What would be the best way to get off minoxidil?

Question

Been using minoxidil for little over a year now sometimes on and off but I absolutely love the results it has given me how ever the times where I had run out of it and had to wait say a week or two before I got new bottles I noticed rapid hair shedding and more thinning, which is to be expected but now I’m at the point where I want to look other alternatives and not risk any more hair loss. How ever if minoxidil is my only option I will stick with it.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

If minoxidil is working and you are not having side effects why not stay on it?  Whether you taper off quickly or slowly the end result is the same.   Minoxidil will only work during the period in which you use it. Should you stop, you likely will experience catch-up hair loss.

Roy Stoller, DO, FAOCO, FAAO · Answer

When a medication is working well, without side effects, patients are encouraged to stay on them.  Not everyone responds to Minoxidil and some patients have difficulty applying it twice daily.  I would caution you that starting and stopping Minoxidil can cause prolonged and excessive shedding.  Although there are some alternatives, I would suggest you consider sticking with Minoxidil since you are having good results with out problems.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You'll want to speak to your physician about all the alternatives. If a patient does not want to be on minoxidil then they of course should not. However, it is absolutely critical to understand a few points: 1) your story suggests you are an excellent minoxidil responder. few men are such good responders so this is fortunate. 2) the alternatives to minoxidil either do not work as well (or may not work at all for you) or are associated with significantly greater and potentially life altering side effects. 3) Every single treatment for balding is life long and every single medical treatment requires you to keep finding a source and keep using. There are many gimmicks and fads. My patients who are excellent minxodil responders are encouraged to very very carefully consider whether or not to continue.

What would be the best way to get off minoxidil?

Answers (3)

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