Does Bystolic cause hair loss as a side effect? 

Does Bystolic cause hair loss as a side effect?

Yes, Bystolic does cause hair loss as a side effect. Hair loss on beta-blockers is a common concern and is reported by a huge number of people. Even those who don’t lose hair experience hair thinning. Beta-blockers are associated with two types of hair loss: (1)

• Telogen effluvium – in which the medication affects your hair present in the resting phase, whereas the hair in the growth phase continues to grow. This leads to short-term hair loss. 

• Anagen effluvium – in which the medication affects your hair while they are growing and prevents that from happening. This leads to long-term hair loss and it’s not easily reversed. 

The reason behind this side effect, according to the experts, is the narrowing of blood vessels present in your hair roots. This can lead to a reduced supply of blood towards your hair. 

Blood is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients. This is considered the main cause of hair thinning and hair loss on beta-blockers – including Bystolic, Carvedilol, Labetalol, etc. 

Is Bystolic-induced hair loss reversible? 

Hair loss associated with Bystolic is generally reversible. If you experience hair loss while taking Bystolic, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider. (2)

They can assess your situation and determine if the hair loss is indeed related to the medication or if there may be other factors involved.

If it is determined that Bystolic is causing your hair loss, your healthcare provider may suggest adjusting the dosage or switching to an alternative medication. 

In most cases, once the medication is discontinued or changed, hair regrowth can occur over time. However, it’s important to note that the timeline for hair regrowth can vary from person to person.

What to do if Bystolic causes hair loss? 

If Bystolic causes hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider about it. If your hair loss is severe, your doctor may switch you to another medication. 

However, it is not recommended to change your medication or stop using it on your own, especially if you’re taking Bystolic for hypertension. There are some tips that you can try to reverse hair loss. These include:

• Try Minoxidil topical preparation for your scalp. The drug is a vasodilator in nature and it will enhance the flow of blood towards your hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth (3).

• Apply coconut or castor oil on your scalp. Both of these oils are associated with hair strengthening and growth as they contain all the important nutrients. You can try massaging the oil on your scalp. Massaging can increase blood flow towards your scalp (4).

• Take multivitamins. Vitamins and certain minerals are essential for hair growth and if you are deficient, this could significantly slow down your recovery rate (5).

• Try onion extract on your scalp. Several studies have indicated that onions contain Sulphur, which actively promotes hair growth and strengthens your hair roots (60. 

Some things to avoid while experiencing Bystolic-induced hair loss

If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Bystolic (nebivolol) or any other medication, there are certain things you can avoid to help support your hair health:

• Avoid excessive heat styling. Excessive heat from tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can further damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage.

• Avoid harsh chemical treatments. Chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, and harsh hair dyes can weaken and damage your hair.

• Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your hair, such as tight ponytails, braids, or buns. These can put stress on your hair follicles and contribute to hair breakage.

• Avoid excessive brushing or combing. Be gentle when brushing or combing your hair, especially when it is wet, as wet hair is more susceptible to damage.

• Avoid harsh hair care products, as some hair care products contain harsh ingredients that can further damage your hair.

• Avoid excessive tension on the scalp. Be mindful of any activities or accessories that may put excessive tension on your scalp, such as wearing tight hats, headbands, or hair extensions. 

Final words

To sum up, Bystolic or beta-blockers in general can cause hair loss and it is a frequently reported side effect. However, it can be managed in some cases. Just make sure you report your side effects to your doctor and do not may any changes to your prescription on your own. 

References