Mon 27 Oct 2008
Experiencing Dizziness Using Rogaine (Minoxidil) for Hair Loss
Category: Non Surgical Treatments , Rogaine (Minoxidil) , TopicalsI have been experiencing dizziness after a month of using Rogaine (minoxidil) 5%. I woke up a few times from it and felt my heartbeat racing for a few seconds. Anyone know about this type of side effect? Should i discontinue use?
This hair loss question was answered on our hair restoration forum by Dr. Paul Shapiro of Bloomington, MN who is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians. His professional answer is below.
If you are having dizziness and heart palpitations on Rogaine, I would advise you to stop it right away.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator which means it relaxes the veins and arteries in the body. It was first used as an oral medication to lower blood pressure. The fact that minoxidil stimulates hair growth was an accidental finding. In fact, it is no longer used to lower blood pressure, partly due to this side effect.
When used topically (applied directly to the balding scalp) usually the amount absorbed into the blood stream is minimal. In most hair loss sufferers, it does not cause systemic (affecting the body ) side effects.
Dizzy spells and heart palpitations are known side affect of minoxidil and you may just be extra sensitive to the medication. But there also may be a medical reason why the minute amount of Rogaine absorbed into your blood system cased palpitations. I would see your primary care physician and/or a cardiologist to do some simple testing to evaluate your heart. Another possibility is that you have a skin condition on your scalp which allows more of the hair loss treatment to be absorbed into your body, (i.e. bad psoriasis) but I think you would know of such a condition.
I hope this is helpful.
Paul Shapiro, MD
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Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog
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April 28th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Hi, Doctor,
I did not notice my dizzness until I had a bad fall and injuried many parts of my body. My question is if the dizzness will go away if I stop using Rogaine or Rogaine does have a permanent affect on my hearing structure and i need to see my physician to treat it. How does Regaine cause the dizziness?
Thanks.
David Jiang
April 28th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
David,
The dizziness you’re experiencing should go away upon stopping Rogaine and I don’t believe it would have any permanent affect on your hearing. However, be sure to speak with your physician about your concerns and I’m sure he/she will help to alleviate them.
Best wishes,
Bill Seemiller – Managing Publisher of this Community
May 17th, 2011 at 11:26 am
Hi Doctor,
I applied 1ml Minoxidil 5% solution to my head and found that I suffered dizzyness/light headed sensation only, no heart issues.
I had taken ibuprofen that day also (which i think also lowers blood pressure) – could that have caused it? I am worried I may be causing harm to myself if I use Minoxidil again. I was thinking of trying a half ml topical application with no other drugs being used to see?
Thanks,
Richard
May 19th, 2011 at 3:28 am
Richard,
This article was published on behalf of Dr. Shapiro but he does not receive updated comments. If you experienced dizziness from a single application of Rogaine I highly recommend consulting with your physician prior to using it again. I also suggest posing your question in a discussion thread on our Hair Restoration Forum and social network. Many of our recommended physicians participate regularly and may be able to answer your question regarding ibuprofen.
David (TakingThePlunge)