Data here obtained by RNA sequencing showed that chronic treatment (i.e., for 20 days) with finasteride affects the expression of hypothalamic and hippocampal rat genes. As we reported, the most affected brain area is the hypothalamus, with 15 genes downregulated and 171 genes upregulated. Among the downregulated genes, we will here discuss those that, based […]
Tag Archives: depression
Post-Finasteride Syndrome And Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction: Two Clinical Conditions Apparently Distant, But Very Close
Post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, are two poorly explored clinical conditions in which men treated for androgenetic alopecia with finasteride or for depression with SSRI antidepressants show persistent side effects despite drug suspension (e.g., sexual dysfunction, psychological complaints, sleep disorders). Because of some similarities in the symptoms, common pathological mechanisms are proposed here. Indeed, […]
Comparative effects of finasteride and minoxidil on the male reproductive organs: A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo evidence
In our systematic review, we have assessed and compared for the first time the impact of two important medicaments, finasteride and minoxidil, both used to treat alopecia, on male reproduction. Two reproductive organs of adult murine models, testis and epididymis, in addition to testis/epididymis-related cells, were focused on this investigation. We can conclude that finasteride […]
The Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Possible Etiological Mechanisms and Symptoms
[I]t is utmost important to identify individuals with a previous history of depression, sexual dysfunction or infertility who may be more susceptible for the various side effects. The risks should than be discussed with the patient and weighed out against the benefits of the use of 5ARIs as mentioned in the introduction. Men under the […]
Exploring Rat Corpus Cavernosum Alterations Induced by Finasteride Treatment and Withdrawal
Data here reported indicate that the subchronic treatment with finasteride is able to directly affect the enzyme 5α-R type II in the rat corpus cavernosum and consequently the conversion of T into DHT. Indeed, we reported a decrease in its protein expression, associated with rise in the levels of its substrate and a decrease in […]
Beliefs and counseling practices among dermatologists regarding sexual and other adverse effects of finasteride
Despite multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses documenting an increased rate of adverse sexual events in men treated with finasteride for either androgenic alopecia or benign prostatic hypertrophy, 29% of dermatologists thought that this was unlikely and 20% were uncertain. Fewer than a quarter believed that finasteride could cause depression or lower sperm counts. Irwig […]
Neuropsychiatric Reactions to Finasteride: Nocebo or True Effect?
Reports to the FDA of neuropsychiatric events for finasteride in comparison to control medications show disproportionate safety signals for finasteride with a striking increase in suicides. Increased reporting could relate to enhanced awareness and not to a nocebo effect. In pharmacovigilance surveys, the actual rate of serious adverse effects on mood from finasteride in some […]
Vascular, Neurologic and Hormonal Abnormalities in Men with Persistent Sexual Dysfunction After Discontinuation of Finasteride
Persistent sexual side effects have been repeatedly reported in men after discontinuation of (DC) Finasteride (FIN), including ED, orgasmic dysfunction and/or genital anhedonia/anesthesia. Khera et al (2020) reported persistent physical sequelae including penile vascular changes in 25 men after DC FIN. The purpose of this study is to replicate Khera’s research findings in a larger […]
US Food and Drug Administration Warning Regarding Finasteride and Suicidal Ideation: What Should Urologists Know?
Most of the current evidence is from the dermatology field and suggests that 5-ARI users experience a higher rate of depressive symptoms… Urologists prescribing 5-ARIs should be aware of the recent addition of suicide and [suicidal ideation] risk to the list of side effects. A mental health screen should be performed and appropriate resources provided […]
Gut Inflammation Induced by Finasteride Withdrawal: Therapeutic Effect of Allopregnanolone in Adult Male Rats
[P]revious observations in PFS patients and an experimental model showed alterations in gut microbiota populations, suggesting an inflammatory environment. To confirm this hypothesis, we…explored the effect of chronic treatment with finasteride…and its withdrawal…on the levels of steroids, neurotransmitters, pro-inflammatory cytokines and gut permeability markers in the colon of adult male rat. The obtained data demonstrate […]