Young Patients Using Finasteride Exhibit Risk of Suicidality

February 2021 in “ The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update ”

finasteride male-pattern baldness suicidality depression anxiety persistent sexual dysfunction Propecia

TLDR Finasteride use in young people may increase risk of suicidal thoughts and mental health issues.

A pharmacovigilance study using World Health Organization VigiBase data found a significant disproportionality signal for suicidality and depression or anxiety in young patients using finasteride to treat male-pattern baldness. The study's authors suggest that adverse effects, such as persistent sexual dysfunction, may have a greater toll on younger patients using finasteride to treat a nonurological condition. The researchers did not find a similar risk of suicidality with use of other drugs to treat male-pattern baldness.

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community 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.

in Research/Science 492 upvotes 2 weeks ago

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 Physician here AMA – 30M oral Fin 1-1.25 mg daily

in Update 47 upvotes 3 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically the use of finasteride, microneedling and potentially oral minoxidil. People discussed their experiences with finasteride, its effects on sexual behaviors, as well as potential solutions such as tadalafil or using other growth factor signal peptides for hope in curing male pattern baldness.

community So we’re just ok with taking a research chemical now?

in Treatment 178 upvotes 4 years ago

The conversation discusses the use of RU58841, a non-FDA approved research chemical for hair loss, with mixed opinions on its safety and effectiveness. Some users are willing to try it as a last resort after other treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride failed, while others express concerns about potential long-term side effects and lack of official research.

community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

27 upvotes 11 years ago

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

community Male pattern baldness, and mental health

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 332 upvotes 1 year ago

A 48-year-old man has been using minoxidil for 15 years and considered finasteride but stopped due to potential side effects. He is concerned about his mental health and the impact of hair loss on self-image, and he encourages support among men experiencing hair loss.

community No, Finasteride as a treatment for MPB was not an "accident"

in Research/Science 106 upvotes 4 years ago

Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.

Related Research

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research Finasteride for Hirsutism: A Dose Finding Study

8 citations , January 1998 in “PubMed”

Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

research Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

75 citations , November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.