The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

Finasteride Drug Safety Alert

August 2017 in “ Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin ”

finasteride male pattern hair loss depression suicidal thoughts benign prostatic hyperplasia adverse reactions sexual function Propecia

Image of study

TLDR Finasteride may cause depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual side effects.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a safety alert regarding finasteride 1mg, a drug used to treat male pattern hair loss, after receiving reports of depression and suicidal thoughts in men taking the drug. The MHRA has also reminded healthcare professionals that depression is also associated with finasteride 5mg, which is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Healthcare professionals are advised to tell patients to stop finasteride 1mg immediately if they develop depression and inform a healthcare professional. Adverse reactions related to sexual function have also been reported in association with finasteride.

View this study on dtb.bmj.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community European Medecine Agency (EMA) review of Finasteride and Dutasteride

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 37 upvotes 2 months ago

Concerns about a potential ban on finasteride and dutasteride due to side effects, with users advocating for continued access and informed choice. Alternative treatments like pyrilutamide are also mentioned.

community The hardest hair protocol ever!

in Research/Science 10 upvotes 2 years ago

The user is using RU58841, finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil to slow down aggressive hair loss but is still experiencing hair shedding due to high testosterone levels. They plan to use ostarine to lower testosterone and prevent hair loss while maintaining muscle mass, and will continue using the other treatments.

community 2.5 months topical minoxidil Progress

in Progress Pictures 440 upvotes 10 months ago

The conversation is about a user's hair regrowth after 2.5 months using topical minoxidil. Some suggest adding finasteride for long-term results, while others share their experiences with side effects or alternative treatments like dermarolling and dietary improvements.

community 2020 updated guide for "I'm losing my hair, what do I do?". I've been taking Propecia for 12 years, and you can AMA.

in STARTER GUIDE 1683 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Propecia, Rogaine, Nizoral shampoo, and dermarolling. Users shared experiences and results, with some noticing improvements in hair growth and maintenance.

community So we have 20k dollars human like machines available but no new effective treatment for hairloss since finasteride :)

in Chat 237 upvotes 2 months ago

There have been no new effective hair loss treatments since finasteride, despite technological advancements. Current treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841, with ongoing challenges and potential future solutions in research.

community Just find a cure already, I am totally done

in Chat 161 upvotes 3 months ago

The conversation is about hair loss treatments, with users recommending finasteride and minoxidil as effective solutions. Some users report side effects, but overall, the consensus is to use these treatments rather than waiting for a cure.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series

research Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series

6 citations, January 2020 in “Dermatology”

Finasteride may increase suicide risk; more research needed.

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

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

40 citations, November 2020 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Finasteride may cause suicidal thoughts and mental side effects, especially in young people with hair loss.

Investigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome

research Investigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome

33 citations, January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders”

The document concludes that sexual and psychiatric side effects from 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are reported, but more high-quality research is needed to understand how often they occur.

Is There a Role for 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Transgender Individuals?

research Is There a Role for 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Transgender Individuals?

10 citations, August 2020 in “International Journal of Andrology”

5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride may not be effective or safe for transgender individuals, and more research is needed.

Risk of Depression After 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Medication: Meta-Analysis

research Risk of Depression After 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Medication: Meta-Analysis

4 citations, May 2019 in “The World Journal of Men's Health”

Taking 5 alpha reductase inhibitor medication slightly increases the risk of depression, especially as you get older.