Can Finasteride (Propecia) damage my brain?

No, Finasteride will not permanently impact your brain. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

"Brain fog" has been reported in rare instances among finasteride users as dr. Rassman suggests.However, the post finasteride syndrome Foundation describes these cognitive side effects. They are memory and recall impairment,  Slowed thought and Decreased comprehension. In most individuals, if one discontinues Propecia the side effects will clear. The incidence of post finasteride syndrome is less than 2% of those who have any symptoms from finasteride and discontinue the drug. The incidence of post finasteride syndrome is greater in those who have a history of anxiety or depression. In my opinion, if you have had a history of anxiety or depression you should not take finasteride. Furthermore this drug should  be discussed with your hair loss expert prior to starting.

Thanks for posting your question. About one patient a year in my practice will experience "brain fog". They say they feel like there mentation is "off" a few weeks into the treatment of propecia.  Every patient has their mentation return to normal by stopping the propecia if this very rare side effect is experienced. As you may or may not be aware, the brain has the ability to re-wire itself and adjust to environmental changes.. this is called "neuronal plasticity". As such, a "permanent" change from propecia seems nearly inconceivable since the brian is always adjusting via neuronal plasticity. Hope this helps.