Systematic Review: Depression, Suicidal Ideation with Finasteride

    April 2021 in “ Reactions Weekly ”
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    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.
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