Published on: 7/15/2025
Can finasteride cause depression or anxiety?
Finasteride may be linked to depression and anxiety in some people. If you have mental health concerns, visit https://988lifeline.org/.
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Explanation
Finasteride is a medication often used to treat hair loss and prostate issues. However, some studies suggest that it might be linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
- Reference 1 discusses the potential risk of depression associated with finasteride treatment, indicating that some users may experience mood changes.
- Reference 2 highlights cases where former users of finasteride reported depressive symptoms and even suicidal thoughts.
- Reference 3 talks about post-finasteride syndrome, which includes psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.
While not everyone will experience these side effects, it is important to be aware of them. If you are taking finasteride and notice changes in your mood, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional. For immediate help with mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Pompili M, Magistri C, Maddalena S, Mellini C, Persechino S, & Baldessarini RJ. (2021). Risk of Depression Associated With Finasteride Treatment. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 33814544.
- Irwig MS. (2012). Depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts among former .... The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 22939118.
- Traish AM. (2020). Post-finasteride syndrome: a surmountable challenge for .... Fertility and sterility, 32033719.
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