Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

October 2006 in “ BMC clinical pharmacology ”

Babak Rahimi-Ardabili, Ramin Pourandarjani, Peiman Habibollahi, Amir Mualeki

finasteride hair loss depression anxiety behavioral effects Propecia

TLDR Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.

This document reports on a study that investigated the potential link between finasteride, a medication used to treat hair loss, and depression. The study found that finasteride may induce depressive symptoms, although the overall change was minimal. Anxiety scores were also increased, but the difference was not significant. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of this potential side effect when prescribing finasteride. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the behavioral effects of finasteride in higher doses and in high-risk groups such as elderly patients.

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Research cited in this study

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The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations, September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations, September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Altered Brain And Pituitary Androgen Metabolism By Prenatal, Perinatal Or Pre- And Postnatal Finasteride, Flutamide Or Dihydrotestosterone Treatment In Juvenile Male Rats

research Altered Brain And Pituitary Androgen Metabolism By Prenatal, Perinatal Or Pre- And Postnatal Finasteride, Flutamide Or Dihydrotestosterone Treatment In Juvenile Male Rats

26 citations, November 1993 in “Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry”

Treatment during development affects hormone balance and sexual behavior in male rats.

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