Can Latisse Cause Headaches? Understanding the Connection

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Clinical reports have identified headaches as a possible systemic adverse reaction for some users of bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse, though it is not one of the most frequently cited side effects. This article explores the link between the prescription eyelash treatment and this potential adverse effect to answer the question: Can Latisse cause headaches?

Quick Summary

Headaches are a reported but uncommon side effect of Latisse. The active ingredient, bimatoprost, can sometimes lead to systemic effects like headaches, though more localized ocular issues are more frequent. Discontinuing use can often alleviate symptoms.

Key Points

Headaches are an uncommon side effect: While most users experience localized eye irritation, systemic side effects like headaches have been reported, although they are not frequent.
Bimatoprost can be systemically absorbed: Even with topical application, the active ingredient can be absorbed into the bloodstream in very small amounts, potentially leading to systemic side effects.
Dose and application matter: Higher concentrations of bimatoprost, like those in the glaucoma medication Lumigan, are more likely to cause headaches, highlighting the importance of correct Latisse application to minimize absorption.
Individual sensitivity varies: Some individuals may be more sensitive to the drug's effects, and for them, even minimal absorption could trigger headaches.
Headaches often resolve after discontinuation: For users who correlate their headaches with Latisse use, stopping the medication has been reported to cause symptoms to subside.
Consult a doctor for severe or persistent symptoms: If headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.

What is Latisse (Bimatoprost)?

Latisse is a prescription topical solution containing bimatoprost, a synthetic prostaglandin analog, approved by the FDA to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. Applied to the upper lash line, it is thought to increase the growth phase of eyelashes, resulting in longer, thicker, and darker lashes. This effect was noted during the development of Lumigan, a higher-concentration bimatoprost eye drop for glaucoma that lowers intraocular pressure (IOP).

The Connection Between Latisse and Headaches

While Latisse is applied topically, minimal systemic absorption is possible. Headaches have been reported in clinical trials and after the drug was released, though infrequently compared to common eye-related side effects. Some users have anecdotally linked their headaches to Latisse use, noting they worsened with treatment and improved after stopping. This suggests a connection for some sensitive individuals, supported by documented systemic effects from bimatoprost-related drugs. Lumigan, with its higher concentration applied directly to the eye, has a more established link to headaches, indicating that dosage and application method play a role.

Potential Mechanisms for Headaches

The precise cause isn't fully clear, but several factors could link bimatoprost to headaches:

Vascular Effects: Prostaglandins can affect blood vessels. Systemic absorption might cause vascular changes that trigger headaches in some people.
Intraocular Pressure Changes: Even with topical application, bimatoprost can influence IOP. This could potentially cause or worsen pain behind the eyes, perceived as a headache, in individuals with certain eye conditions.
Inflammatory Responses: Bimatoprost is associated with intraocular inflammation in some patients, which could lead to referred head pain.
Individual Sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to bimatoprost, experiencing a systemic reaction even at low doses.

Comparison of Latisse Side Effects

The table below outlines the difference between common, localized side effects and the less frequent, systemic effects of Latisse, based on clinical data and reports.


Side Effect Category	Common Localized Ocular Side Effects	Less Common Systemic Side Effects
Effect on the Body	Eye itching and redness, ocular irritation, dry eyes	Headache, dizziness, body aches
Effect on Pigmentation	Darkening of the eyelid skin, eyelash darkening	Potential for permanent iris darkening (very rare with Latisse, more associated with direct eye administration)
Effect on Hair Growth	Eyelash growth (intended), potential for hair growth in other areas with excess contact	N/A
Frequency	Reported in a small percentage (around 4%) of patients	Reported infrequently, especially with proper application
Reversibility	Eyelash and eyelid pigmentation changes are generally reversible upon discontinuation	Systemic symptoms like headaches typically subside after stopping the medication

Managing Headaches and When to See a Doctor

If you suspect Latisse is causing your headaches, consider these steps:

Review Application: Ensure you're applying Latisse exactly as directed, using a single drop per applicator on the upper lash line to minimize absorption.
Temporary Discontinuation: Stopping Latisse for a few weeks can help determine if the headaches are linked, as reported by some users.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Seek medical advice if headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or vision changes. Your doctor can rule out other issues and guide your next steps.
Share Medical History: Inform your doctor about any history of inflammatory eye conditions like uveitis or iritis, as bimatoprost can worsen these.

Conclusion

While it is possible for Latisse to cause headaches, it is an uncommon side effect. Most users experience mild, localized eye issues. For those who develop headaches, potential causes include systemic absorption or individual sensitivity to bimatoprost. Headaches often resolve after discontinuing the medication. Using Latisse correctly and consulting a healthcare provider for any concerns can help manage potential risks while achieving the desired eyelash enhancement. Always prioritize your health when considering new treatments.

For more information on bimatoprost, refer to the Mayo Clinic's Drug Information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Headaches are an uncommon side effect of Latisse. The most frequently reported adverse effects are localized to the eye, such as itching and redness, which occur in a small percentage of users.

The active ingredient, bimatoprost, can be absorbed systemically in small amounts. Since it is a prostaglandin analog, this absorption can potentially cause vascular effects that trigger a headache in sensitive individuals.

Yes, improper application that leads to a larger amount of the solution being absorbed could theoretically increase the risk of systemic side effects like headaches. Always use the sterile applicator correctly and wipe away any excess.

If you suspect Latisse is causing your headaches, you can try temporarily discontinuing the product. If the headaches persist, are severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain, you should consult your prescribing doctor or an ophthalmologist.

Systemic side effects like headaches are typically reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. Some users have reported their headaches subsiding weeks after stopping Latisse.

While not explicitly studied for migraines, some users have anecdotally reported experiencing severe, migraine-like headaches while using Latisse that ceased after they stopped the medication. Prostaglandin analogs can affect vascular tone, which is a factor in some migraine types.

No, the risk is not the same. Lumigan contains a higher concentration of bimatoprost and is applied directly into the eye to treat glaucoma. Systemic side effects, including headaches, are more frequently reported with Lumigan than with Latisse's low-concentration, topical application.