|
 Dr. Alan J. Bauman is the Founder, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Bauman Medical Group, P.A. located in Wharfside at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida. His practice is dedicated exclusively to treating male and female pattern hair loss. Dr. Bauman uses state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques to help his patients maintain and/or restore their scalp hair.
John Leirro
2005-02-08
Stopping Minoxidil & Starting Propecia
Hi Dr. Bauman,
My question concerns stopping the application of topical minoxidil after about 5 months due to side effect issues (rapid heartbeat, dizziness, etc.). I was using way too high concentrations of it (12.5% & 15% in addition to the 5%). The minoxiidl helped stimulate small vellus hairs in my temples (I'm about a NW1.5-2), and thickened the rest of my hair. Since I've stopped the minoxidil about 2 weeks ago I've started taking 1mg finasteride a day. Do you think I will suffer a severe shed for stopping the minoxidil? And should I be able to see the same benefits replacing minoxidil with finasteride? And finally, would you suggest SLOWLY reintrodcing minoxidil into my regimen, perhaps 2% 1x/day to avoid or minimize side effects? Thanks so much Dr. Bauman.
John,
Propecia and minoxidil work differently. You will certainly see a shed, starting 60-90 days from discontinuing minoxidil. Minoxidil and Propecia work well together (better than just Propecia alone). I would restart minox 2% and see if there are any side effects. What is your age?
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
doctorb@baumanmedical.com
Click here to return to Dr. Alan J. Bauman, MD's Q&A page.
|
