Common hair-loss drug consistently associated with higher rates of psychiatric harm Research/Science 9/29/2025
Finasteride and dutasteride can cause psychiatric side effects like depression and suicidal thoughts in some users, especially those with a history of mental health issues. While some users experience positive hair growth results, others face severe psychological effects, raising concerns about their safety and the need for careful monitoring.
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5 / 5 resultscommunity Popular hair loss drug linked to higher suicide risk: compared to non-users, finasteride (Proscar/ Propecia) users have a markedly increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Over 30 years of observation, 19,320 suicides were expected.
Finasteride users may have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, though some attribute these issues to hair loss itself. The link between finasteride and mental health effects is debated, with varying user experiences.
community Hair Loss Causes Depression. Not Finasteride.
Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or mood disorders; hair loss itself may be a more significant factor. Some users experience side effects from Finasteride, but it is generally well-tolerated.
community How finasteride lowers brain's happiness steroid allopregnanolone and causes depression: systemic dihydroprogesterone crosses blood brain barrier, you don't even need finasteride and brain 5ar for that
Finasteride may lower allopregnanolone levels, potentially affecting mood, but many users report improved mental health due to reduced hair loss. Experiences with finasteride and dutasteride vary, with some experiencing side effects and others finding them beneficial for hair retention and overall happiness.
community 5 alpha reductase type 1 is in brain tissue producing the main endogenous gabaergic allopregnanolone, not 2. How can finasteride as a 5ar2 lower that?
Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.
community European Medecine Agency (EMA) review of Finasteride and Dutasteride
Concerns about a potential ban on finasteride and dutasteride due to side effects, with users advocating for continued access and informed choice. Alternative treatments like pyrilutamide are also mentioned.
Related Research
6 / 6 resultsresearch Signal Detection of Depression and Suicidality Associated with Finasteride and Dutasteride: Updated Pharmacovigilance Evidence and Recommendations for Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment
Finasteride and dutasteride may increase the risk of depression and suicidality, so patients should be monitored closely.
research Investigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome
This review examines medical literature on postfinasteride syndrome and reports no new results; the authors call for more controlled studies on permanent sexual dysfunction and mood changes linked to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
research Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series
This study suggests that men under 40 who develop persistent sexual side effects and insomnia after using finasteride for alopecia may be at increased risk of suicide.
research 5α-Reductase Isoenzymes: From Neurosteroid Biosynthesis to Neuropsychiatric Outcomes
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the distribution of 5a-reductase isozymes and their implications for mental health, finding that inhibition of neurosteroidogenesis may contribute to anxiety, depression, and suicidality, with some patients experiencing persistent psychiatric effects from finasteride or dutasteride.
research The Dark Side of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors' Therapy: Sexual Dysfunction, High Gleason Grade Prostate Cancer and Depression
This review discusses the adverse effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors, finasteride and dutasteride, on sexual, psychological, and vascular health, emphasizing the need for physicians to inform patients of these risks.
research The Impact of the 5α-Reductase Inhibitors (5α-RIs) on Male Sexual Function and Psychological Well-Being
This review examines the sexual side effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride, highlighting the increased risk of erectile dysfunction, libido reduction, and potential contribution to depression without new clinical findings.