The postfinasteride syndrome; an overview
September 2016
in “Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences”
TLDR Finasteride can cause side effects, some lasting after treatment ends, and may lead to severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
The 2016 study "The postfinasteride syndrome; an overview" discussed the side effects of Finasteride, a 5-α reductase inhibitor used to treat male androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study highlighted that while Finasteride is effective, its therapeutic results only last as long as the drug is administered, with symptoms typically returning after treatment cessation. Furthermore, several adverse effects were reported during the therapeutic phase, some of which persisted long or indefinitely after treatment cessation, a condition known as "post-finasteride syndrome." The study suggested that side effects during treatment and post-treatment should be addressed separately. It was also noted that hand preference and sexual orientation could be potential predictors for Finasteride side effects and post-finasteride syndrome. The study urged caution with Finasteride administration due to reports of severe depressive episodes, including suicidal thoughts, partly due to persistent sexual side effects.
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