Finasteride, a drug widely prescribed for male pattern baldness, is facing renewed scrutiny after a major review tied it to serious psychiatric risks. The analysis, which looked at data from eight large studies across multiple countries, found higher rates of depression, mood disorders, and suicidal thoughts among users compared to non-users.
First approved in 1997, finasteride was long marketed as a safe, low-risk option for hair loss. But critics argue regulators ignored early warning signs. The FDA added depression to the drug’s warning label in 2011 and suicidality in 2022, though researchers say these steps came years too late. Some patients also report long-lasting side effects, known as “post-finasteride syndrome,” that can persist even after stopping the medication.
Experts stress that because finasteride is not life-saving, its risks should be weighed more carefully. The review urges suspending cosmetic use until safety is fully established, stricter monitoring after approval, and suicide investigations that include a patient’s drug history.
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