Major studies link finasteride, a popular hair-loss drug, to depression, anxiety, and suicide, spurring criticism of Merck and FDA for delayed action. Experts call for urgent drug safety reforms.
October 13, 2025
Source:
ScienceDaily
Major Studies Link Finasteride to Psychiatric Harm
Large-scale research shows a significant connection between finasteride (commonly prescribed for hair loss) and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Eight international studies since 2017, drawing data from adverse event registries and healthcare records, reveal:
Fivefold increase in reporting odds for suicidal ideation among users (Psychiatrist.com).
Hazard ratios near 2 for depression and self-harm, even after accounting for mental health history (PubMed).
4 million users globally, possibly leading to hundreds of thousands of new depression cases and up to thousands of suicides (ScienceDaily).
Scientific Mechanism and Symptoms
Finasteride blocks neurosteroid synthesis, which is critical for mood and stress regulation. Disruption here is strongly linked to psychiatric symptoms. Many affected users report persistent symptoms even after stopping the medication—a scenario referred to as post-finasteride syndrome.
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Source:
SciTechDaily
Regulatory and Industry Response Under Fire
Concerns about finasteride's psychiatric risks arose as early as 2002, but regulatory measures were slow to follow. The FDA only added depression as a potential side effect in 2011, and suicidal thoughts in 2022, despite mounting evidence (ScienceDaily). European regulators (EMA) recognized the risks, now requiring warnings and patient information cards (EMA), though the drug remains on the market.
Manufacturer and FDA Criticized
Merck, the manufacturer, is criticized for failing to conduct or publish required post-marketing safety analyses (Healthline).
The FDA has been called out for lack of independent review and transparency, with some internal files heavily redacted and marked "confidential."
Experts now urge real-time monitoring and accountability for all drugs, particularly those meant for cosmetic concerns.
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Source:
The Canadian Friends of Hebrew University
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