I can't use minoxidil, what should be plan B?

[jakeb]

I've tried multiple times over the past 5 years to use minoxidil, but each time the same thing happens: puffy face, dark eye circles, and chest pains. Maybe I just have a very porous head?!

Since minoxidil seems to be no good for me, what in your opinion is the next best thing? Right now, I use:

1.25mg finasteride
nizoral 1%
folligen spray

 

[beaner]

Were you using the 5% minoxidil. that caused these side effects? Perhaps you can try a smaller dosage.... 1ml per day instead of 2ml per day can be almost as effective in some people. You may also want to try the 2% version and work your way up as your body becomes used to it. If you've already tried this, I apologize....it's just that when it comes to stimulating growth, minoxidil is the best we have. One suggestion though would be to perhaps switch your copper peptides to Tricomin...it's pricier than Folligen but does have solid backing....I believe it was shown to be as effective as 2% minoxidil at stimulating growth in partial FDA trials.

 

[jakeb]

The 2% is a good point. I'll give that a try.

Am I thinking about this correctly that I could add water to my existing bottle of 5% to come up with two bottles of "2.5%"? Or do you think that would degrade the minoxidil in some weird way?

 

[Aplunk1]

No, don't add water to your minoxidil-- it won't absorb that way.

Just try the 2%.

 

[jakeb]

2% it is! Thanks for the advice.

 

[Private Ryan]

do make sure your hair and scalp is totally dry before applying it..

 

[Bryan]

Minoxidil is only slightly soluble in water. Dumping a bunch of water into a Rogaine bottle would probably make a lot of the minoxidil drop out of solution.

Bryan

 

[The Bald Beach Boy]

I have also experienced problems using minoxidil so I'm giving up on it for now.
I used just 0.5ml on it once and had a blistering rash all over my scalp and forehead for a fortnight afterwards. I have sensitive skin at the best of times but a reaction like that surprised me.
I'm using finasteride so at least I'm doing something but I've set my heart on using a topical. Are there any other topicals as cheap as minoxidil (£25 for 4 months)
Any answers appreciated.

 

[techprof]

jakeb try proxiphen-N from Dr. proctor.
nano has growth properties similar to minoxidil.