Will side effects stop after quitting finasteride?

Question

I have read some reports of side effects continuing after finasteride is stopped. Specifically impotence and depression. How common is this? I am a 24 y.o. male with hairline recession. I would not want to start a drug if there is a risk it could cause permanent mental or sexual dysfunction.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

There are risks of side effects with all drugs.  The key is considering your risks versus the benefits.  Sexual side effect of Propecia is reported to be about 1%.  If you have concerns you should see your doctor for a comprehensive discussion and treatment options.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question. The frequency of side effects with finasteride has been estimated at anywhere between 2 and 14%. For the majority of people who develop side effects, stopping the drug will cause the symptoms to cease. For a small number of people, the development of post finasteride syndrome is a untoward side effect. For this group of people, of which the percentage is not fully known, the side effects persist. This can be a devastating situation. There are ongoing studies to determine if the side effects can be improved . There is a support group. Hope this helps. Good luck.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Most if no all side effects usually go away within a few weeks of stopping the drug. Sometimes the sexual side effects are reported to take longer, but almost all of my patients who stopped the drug had the side effects gone in 1-2 months at the latest.

Will side effects stop after quitting finasteride?

Answers (3)

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