Minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. However, like all medications, it has both primary effects and side effects. Here are some details about minoxidil side effects after stopping:
Positive effects:
- There are no positive effects of minoxidil after stopping its use.
Negative effects:
- Scalp irritation: When people stop using minoxidil, they may experience scalp irritation or redness. This is usually a temporary side effect that will go away in a few days to a few weeks.
- Hair loss: People who discontinue using minoxidil may experience hair loss in the first few weeks. This shedding is a typical side effect of stopping the medication, and it happens because minoxidil prolongs the hair follicles growth phase. Once a person stops using it, the follicles resume their normal cycle. The hair growth should resume in a few months after this brief shedding.
- Hypertrichosis: In rare cases, minoxidil may cause hypertrichosis or excess hair growth. This side effect is more likely to happen in women than men, and it usually goes away after treatment is stopped.
- Perioral dermatitis: Another potentially severe side effect is perioral dermatitis, which causes a rash around the mouth. Contact your health care practitioner if you experience any of these side effects after stopping minoxidil treatment.
- Other side effects: Other negative side effects of minoxidil include scalp redness, dryness, flaking, itching, unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, tiredness, difficulty breathing especially when lying down, and skin rashes such as bullous eruptions.
It is important to note that the effects of minoxidil vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any hair loss or shedding when they discontinue use. If you want to stop using minoxidil, consult with your doctor or dermatologist about your options and any potential side effects.
