Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Among Former Users of Finasteride With Persistent Sexual Side Effects

In a study conducted in 2010-2011, it was found that former users of finasteride, a medication for male pattern hair loss, who developed persistent sexual side effects, had significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts compared to a control group. The study involved 61 former finasteride users and 29 men who had never used the drug. Depressive symptoms were present in 75% (46/61) of the former finasteride users compared to 10% (3/29) of the controls. Suicidal thoughts were present in 44% (27/61) of the former finasteride users and in 3% (1/29) of the controls. The researchers concluded that clinicians and potential users of finasteride should be aware of the potential risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts, and that further research was warranted.