TLDR Neurosteroids in the brain can increase or decrease seizure risk in mice.
The study explored the effects of neurosteroids in the hippocampus on seizure susceptibility in mice, focusing on allopregnanolone (ALLO) and its interaction with GABAA receptors. It found that ALLO had anticonvulsant effects, raising the threshold for seizures, while finasteride (FIN), which reduces ALLO levels, had proconvulsant effects. During ethanol (EtOH) withdrawal, mice showed reduced sensitivity to ALLO's anticonvulsant effects, suggesting altered GABAA receptor sensitivity. The study, involving 43 mice, highlighted the significant impact of hippocampal neurosteroid levels on seizure susceptibility and the effects of EtOH withdrawal.
21 citations
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June 2005 in “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research” Finasteride reduces alcohol withdrawal severity and anxiety in mice, but may increase withdrawal severity in some cases.
21 citations
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February 2005 in “Epilepsy & Behavior” 
29 citations
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June 2004 in “Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior” Finasteride reduces alcohol withdrawal effects, especially in female mice.
83 citations
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January 2004 in “Pharmacology & Therapeutics” Adjusting neurosteroid levels may help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
83 citations
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January 2004 in “Pharmacology & Therapeutics” Adjusting neurosteroid levels may help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
January 2016 in “Medicinski Podmladak” Finasteride may increase anxiety in bright spaces.
34 citations
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June 2011 in “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research” Three drugs change mice's alcohol drinking patterns by affecting GABAA receptors.
54 citations
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August 2005 in “Alcohol” Finasteride affects alcohol intake in male mice, possibly due to neurosteroids.
34 citations
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April 2007 in “Neuroscience” Finasteride reduces alcohol withdrawal severity in male mice but increases it in female mice.
