If I start taking hair loss medication, do I really have to take it for the rest of my life?

I think I have started losing hair, so I am considering taking medication.
However, I am hesitating because I heard that once you start taking hair loss medication, you have to take it for the rest of your life.
I am anxious because I’ve heard that it gets worse if I stop.
I am also wondering if it is possible to maintain it with management alone, without medication, in the beginning.
I would also like to know if those who have actually taken it for a long time experienced any side effects.
I am also curious about when you started taking the medication and when you felt the effects.
Please share your experience taking hair loss medication.