something different. Good luck!
CA
candiss35
4 Aug 2017
Hi Fab4gal... I'm on Metoprolol too for past 2 years. What mg are you taking? I'm on the 25mg low dose. But after seeing a Dermatologist this past week had tests... my Iron is fine Thyroid fine no huge diet changes in past years... I'm convinced the only thing left causing my hair issues is the Metoprolol. It even clearly stated that "Beta blockers" can definitely cause hair loss along with Lisinopril as well too. I think the higher the dosage the worse the hair loss for some. Doctors just won't tell you this stuff beforehand or admit it either. So it's up to us to do the research and follow your instincts. But with Metoprolol u have to slowly wean off. I'm going to try Amlodipine. A,few people I know are on that and have thick full heads of hair. Thank you for sharing.
CA
candiss35
4 Aug 2017
Hi Fab4gal... I'm on Metoprolol too for past 2 years. What mg are you taking? I'm on the 25mg low dose. But after seeing a Dermatologist this past week had tests... my Iron is fine Thyroid fine no huge diet changes in past years... I'm convinced the only thing left causing my hair issues is the Metoprolol. It even clearly stated that "Beta blockers" can definitely cause hair loss along with Lisinopril as well too. I think the higher the dosage the worse the hair loss for some. Doctors just won't tell you this stuff beforehand or admit it either. So it's up to us to do the research and follow your instincts. But with Metoprolol u have to slowly wean off. I'm going to try Amlodipine. A,few people I know are on that and have thick full heads of hair. Thank you for sharing.
I have been on Losartan now for a few months and my once beautiful hir, which had always been very thick all of my life is almost gone. I am bald on the top. I am in despair. i really don't know which drugs do not cause hair loss, but I would like to know because I plan to speak to my doctor and don't want to go through this ever again. I won't leave the house at this point.
Votes: +0
EL
EllaRS
30 July 2017
If you read through the various responses, you'll see that there isn't one drug that doesn't cause hair loss in 100% of the people. With the help of your doctor, you need to experiment to find which one works with your own biochemistry. Try to find ones in different classes than Losortan--there are calcium channel blocking agents, vasodilators, etc. Amlodipine works great for me. All of my hair grew back in and is very thick and lush.
CA
candiss35
30 July 2017
EllaRS What dosage of Amlodipine are you on? I want to switch from the Metoprolol to that. My doc waa gonna start me on 2.5 mg. I went to a dermatologist to check my hair... and Metoprolol was one of the listed meds for hairloss on their questionairre. They took blood work to rule out iron deficiency and anenia. But I'm thinking it's the med. I want to taper off and go on Amlodipine. I have a Co worker on that too and she has thick hair as,well. How long did it take for your hair to get thick again?
EL
EllaRS
30 July 2017
candiss35
I started on 5 mg, then went to 10 because it wasn't lowering my blood pressure enough.
It's been about two years, so I can't remember how fast my hair grew back, but it stopped falling out almost as soon as I started the Amlodipine. I actually went to a new hair stylist recently and she kept commenting on how thick my hair was. I'm very happy! Good luck to you!
CA
candiss35
31 July 2017
EllaRS Thank you for sharing. I'm eventually gonna,switch and I'll report back with any changes to help others as well. Thank you. :-)
Unfortunately, it appears that all blood pressure meds cause hair loss. The severity will depend upon your genetic make-up. The only solution is to make changes in your lifestyle to bring your blood pressure under control without these meds. I'm not advising anyone to simply stop taking them, especially if your blood pressure is dangerously high or if you are experiencing arrhythmias, but you can make changes that will improve your blood pressure so that you can begin taper off the meds.
The problem with high blood pressure is due to stress. There are many kinds of stress. It is easy for someone to say that you must manage your stress, but how do you do that when you live in a stressful society that only seems to be getting more stressful each day, but there are things you can do to mitigate this problem, and they do work.
First, stop eating meat, eggs and dairy products. You can return to eating these things in moderation after you have broken the cycle that is causing the elevated blood pressure, but for now, eliminate them. The reason is that these foods contain protein, and protein is rich in the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, which get converted into adrenaline. Try switching to a vegan diet or vegetarian diet.
Second, cut out all sources of caffeine. I know this is rough for all you coffee lovers, but it is a must unless you want your head to shine.
Third, cut out salt.
Fourth, detox! You can buy detox teas at any supermarket and they are cheap, but the best product I have found is Liver Cleans Tea, which is available from Baseline Nutritionals. Look it up on the web. This is a great product that will purge the gall bladder of gall stones and the toxins you have been accumulating in your body. It will also flush out the liver, which will better enable it to cleans the blood, and for you men with enlarged prostates, that will help with emptying the bladder and eliminate multiple trips to the toilet throughout the night. Other benefits include eliminating the bloating after meals, indigestion, and acid reflux. I suggest that you also use an herbal colon stimulator to help with elimination after flushing these toxins out of your system.
Fifth, drink hibiscus tea and plenty of water. Hibiscus has been shown to have a mild blood pressure reducing effect. Don't get over-heated. If you like to soak in the tub, don't make the bath water too hot. That is another form of stress.
Last, exercise! Be consistent and do it regularly. Exercise moderately. I have the philosophy of keeping my exercise ritual short and sweet. A half hour to forty five minutes is plenty, or an hour at most. This way you are more likely to keep it up.
Best wishes to you all.
Votes: +0
EL
EllaRS
30 July 2017
Sounds like an advertisement for "Liver Cleans Tea" disguised as helpful advice...
FA
Fab4gal
16 Aug 2017
Liver detox is a bit of quackery, seeing as how the liver is an organ which functions to filter out toxins in and of itself. It's not medically or scientifically proven that the detox potions do anything at all. If you have not been told by your doctor that you have any liver issues, you have no reasons to worry. If you are having liver problems, there is no tea or boloney potion that will fix it... in fact, that may even exacerbate the issue.
TU
tuscantreasures
22 Nov 2017
Fab4gal Totally 100% disagree. Due to medications I kept having high liver enzyme tests and the Dr threatened to take me off the medication. I did a liver cleanse before my next visit and the number had dropped significantly.
KH
Khwchtl
15 Oct 2018
Interesting that with constant and equal stress levels, hair loss only started with onset of hypertension medications: Hydroclorothyazide, Lisinopril, Losartan, Amlodipine, Metoprolol, Bystolic, Nifedipine plus recently added Xarelto . Despite ever repeated mention of severe hair loss to treating physicians, not one admitted that the prescribed medications might be the reason, though it appears to be common knowledge. I was sent to dermatologists, prescribed itch medications, recently suggested hair implants, as now there is hardly any hair left! A plethora of other nasty side effects accompanies the list of medications, like massive water accumulation, irrepressible cough, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, constipation and finally, anxiety attacks. Plus being cajoled to take other medications to counteract the side effects..a chain reaction to be avoided. All only to correct an average HBP of 140 to 120.
Which however zooms up quite high in anxiety situations like produced by confronting an uncooperative physician. I found alternative treatment to keep my pressure well within range, even lower, and without ! any water retention. Incredulity in medical quarters. ? Is there anyone who knows how to make hair grow back again on an almost bald white-haired senior woman's head??? Tried already anything on the market in years past and present. Greetings and good wishes for all, and advance thanks for helpful hints.
I have been using blood pressure medicine for at least ten years. My hair was very thick and people believed it was a wig. I shaved my head this year because I was disappointed in the way my hair grew on my head. Now I wear hats and wigs.
Votes: +0
BW
bwwiggins
17 July 2017
OMG! I have been trying for 5 years to figure why my hair has thinned, the drain is clogged after every shampoo and no hair growth product has helped. I've taken Norvasc and Wellbutrin XL for years. My web search today finds similar claims on both drugs. I'll start with a doctor's appt and if needed a drug management appt with a pharmacist I've seen to work out a schedule for taking my med. I've bought 6 WIGS and 2 toppers. the top Can not be covered nor most of my upper back. fiber powders don't match color, but what else can I do on hot days. Thanks to all who have posted. You've helped start down another path I solve my hair loss problem.
Votes: +0
EL
EllaRS
18 July 2017
@bwwiggins My niece was on Wellbutrin and it caused massive hair loss. Once she stopped taking it, her hair returned to normal.
NE
Needhelp7777
18 Jan 2020
Which medicine did your niece switch to which controlled her BP and also stopped hair loss? Can you please let me know?
EL
EllaRS
24 Jan 2020
@Needhelp7777 Wellbutrin is for depression, not blood pressure. When she stopped taking it her hair grew back. She didn't switch to anything else.
When I switched to Amlodipine, my hair grew back, but after a few years I kept getting swollen ankles, so I switched to Telmisartan. No hair loss. I still hated the idea of drugs, so I lost weight, increased my exercise, started a keto diet with intermittent fasting, supplemented with CoEnzyme Q10, magnesium and potassium and now my blood pressure is normal without drugs!
As readers can see, I wrote a response over the weekend that did not get posted, but Drugs.com did post my letter to them asking them to reconsider--though they didn't post the original. Here's what I had written: Yes, I've had severe hair loss problems, too, with my Lisinopril. After having studied Eden Energy Medicine, I knew this related to imbalances in a few of my energy systems--liver, spleen, kidney, and lung. Imbalances in kidney and lung can result in hair loss since these energies play a role in hair health--yes, sounds illogical, but is true in the world of energy! In my note, I suggested that you seek out a practitioner in your area, if you are open to alternative therapies, who is trained to help mitigate the effect of drugs. BTW, she cannot recommend any drugs or whether you should be on one or the other; this is considered unethical in the EEM community.
(I am not currently a practitioner, so there is no conflict-of-interest in mentioning EEM). You could also try an acupuncturist. The difference is that an EEM practitioner can teach you some "take home" exercises that involve holding acupoints that you can easily do, even sitting in front ot the TV or listening to music. This is important, since you can't work on the acupuncture meridian system just once and think everything is OK. It takes repetition. I'm doing my relevant points three times I week and ALL of my side effects have all but completely disappeared--including the hair loss, a constantly runny nose, and pretty severe Raynaud's Syndrome. Hope this helps.
Votes: +0
PA
Pamela A
8 May 2017
Dear Drugs.com. Yesterday, I responded to this question, but it is clear that my response was “axed” before it saw the light of day. No doubt, this one will be as well, though this response is directed to the Drugs.com staff, not the people asking questions about blood pressure meds and hair loss. (I didn't know what other means to communicate with you.)
I can understand why you may have deleted my response since it delved into an area of alternative therapies that you (1) may not understand or (2) may not support in general. For your clarification: First, my response was created with pure intention, to help solve a problem for some very distressed people. I was not trying to promote business for Eden Energy Medicine practitioners, just trying to point toward an alternative that would be affordable for them.
I could have pointed them in the direction of acupuncture, but that would have ended up costing people much more in time and dollars, whereas EEM practitioners can teach techniques for people to do at home. Second, if your staff doesn't have the knowledge or experience to support specific alternative approaches (which some writers seem to be begging for), you could perhaps include some type of “qualifier” at the top of each Drugs.com Q&A page that relates to this.
On May 23, 2012, Beth Israel Hospital, New York, paid for a full-page color ad in the “A” section promoting their integrative program, which read, “Where health and healing come together.” I cut it out and framed it, for it represented an open-minded effort to build bridges between Western and holistic communities, with the highest interest of patients in mind. We are living in times that are crying out for bridge building--and not just in Washington! I hope you will reconsider printing my reply and let readers make up their own minds about it. If you would like me to modify it, for example by taking out the specific reference to EEM, I would be happy to do so.
If I don't hear back from you, I'll take your non-response as a "no way, Pamela A." I will respect your decision and cease to communicate any further on this topic.
Thank you, Pamela A
Votes: +1
PR
Prettyncy50
8 May 2017
I am on Amlodipine 5mg and I have noticed hair lose as well. This makes the second BP meds I have tried. I want to just do all natural stuff. Are there any suggestions? All this medication stuff is bad and a money maker. Back in the day our people wasn't taking all this medication. They used home remedies. If you have any information please help!
Thanks!
Votes: +0
FI
finster1952
4 June 2018
I read that coq10 and magnesium r good helpers in controlling BP. I take Losartan and have for maybe 1 yr of more and just now trying to figure out why my hair has thinned so much and looks like straw on the side and seems to be breaking off too. Been thinking about a wig but its so hot I don't know.I have diabetes and Losartan seems to be a good med for that.
BA
barbara61
2 Jan 2019
wondering if we can start a law suit, they know all these medication cause hair loss, and trying to make us think were crazy,i have always watch my body and especially when i try something new, so i know for a fact it's the blood pressure medicine, maybe that's the only way we can get there attention, because we should'nt have to take our medicine and worry about losing our hair
GD
GDSmith214
25 March 2017
I am very frustrated. I should have been talked to my cardiologist about a new med. I have been on lisinopril for about a year now. My hair is ridiculously thin and bald at the top. I wear a scarf and wigs now. Before lisinopril I was on metoprolol for years and didn't have this much hair loss. It was thinning but not like this. I was still able to show my hair. Now it's too embarrassing. I'm 38 years old. I have some serious health issues but I'm still trying to live and look good! I'm gonna make an appointment for sure cause I have to get some help with this.
Votes: +0
CH
Chyk41
10 March 2017
It isn't so much the medication that you're taking as it is the care you're taking of your hair. I took 90% of my medications before my HA and when I started having trouble with my hair I changed beautician. I found out then that it was the meds but the harsh treatment. She was stripping my hair and failing to condition it. I switched and my hair thicken and I kept it at shoulder length until three years ago. I followed my new beautician's directions and change up my shampoo and conditioner every two or three washes. I use Pantene and my hair is waist length. I take aspirin, Plavix, Coreg twice a day, Spironolactone twice a day, Benicar, Simvastatin, Singulair and Nitrostat and Ventolin as needed. Take care.
Votes: +0
EL
EllaRS
11 March 2017
Glad you found out that your hairdresser was destroying your hair, but the people posting here are experiencing hair loss caused by blood pressure medications. In my case, I had beautiful, thick hair, started taking Lisinopril, and my hair began falling out by the handful. When I changed medications, it stopped falling out and grew back to its previous thickness. I never changed my hair care routine.
JO
Joann sanchez
16 March 2017
I have been taking lisinopril and amlodopine for a few years and have been losing my hair since I have been on thsee medications and I never thought it could be the medication until I read something that came out on the Internet a couple of days ago, I walk around trying to cover up my bald spots, I see my doctor on Monday and am definitely going to discuss my options
TA
tamcancan
15 Aug 2017
Lies. The medications not only causing hair loss, but, they change the way your organs work. And, cause you to have premature death rather than keep you alive. I water fasted from all medication for 9 days and my hair and skin cleared up and my blood pressure and diabetes corrected. The doctors were talking about removing my adrenal glands for a problem that medications are causing. The next time I see my doctor, I'm going to tell her wean me off my medications. They make my heart failure worse and make it difficult for me to loose weight.
TA
tamcancan
15 Aug 2017
Lie. Lies. The medications not only causing hair loss, but, they change the way your organs work. And, cause you to have premature death rather than keep you alive. I water fasted from all medication for 9 days and my hair and skin cleared up and my blood pressure and diabetes corrected. The doctors were talking about removing my adrenal glands for a problem that medications are causing. The next time I see my doctor, I'm going to tell her wean me off my medications. They make my heart failure worse and make it difficult for me to lose weight.
My doctor prescribed my first blood pressure meds and it was Triamterene 37.5 Mg-hydrochlorothiazide 25. My hair fell out immediately by the handfuls. My hair stylist said I lost as much as 20 people in her drain. I quit taking the meds after 11 days and my hair continued to thin out and changed texture. My doctor then prescribed without my consent, Lisinopril 5 Mg. I refused to take it and sent it back to the pharmacy. My numbers fluctuate from 137/80 to as high as 157/80. I am being really careful about sodium, carbs, losing weight and just freaking out. I started taking a vitamin for hair, skin and nails and it seems to help. Resulting in less hair coming out or maybe the medicine is leaving my system altogether. I have a blood pressure cuff at home and check regularly and my numbers are coming down. I want to do it naturally if at all possible and to save my hair.
I have been looking all over for a med that does not cause hair loss and even at 5 Mg. dosage, it would soon be up'd to 10 or 25 and hair loss again. You'd think the manufacturers would have gotten this formula right by now.
Votes: +3
LO
lona_81
10 March 2017
I read that once you stop taking Triamterene -hydrochlorothiazide, it takes about 3.5 days to leave your system but stays in the hair shaft for 80=90 days longer.
EL
EllaRS
10 March 2017
For blood pressure of 137/80 to 157/80, I personally would not take any medications. I'd try weight loss, aerobic exercise, and reduced sodium first, as you mentioned. Are your numbers coming down? I'd give it at least three months.
From what I can gather, there is no one blood pressure medication that doesn't cause hair loss in everyone. It's a trial and error sort of thing. Lisinopril was awful for me, while the Amlodipine was fine. But I know many people who take Lisinopril without any hair effects at all.
If you do want to try something else, ask your doctor for a different class of drug than what you've already had. There are beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, etc.
LO
lona_81
10 March 2017
I took my BP after 10 days on the Tria-Hydrothiazide and it was up to 153/80. After I stopped taking the drug, it went down to the 130s. Not sure how long it takes for a medicine to show results, but I thought after 10 days it should show something. My doctor did not talk to me but just ordered the other through mail order pharmacy. I am returning it. I am afraid to take any other BP medicine at this point until I get all this out of my system. I am monitoring my BP and it is lower now with the diet and low sodium. I think I used a lot of sodium before in processed foods (frozen entrees).
MS
Mswtaz
4 June 2018
I have been taking this same drug for the last 3 or 4 years. The doctor that I went to told me it was at a diuretic. I started to have bald spots. I also noticed my face would itch a lot. Since I have seasonal allergies I thought it was that. As I had gone through a few traumatizing events the dermatologist told me it was alopecia. Even after things settled down my hair would grow back then fall back out grow back or I would get bald spots. This progressed to last summer when my scalp became horribly itchy. I developed red spots and my hair would fall out from those spots. By the end of November last year I had about 50 bald spots and thinning hair. To top it off I’ve been getting cortisone injections for what the dermatologist called alopecia. I have gone to several doctors no one ever mentioned it could be my medication. I stop this medication a week ago to top it off I’ve been getting cortisone injections for what the dermatologist called alopecia.
I have gone to several doctors no one ever mentioned it could be my medication. I stop this medication a week ago after experiencing severe itching and burning in my scout to where I could not lie my head down on the pillow. Now my blood pressure has skyrocketed and I’m retaining at least 8 pounds of water. Going to see the doctor tomorrow. I know she’s going to want to put me on a blood pressure medication but I don’t want to take one. I’ll see if I can control this with diet and exercise.
I was put on Amlopodine in October last year so have been taking it for 4 months. At first I noticed more hair on my clothes when I brushed it but the last few weeks it's gradually increased and now I'm frightened to brush it! When I've showered I have to clean the plug out and it's very upsetting. I have recently lost a lot of weight, 2 stone in about 3 months, but I have eaten plenty of vegetables and fruit, so I do t think it's due to my diet. I am goi g back to the doctor to discuss this and in the meantime have started taking Perfectil Max for hair nails and skin. I have always had beautiful thick hair, probably a good job as if it had been thin I wouldn't have much left by now!!
Votes: +0
EL
EllaRS
19 Feb 2017
Rapid weight loss can cause hair loss, especially if you aren't getting enough protein. I guess it's hard to know the cause in your case, but I'd say it's more likely due to the drug than diet. At least there are other ones you can try. Good luck! I understand completely how upsetting this is.
SH
Shadynook
20 Feb 2017
Just had telephone consultation with the Doctor and he confirmed it is the Amlopodine and told me stop taking them immediately. Do hope my lovely Hair returns.
EL
EllaRS
21 Feb 2017
Which bp medicine were you put on instead of the Amlodipine?
SH
Shadynook
21 Feb 2017
Nothing at moment he wants to see me in a month. My bp before tabs was averaging 150/160 over 80/90 was wasn't particularly high and since October I have lost 2 stone in weight.
EL
EllaRS
21 Feb 2017
Hopefully you won't need any bp meds! Wouldn't that be great!
SH
Shadynook
21 Feb 2017
It certainly would!! Think most bp meds have this side effect.
I have been on lisinopril for quite some time. At 10 mg daily, I had no problem, but recently it was upped to 20 mg and I'm experiencing a great deal of hair loss. So glad to find this message board. I will be talking to my doctor.
