Systematic Review: Depression, Suicidal Ideation with Finasteride

April 2021 in “ Reactions Weekly ”

finasteride depression suicidal ideation sexual dysfunction Propecia

TLDR Finasteride increases risk of depression, possibly suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.

A systematic review of 14 clinical studies involving 102,520 patients exposed to finasteride for a mean of 32.3 months found that finasteride administration is associated with an increased risk of depression and possibly suicidal ideation, along with the known risk of sexual dysfunction. The average risk of clinical depression was 3.32% among finasteride-exposed patients compared with 2.54% for unexposed patients, and the risk of suicidal ideation was 24.4% among finasteride-exposed patients compared with 1.92% for unexposed patients. The risk of sexual dysfunction in male patients receiving finasteride averaged 60.1%. The authors suggest that prospective and randomized placebo-controlled trials would be helpful in testing the risks of depression and suicidal status.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Risk of Depression Associated with Finasteride Treatment

7 citations, April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology”

Finasteride may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

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.

research Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series

6 citations, January 2020 in “Dermatology”

Finasteride may increase suicide risk; more research needed.

research Safety Concerns When Using Novel Medications to Treat Alopecia

23 citations, October 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”

Consider benefits and risks of new alopecia treatments for safety.

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.

Post-Finasteride Syndrome: When Will We Get the Courage to Fight the Dictating Pharma Industry Despite Awareness of Sexual, Neurological, and Metabolic Side Effects in Young Men for Over a Decade

research Post-Finasteride Syndrome: When Will We Get the Courage to Fight the Dictating Pharma Industry Despite Awareness of Sexual, Neurological, and Metabolic Side Effects in Young Men for Over a Decade

January 2020 in “Archives of urology”

Finasteride, a drug used for certain conditions, can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction, suicidal thoughts, and increased diabetes risk, and there's a need for more awareness and research about these effects.

research A Review of the FAERS Data on 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: Implications for Postfinasteride Syndrome

35 citations, June 2018 in “Urology”

The review suggests younger men taking 1 mg finasteride report more side effects, including sexual, skin, metabolic, and psychological issues.

Systematic Review: Depression, Suicidal Ideation with Finasteride

Research cited in this study

research Risk of Depression Associated with Finasteride Treatment

Related Community Posts Join

community Two Great Articles on NCBI That Summarize What We Actually Know About Finasteride Side Effects

community Massive study on finasteride side effects released

community Post Finasteride Syndrome, A dangerous lie.

community Very reluctantly starting Finasteride.

community Any finasteride users have a history of depression?

community A repository of links to current scientific research and findings into the nature of and relating to side-effects for Finasteride/Dutasteride/5a-reductase inhibitors.