US Food and Drug Administration Warning Regarding Finasteride and Suicidal Ideation: What Should Urologists Know?

April 2023 in “ European urology open science ”

Haidar Al Saffar, Jennifer Xu, Jonathan S. O'Brien, Brian D. Kelly, Declan G. Murphy, Nathan Lawrentschuk

finasteride benign prostatic hyperplasia androgenic alopecia 5-alpha reductase inhibitors depressive symptoms suicidal ideation Propecia BPH AGA 5-ARI depression SI

Studysummary This study reviews the psychological side effects of finasteride, noting a potential association between 5-AR inhibitors and increased depressive symptoms, but emphasizes that the causal link to suicidal ideation remains unclear; the authors recommend mental health screenings and close monitoring for patients starting this medication.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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research Risk of Depression Associated with Finasteride Treatment

7 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology”

In this study, finasteride treatment was associated with an increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and persistent sexual dysfunction compared to those not treated with the drug.

research Investigation of Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Finasteride

40 citations , November 2020 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This pharmacovigilance study found an increased association of suicidality and psychological adverse events with finasteride use, especially among younger patients using it for alopecia.

research Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series

6 citations , January 2020 in “Dermatology”

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 Association of Suicidality and Depression With 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

90 citations , March 2017 in “JAMA Internal Medicine”

In this study, older men using 5α-reductase inhibitors for prostatic enlargement did not show increased risk of suicide, but had elevated risks of self-harm and depression.

research Persistent Sexual Dysfunction and Suicidal Ideation in Young Men Treated with Low-Dose Finasteride: A Pharmacovigilance Study

69 citations , July 2015 in “Pharmacotherapy”

This study found that low-dose finasteride use in young men was associated with higher reporting of persistent sexual dysfunction, with some cases linked to suicidal ideation.

research A New Look at the 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride

137 citations , March 2006 in “Cns Drug Reviews”

This review explores finasteride's effects on neuroactive steroid levels and their potential influence on disorders like depression and alcohol withdrawal but reports no new clinical findings.