Finasteride and Depression: What Users Say

• Lif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2019

For Androgenetic Alopecia "I took this drug for only 4 days in May 2019. I had mild hair thinning and went to a dermatologist who recommended it. I had done research beforehand and knew about finasteride already, and how for some men the drug could have serious side effects, but decided to listen to a doctor who assured me it was safe. It’s not, and I had to learn the hard way. This poison has completely ruined my life. I’ve completely lost my sleep and have total insomnia, no libido, ED, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, penile tissue changes, muscle wastage, and weakness... The list goes on. I’m not making this up, this drug should be avoided. I’m 23 years old, I was healthy before I took this. There is no reason to believe this drug won’t mess your life up. Please avoid it. I don’t even feel like the same person and regret my decision every single day and am having trouble adjusting to this new life. I hate myself for taking this risk."

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 17, 2019

For Androgenetic Alopecia "I took finasteride for 6 months. It works for making your hair thicker (after 3 months) and it does regrow a lot. I mean it, it works and it is amazing! The trade-off... you lose your sex life and an unbelievable depression comes with it. They say 4%ish of men have these side effects. Don't believe it. It is a lot more than that. Some never recover. I recovered after 2 weeks of stopping. It sucks losing your hair. I wear a hat everywhere, my self-image and confidence are shot, it's depressing. I feel ugly, embarrassed, and ashamed of myself. But that is nothing compared to the horror you will feel being sexually broken, lack of interest in sex, shrinkage on your testicles and penis, and dry orgasm. If the only thing you have to look forward to is going as Capt Picard on Halloween, at least you are still a functioning man. Hopefully, this drug and its dosage can be better refined one day as to not produce the side effects. Until then, stay away from this."

• QC9...
• August 23, 2019

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Don’t get scared off by some of the negative reviews on here. Yeah, there’s a small chance you may get erectile dysfunction, but the vast majority of men who take this drug don’t experience that. I haven’t experienced any kind of depression, ED, brain fog, or any of the other symptoms people mention on here."

• Dep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2020

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Let me start off by saying that I realize everyone has different reactions to drugs, but here is my experience. I used generic finasteride for 6 weeks, and although it helped my hair, the side effects were unbearable. This drug is straight poison to my body. I have extreme brain fog and memory issues, zero sex drive, numb penis, low semen volume, softer erections, smaller penis and testicles overall, very bad depression and anxiety. I genuinely feel like this stuff has caused brain damage that hopefully will reverse itself. I’m still suffering side effects even after being off it for 3 weeks."

• MZ9...
• April 2, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I used this drug, finasteride, for one month and decided to stop taking it after the side effects appeared. I'm 42 years old. After a week, my libido decreased, and I had no more erections. I experienced depression and panic attacks. This drug was bad for me."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2020

For Androgenetic Alopecia "WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN before taking this drug: 1. Sexual side effects are common: 20% of men, says the Head of Urology of St. Louis Hospital in Paris. I believe it's 100%, see my next point. 2. This is not a drug you can 'try and see how it goes'. First, my side effects came so gradually... 'this must just be a natural fluctuation'... 'Is it just in my head?'... 'Oh wow, I'm half impotent now, at age 36, I guess it wasn't in my head.' 3. The side effects do NOT go away after quitting (it's been several years for me), and there is no known cure. 4. What is at stake, besides 'ED': less desire for your partner affects the affection/quality of your relationships and happiness. The drug damages your brain chemistry/regeneration (hello, depression and early Alzheimer's). And then, of course, the fact that sex/masturbation don't bring me all that much pleasure anymore."

• Tom...
• November 24, 2019

For Androgenetic Alopecia "I was given this drug finasteride by a complete imbecile of a dermatologist at the age of fifteen. I am now 30, and I am only just getting over the side effects after more than ten years of being off the drug. It is highly destructive, far more than the reported 2% of people. I suffered pretty much every symptom in the book: sexual, cognitive, muscular, sleeping, depression, gastrointestinal. Why potentially risk destroying your life? I can assure you from firsthand experience, it is absolutely not worth it! At one stage, I went eight years without any form of sexual activity, and as a former sports enthusiast, I can now no longer run more than a few seconds without horrendous leg pain. I piled on around three stone as part of a monstrous metabolic crash, and my university degree was absolutely ruined. Take this and mess with your hormones at your peril. Do not trust money-grabbing dermatologists or pharmaceutical companies. I was not provided with the facts/risks."

• Asd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2023

For Androgenetic Alopecia "I took 1 mg once daily for 4 weeks. Yes, I did notice a slight change around my hairline. However, that’s where the positive ends. I am 24 and have had a receding hairline due to stress. Slowly but surely, I began to get anxious, and I was unable to think and study for my classes. This caused me to go into a full-on downward spiral, and I went into panic mode. I had nightmares each night and would wake up in the morning with my heart racing and my breathing heavy. I’d wake up, eat, and have coffee as usual. Boom, full-blown panic attack. Then I took my prescribed Propranolol, and the racing heart would go away, but what was left was a broken, lost, depressed, suicidal shell of who I formerly was. I had to get a doctor's excuse to miss exams that week. I finally realized it was the finasteride, and I quickly stopped it per two of my doctor’s opinions. Even after stopping, I have continued to be depressed and have suicidal ideation. Getting better."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2022

For Androgenetic Alopecia "The drug is posed as a clinically safe way to reduce hair loss. Studies supposedly proved this, and all doctors considered it safe. After taking this drug, within 2 hours, something shifted in the way I perceived the world; anxiety and emotional empathy were abnormally heightened. Attributing it to temporary effects, as seen in painkillers and recreational substances. Took one more dose. It’s currently >6 months after quitting. These effects and more still remain. Research concludes its effects are set in the epigenome. - sour ammonia body odor - pale skin - thin body hair - more subcutaneous body fat - muscle loss calves; forearms; neck - gynecomastia - female fat distribution - loss of ambition/enthusiasm/life energy - loss of libido/ED - personality alterations - altered brain-body connection - depression/suicidal ideation"

• Ben...
• September 2, 2018

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Why the FDA hasn't pulled this drug is gross negligence at best. The data is clear (despite what some pathetic incel science deniers on hair loss forums would like to believe). Since the beginning of the decade, there have been plenty of publications showcasing the dangers of finasteride and other 5AR inhibitors (like dutasteride and saw palmetto). The most damning publication is this one - 'The Dark Side of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors' Therapy: Sexual Dysfunction, High Gleason Grade Prostate Cancer, and Depression.' Finasteride also inhibits 5AR 3 just as much as 5AR 2, and the former enzyme wasn't even discovered when this came onto the market. 5AR 3 is essential to healthy cell signaling. Stay away from this garbage. If you're losing your hair and other treatments don't work, then lose your hair with dignity like a man. I wish I had. Taking this poison was the biggest mistake I've ever made. It's been two years and I regret it to this day. Any person or organization that continues to peddle this horrible drug I think should be sent to prison."

• Lif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2018

For Androgenetic Alopecia "DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION! Finasteride is a poisonous substance which can result in devastating, permanent side effects. I took 1 mg per day for less than one week. This was more than 18 months ago, and side effects are still severe. Side effects include: dramatically lowered libido, erectile dysfunction, smaller erections (tissue loss of the penis), testicular atrophy, diminished penile sensitivity, abnormal ejaculations, subcutaneous fat loss, sunken black eyes, severely dry skin, pseudogynecomastia (fat deposits on the breasts), swollen nipples, lessened facial hair growth, eyebrow and eyelash loss, chest hair loss, leg hair loss, diminished pubic hair, muscle fasciculations and twitching of the limbs, muscle degradation, fatigue, depression, suicidal ideation. It can destroy your masculinity with only a few doses! DO NOT TAKE THE RISK!"

• rum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2016

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I was previously on Tamsulosin, and this worked well, but I had side effects: dizziness, fatigue, red-faced when doing anything physical, also palpitations. Changed to Finasteride, it has not helped with urine flow, and I am getting up 2 to 3 times a night, becoming very depressed, short-tempered, and fatigued. Also, tingling in fingers. I know it takes time to build in your system, I've been on this about 4 months. The Tamsulosin made a difference after a month. Need to go back to the doctor..."

• PFS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2021

For Androgenetic Alopecia "This pill can devastate your life. I used it (1 mg 3 days per week) to treat hair loss between June 02, 2020, till Nov 13, 2020. In two weeks, both sexual and mental side effects appeared; namely: Sexual: 1. Entire loss of libido 2. Severe erectile dysfunction 3. Loss of sensation (penile numbness) 4. Disconnection between brain and genitals 5. Anhedonia Mental: 1. Difficulty processing my thoughts 2. Depression 3. Memory issues. After stopping in two weeks, my mental side effects improved by, say, 90%. The sexual sides, however, did not. I am now suffering from Post Finasteride Syndrome, as my symptoms did not improve not even eight months after stopping the medication. For the love of God, please stay away from this pill."

• PFS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2021

For Androgenetic Alopecia "This pill can devastate your life. I used it (1 mg 3 days per week) to treat hair loss between June 02, 2020, till Nov 13, 2020. In two weeks, both sexual and mental side effects appeared; namely: Sexual: 1. Entire loss of libido 2. Severe erectile dysfunction 3. Loss of sensation (penile numbness) 4. Disconnection between brain and genitals 5. Anhedonia Mental: 1. Difficulty processing my thoughts 2. Depression 3. Memory issues. After stopping in two weeks, my mental side effects improved by, say, 90%. The sexual sides, however, did not. I am now suffering from Post Finasteride Syndrome, as my symptoms did not improve not even eight months after stopping the medication. For the love of God, please stay away from this pill."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2021

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Wow! I never believed the people who got PFS. Now I do, I took just half a pill a week ago. The night I took it, my penis had shrunk a bit, got an intense brain fog (which I still have today), couldn’t get hard (I was basically impotent), and semen was watery. The next day, I lost interest in sex, motivation hit rock bottom, joint pain in legs, and I had extreme anxiety and lots more symptoms. I quit immediately. So... this stuff is dangerous/poisonous for a few! If you want to risk chemical castration, then go for it. After half a pill a week ago, I still have fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, small joint pain, and a lowered sexual interest. Which has gotten better each day after HALF A PILL, A WEEK AGO."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2021

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Wow! I never believed the people who got PFS. Now I do, I took just half a pill a week ago. The night I took it, my penis had shrunk a bit, got an intense brain fog (which I still have today), couldn’t get hard (I was basically impotent), and semen was watery. The next day, I lost interest in sex, motivation hit rock bottom, joint pain in legs, and I had extreme anxiety and lots more symptoms. I quit immediately. So... this stuff is dangerous/poisonous for a few! If you want to risk chemical castration, then go for it. After half a pill a week ago, I still have fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, small joint pain, and a lowered sexual interest. Which has gotten better each day after HALF A PILL, A WEEK AGO."

• vet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 24, 2021

For Androgenetic Alopecia "This drug is bad! It is given by the Veterans Administration for enlarged prostate. VA doctors, including urologists, have been incompetent and derelict in failing to warn veterans about the side effects of the drug and its dangers. They also fail to give hormone blood tests before taking and after taking for testosterone and other hormones to get a baseline. This drug has messed me up and millions of veterans who have enlarged prostate with no recognition nor treatment from the Veterans Administration or its urologists/doctors. VA doctors will tell you a fat lie that Post-Finasteride Syndrome doesn't exist, as all the symptomology goes away once you cease the drug. This drug has caused our veterans total impotence, shrinkage of the penis and genitals, enlarged breasts, brain fog, anxiety, depression, severe memory loss, sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleeplessness, suicidal ideation, and suicide."

• Ric...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 30, 2022

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "Prescribed in 2019 for prostate. I took it without researching out of desperation. Fast forward to 2022. I have been on a downward trend, self-admitted to the hospital for a week on the beach, depression, anxiety off the charts, every day was a push. Hard to smile, could barely get hard at all, didn't care about caring. Hair has been growing in thick. Off this stuff for a month, keep the hair, give me back my life and joy, and undo all the damage to me. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. More than likely, the people pushing it aren't taking it. No different from corner drug dealers! OUR SYSTEM IS BROKEN."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2019

For Androgenetic Alopecia "The decision to take finasteride for hair loss should not be taken lightly. I read the other reviews and just assumed this was ‘in their heads’ and I wouldn’t experience any negative symptoms. I hate erectile issues, depression, and pains in the testicles. AVOID at all costs! Your hair is not worth your happiness."

• Wac...
• March 26, 2016

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Took one pill. Maybe it was a placebo effect, but most likely not, as it decreased my libido, trouble getting an erection for a few days. Worst symptom was depression and anxiety, which made it all worse. I am 23. I have recovered, but if you value your life, please don't take this medicine. Use every technique in the book to cover up your hair loss and accept it to some degree. Try hot oil treatments or Regaine. Just stay away from this poison. Watch YouTube reviews on this drug. Some people even took just one pill like myself."

• Adv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2022

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) Symptoms: genital shrinkage, genital numbness, ED, zero libido, increased penile curvature/fibrosis, ejaculation disorder, low semen quality/volume, changes in color & texture of skin (yellow/brown), tight, red scrotum every morning, dark prominent veins on scrotum, varicocele left testicle, spontaneous weight gain, moon face, emotional blunting/anhedonia, anxious 'crash', persistent anxiety/fight or flight response, shaking hands, depression, muscle atrophy, blurred vision, red/yellow eyes, night sweats, insomnia, nightmares, general fatigue/malaise, brain fog/cognitive impairment, digestive issues, body hair loss, tinnitus, chills, high blood pressure, random rashes torso/forehead, back/neck pain, muscle/eye twitches, sensitive skin, swollen lymph nodes, shallow breathing, scooped fingernails, heart arrhythmia, tingling/numbness in hands/feet, weakness in hands/arms, thinning eyebrows, receding gums."

• Tex...
• October 5, 2020

For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia "I have been taking finasteride for several years. About a year ago, I noticed shrinkage of my unit and testicles, no energy, depression, and low libido. I thought it was my age. Brain fog all around, lack of excitement for life. I couldn't figure it out until a few weeks ago. I hope it goes away. I can't get into my doc for 3 months. Be careful. Was on the med for 6 years for BPH. It helped with that but screwed everything else up. I am so mad at my doctor."

• spe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2023

For Androgenetic Alopecia "I can't believe all these negative reviews. After taking 1 mg of finasteride per day for a year, I have definitely seen a comeback in the hairline at the front of my scalp. No negative sexual side effects, no decreased libido, no depression, and no decrease in sleep. It seems like those with horror stories may be in the minority. All I can say is: it worked for me."

• Owe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2019

For Androgenetic Alopecia "Please listen, I would honestly avoid this drug. I took it for hair growth as my hair was thinning (runs in the family). It wasn’t for a month or two in that I started feeling super depressed (never previously had any form of depression) and had such horrible sad thoughts! This drug plays around with your hormones and testosterone in order to grow your hair, which it did well. However, no amount of hair can ever make me take this drug again. I would happily shave my head for the rest of my life rather than feeling the way I felt on this drug. After all, it’s a drug. Do you really want to be taking drugs every day for the rest of your life? Highly recommend avoiding."

• mmm...
• January 2, 2022

For Androgenetic Alopecia "I took it for a couple of years. I wish I could say it was great. Something started to happen to me that I never had experienced before. Doctors denied it at the time, but they didn't know. I became really depressed and dealt with brain fog, loss of memory, not sure about my sex drive, though. Now it's been 3 years, I am off this medication, and I think I'm feeling a bit better now. Sadly, my hair is not doing well."