Alopecia as a Prazosin side-effect

Has anyone experienced severe diffuse hair loss as a result of taking an alpha-blocker? It's a drug similar to beta blockers, usually prescribed for hypertension. I started Prazosin 9 weeks ago for PTSD. My hair started falling out like crazy. I had some tests done and the doctor says its androgenic alopecia. I've been tested for hypothyroid, PCOS, lupus and other things and they all came back negative. Then I discovered that Prazosin commonly causes alopecia.

 Does anyone know whether my hair will grow back now I've stopped the medication? Is it worth taking Minoxidil or something to slow the shedding?

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Permalink Reply by Beth on April 26, 2016 at 12:15am
You should go to a good dermatologist. There are different types of hair loss. Yours may be temporary, called TE.
Permalink Reply by Scar93 on April 26, 2016 at 1:59am
Thanks Beth! I have a good dermatologist I used to see for a different problem, I'm going to see him again for advice on this. I'm hoping you're right and it's just TE and will grow back now I've stopped the alpha blocker.
Permalink Reply by Alo-mom on April 29, 2016 at 4:00pm

There is always a chance a drug can effect other elements of your body. However since Alopecia is an autoimmune condition it could been laying dormient and been triggered by any number of things. The problem with AA is no one really knows what causes the body to attrack itself. The body in your case is attacking the hair follicle.Minoxidil could not hurt, I would start it asap. PS, Alopecia is many times a stand alone immune condition so I am not surprised that lupus or PCOS came back normal. All my best to you. Lisa 

Permalink Reply by Scar93 on April 29, 2016 at 8:11pm
Thanks for your help. I just heard something similar from a new doctor I decided to see after my regular one wouldn't take this seriously. She said perhaps I had alopecia anyway but the medication exacerbated it.

Thanks for your time!

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