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Beta blockers/ hair loss

Electricblue1 profile image
19 Replies

Hi everyone, I’m taking bisoprolol 1.25 and I’m wondering if anyone has suffered thinning hair.

I can’t see any more on my pillow or when I wash it but it feels thin and dry and it wasn’t before I went on this medication.

Also I’ve put on weight is this normal with beta blockers and if so will it calm down or do you just keep putting on weight.

Thanks

Electricblue1

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Electricblue1
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19 Replies
Shcldavies profile image
Shcldavies

I have taken bisoprolol since 1997, I don't think I have had any such side effects, only side effect is a feeling of exhaustion, the higher the dose the worst it gets. Was on a dose of 7.5 which was not good, since ablation on 1.25 and do not have any niticable side effects. Like all drugs it can effect people differently.

jwsonoma profile image
jwsonoma

Hi,I found I was putting on a little weight with Bis. It does slow your HR and metabolism depending on the amount.

So I had to cut some calories and increase exercise.

Electricblue1 profile image
Electricblue1 in reply tojwsonoma

Hi , does the weight gain level off or does it continue all the time.

jwsonoma profile image
jwsonoma in reply toElectricblue1

Mine seemed to taper off after a couple of years. I dropped down to 1.25mg/day with approval of my Dr. Other wise I was gaining 1 lb a week. It seemed to track my reduced resting HR.After a couple of years my resting HR creeped from low to high 50s. The lock down fit in some how.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

I've read that hair loss is a known side effect of beta-blockers. Certainly, my hair thinned more while I was on them, but I can't be sure that it was the drug or was just natural.

Steve

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald

I think that AF causes weight loss because although the heart is only receiving an electrical signal, that then acts on the muscle of the heart and the activity of the muscle uses more energy. That energy has to come from food so unless food consumption is matched to the pattern of the AF it will cause weight loss or gain. Bisoprolol lowers the heart rate, so your heart uses less energy. Unless you cut back on your food intake to compensate you will gain weight.

All the best.

Roy

Sewnknit profile image
Sewnknit

Hi, I've had thinner hair which started when I was on Bisoprol and apixaban. I'm on sotalol now as I really couldn't cope with the Bisoprol. I was under the impression that the thinning hair was due to the apixaban (and it is on the list of side effects in the pack). It gradually stopped getting worse, if you see what I mean and I bought a fancy shampoo to help. I also had a new haircut (shorter, makes it look thicker).

I was trying to lose weight when I went on the Bisoprolol but it still came off with the odd hiccup. I'm LCHF. The worst part was the constipation! Plenty of fibre and water helped, but it was awful until I got it settled.

Good luck!

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

I had weight gain - that seems to be quite common with Beta Blockers and I found it almost impossible to shift. I couldn’t tolerate them at all.

Megams profile image
Megams

~I am new here but want to say that since my metoprol was increased by 25mg to total 95mg daily weight around tum has increased :(So disappointed as strict with my diet - have PMR & been on steroids 6 + years.

Booked for ablation in August - most heart meds make me so nauseous.

View to hopefully dropping back on metoprol - fingers & toes crossed.

Haven't noticed hair thinning but do take silica & brew my own herbal tea's known to assist with skin hair & nails :) ~

12Potter profile image
12Potter

I didn’t enjoy BB (2 years) HR low in the 40’s absolutely no energy nails splitting not growing v cold hands & feet …. Loss of hair but put down to menopause? However I felt I needed to follow medical advise & accepted the reactions. Been off them since Tuesday (as instructed post ablation) & will monitor symptoms. Guess it’s your call to inform yourself of alternatives & judge what’s right for you. Best of luck 😀

12Potter profile image
12Potter

Oops forgot … yes def weight gain too !

Fogginut profile image
Fogginut

I haven't lost any hair over the years of taking it but I have put on a lot of weight x

Maisiemay13 profile image
Maisiemay13

I have had a lot of hair loss finished BB two weeks ago (after Ablation)still finding it falling out,fingers crossed it stops,I am also on Apixaban

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

I take 1.25 Nebivolol and have done for years. My hair loss has settled down although during the lockdown it grew curly for the first time in my life. My hairdresser says due to chemical change in my body but no different tablets.

Jeekee9 profile image
Jeekee9

Yes! Same as you, I have gained weight and noticed heavier hair loss. I take several medications with hair loss as side effects. And Metoprolol 25 mg is one of them. I hate taking anything which affects my weight and my hair. I feel tired most of the day.

37Polly profile image
37Polly in reply toJeekee9

I finally solved the weight issue with LCHF or “keto” diet. Magnesium deals with constipation nicely and helps heart rhythm. Beta blockers had me gaining monthly for four years. Feels great now. Very slow weight loss but blood work best in years and 17 lb loss in 4 months. GP clueless. Comment: “ I told you just lower calories “. I was starved for four years! No success. Hair still an issue but I am hoping.

Jeekee9 profile image
Jeekee9

Thank you for sharing this information. I have been reading about intermittent fasting and lower carb eating. I believe this would help me. And like you, I also take magnesium which helps in more ways than one I believe. Not only the regularity issues along with the relief from palpitations, but I can rest better. I wish you continued success with your weight loss. I believe the foods we eat can make all the difference in the world with our health. I hope that I can one day be taken off the beta blockers.

37Polly profile image
37Polly in reply toJeekee9

Thanks. I think intermittent fasting or longer is critical for overall health. If you haven’t read about about autophagy check it out. Agree on beta blockers but I likely will never be off them as they also treat my essential tremor😕. To not gain weight on them is a struggle but Keto is helping.

Jeekee9 profile image
Jeekee9 in reply to37Polly

Polly, I will definitely check out autophagy. I have heard of it but not really sure what it's all about. Keep up the good work with keto . I just started intermittent fasting and am trying to get the hang of it. I think I can do this with planning. Thanks so much and best of luck to you.

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