Insomnia and Finasteride 4/29/2021
A user reports experiencing insomnia as a side effect of taking finasteride for hair loss, which takes 1 to 2 hours to fall asleep and results in only about 5 hours of sleep per night. They suspect the cause is related to the downregulation of neurosteroids due to finasteride.
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5 / 5 resultscommunity 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 Progressive insomnia (treatment-resistant) due to Finasteride
A medical student experienced hair loss slowing with Finasteride but developed severe, treatment-resistant insomnia. They tried various medications with little effect, suspecting Post-Finasteride Syndrome, and others suggested the insomnia might be linked to Finasteride's impact on neurosteroids.
community Finasteride - impact on Neurosteroids, which yes, \are important and not a garbage hormone
Finasteride may affect neurosteroids, impacting mood and sexual function, with varied user experiences. Some report side effects like depression and sexual dysfunction, while others find it effective for hair retention or prefer alternatives like Dutasteride or topical treatments.
community Finasteride does deplete important nuero-active steroids
Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.
community My husband has experienced depression and suicidal thoughts from finasteride
Finasteride caused depression and suicidal thoughts in OP's husband, leading him to stop the medication. He is seeing a doctor for a full hormone panel and psychiatric referral to address these issues.
Related Research
6 / 6 results
research The Neurosteroidogenic Enzyme 5α-Reductase Mediates Psychotic-Like Complications of Sleep Deprivation
This study found that acute sleep deprivation enhanced 5α-reductase expression and activity in the rat prefrontal cortex, and finasteride treatment reduced associated psychosis- and mania-like behaviors.
research Finasteride for hair loss: a review
This meta-analysis reported that finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased hair count in male androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, but highlighted persistent sexual side effects and associated depression risk.
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 Post-finasteride syndrome
This article reviews ongoing concerns about the safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride, highlighting the lack of long-term data on persistent depression and sexual side effects after drug discontinuation; no new clinical results are reported.
research Midazolam Inhibits Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation and Learning through Dual Central and Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Activation and Neurosteroidogenesis
This study found that midazolam, unlike clonazepam, increased neurosteroid levels and affected synaptic inhibition and plasticity in rat hippocampal neurons, suggesting unique actions via dual receptor activation.
research Case report: a study of the clinical characteristics and genetic variants of post-finasteride syndrome patients
This study found that in young men with post-finasteride syndrome, there are potential genetic risk factors associated with psychological and sexual dysfunctions, suggesting genetic screening may be beneficial before prescribing finasteride.