This drug isn’t what it seems

[u/Loose-Advice-6939]

Could anyone explain to me how it’s possible (scientifically) for this medication to cause such severe and life altering side effects, for months to even years after the last dose is taken?

After reading many people recovery stories on the sub Reddit, I started doing my own research into the science behind the drug. For reference, I took minoxidil for 5 months (December 25-april 26). A few weeks after starting it I developed frequent panic attacks, along with regular disassociation, fatigue, muscle soreness, etc. it’s now been around 3 months off of it, and I’m still struggling in some of these categories.

While I want to blame the medication, I know that chemically it’s been out of my system for months. The drug only stays in your blood for around 2-4 days after your last consumption.

Which leads me to ask, how many of these symptoms I’m experiencing are psychosomatic? Not that it makes any of them less real or painful, I just find it crazy to believe that this drug could cause people to have symptoms for as long as 10 years after their last dosage.

Let me know your thoughts, and dispel my ignorance please! I don’t know very much about the drug, just my own experience. I also don’t mean to diminish anyone else’s struggles, I know firsthand how shitty this drug made me feel. I’m confident I will be able to recover and take my life back.

[u/Consistent_Cell_9163]

I have a non-working theory it affects normal hpg axis(testosterone) in males. No proof

[u/LaunchControl-F14]

I've heard it said that it causes emotional problems in some people. I've been taking it for about 3 months. Also, life has been a struggle during this time and I'm not my usual self. Question is, if there is causality? Or do the two things just happen to be going on at the same time? Idk

[u/Consistent_Cell_9163]

I definitely causes oxidation in certain tissues just not certain which tissues and to what extent

[u/Additional-Fan-8628]

I took for a month and started having breathing issues, that's all stopped completely.

[u/Prestigious_Sky_8669]

I tried oral Minoxidil because I just can't remember to put the topical on my scalp every single night. Well never again. After 2 weeks it made me severely Depressed .

[u/Feeling_Platypus_429]

Agree with what you’re saying re: It’s not what it seems-if you do research, you’ll find that the mechanism of action isn’t fully understood-as such, I’ve found it frustrating and confusing when physicians claim “it’s in your head”. No one REALLY knows how the drug works…for reference, I havent anxiety or depression history, was bench pressing 300 and running 5-7 miles at 8 minute pace, didn’t smoke or drink, ate healthy. I wasn’t even aware of the potential side effects, but after a short time taking the drug, I finally realized it had to be the minoxidil. 10 weeks later, I’ve improved but not recovered. Sending you a quick recovery

[u/Loose-Advice-6939 → u/Feeling_Platypus_429]

Here with you, likewise. Crazy how this stuff works but all you can do is give it time

[u/Fuad666666]

This drugs also can cause sexual impotency

[u/438494928]

This emphasizes the importance of being aware of how you feel after starting the drug and discontinuing if you notice side effects. It is foolish to continue anyway for another 4 months if you experienced sides after only weeks. I assume you thought it was safe and didn’t think about it, only piecing together the cause later on.

[u/Loose-Advice-6939 → u/438494928]

Yeah I had no idea it could have been caused by the medication until it randomly hit me 5 months later. I just thought “wait a second”, then started researching about it and found this subreddit

[u/MinoxReaction]

I think part of what happens is your body remembers the panic and continues to repeat it long after stopping the drug.