I would like to quit Propecia for a little while? (photo)

Question

Hi, I am a healthy 43 year old man who has been taking Propecia for over 10 years now with no side effects. My hair looks great and my daily dose is 1mg. Lately I have been experiencing some anxiety I would like to quit taking it for a little while to see if that could be the cause. If I quit for a couple of months and then resume the treatment back, will I see any hair loss ? Just need to make sure that the medication is not increasing my anxiety as I have had it for a few years now. THANKS !

John E. Frank, MD · Answer

I think it is a good idea to give the Propecia a break and see how you feel.  Try to get some very good pictures of your hair and scalp beforehand though so that you can measure the progression.  You should be OK for a couple weeks.Dr John Frank, MDNew York City

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

It's been our experience that if you quite taking Propecia for 2 months that you will likely  experience some shedding. No one can tell you how much.
In order to preserve what you have, I would start laser treatments (Luce), which have no side effects,  to help stabilize the situation, than get off the Propecia.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

In general, men who benefit from finasteride will notice some increased shedding starting 6-12 weeks after stopping the drug. After 9 months hair will return to pre-treatment density. Anxiety is common in the general population and individuals experiencing anxiety may wish to speak with a physician.  This may help sort out potential causes and if other investigations are needed. There is evidence finasteride can affect mood. Depression seems more likely than anxiety. In a 2006 study of 128 men receiving finasteride, depression scores increased in men using finasteride. In contrast, anxiety scores were not significantly increased. (Study: Rahimi-Ardabili et al BMC Clin Pharmacol 6:7).

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have been on finasteride for 10 years, stopping it will almost certainly cause a loss of hair that could be irreversible.  I would think twice about stopping unless you have side effects that are not tolerable.

I would like to quit Propecia for a little while? (photo)

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Answer: Stopping finasteride

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I would like to quit Propecia for a little while? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Stopping finasteride

Answer: Stopping finasteride

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