Can’t live like this

Member Stories
#1

Here I am, three months post-finasteride, and I’m still struggling with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks that always feel just around the corner, even if I’m not really having them anymore. Overall, it’s better than in the beginning — I have periods of recovery during the day when I can feel okay, sometimes for several days. Not 100%, but close. Then suddenly, from one minute to the next or one day to the next, I can crash again. I feel terrible, like crap, completely demoralized.

Since stopping finasteride, I’ve become hypersensitive. I can feel sadness even during happy moments, like when I’m with my child, or feel sad for no reason at all. I see life in a dark light. But as I mentioned earlier, it fluctuates… I have lots of friends, but when I’m in a group, I can quickly feel disconnected from the conversation, not fully present — it’s a feeling of worry or unease without any clear cause.

But I can’t go on like this. I need help. I want to make it clear that these are the « only » symptoms I have — I’m not experiencing any sexual side effects. I have two ideas in mind: either start a cycle of testosterone and Primobolan or Masteron at a fairly strong dose for a few weeks, or try bupropion, or another antidepressant that wouldn’t risk making things worse.

I really need help and advice. I’m desperate. Thank you.

#2

Yup this is definitely the final boss of PFS, I’m still dealing with this. Do you also when it flares have a harder time finding words or like words simply don’t flow out properly either? It can’t be completely beat down by anything traditionally sedating. Stimulants can’t override it but I can’t go through life without coffee though if I stop it only gets even worse off all forms of caffeine. The only thing currently making a dent in it is serrapeptase (I’m still trialing this I haven’t posted anything on my topic on it yet but judging by some people on the longcovid sub where I got the idea to try from thinking it’s something a virus/fungus in my body is producing getting to my brain it seems like it can be 3-6 months of it clearing things out to see great benefits) and it’s been a wild ride with it so far as it’s a direct hit with this entire cluster regarding the brain/ear pressure feeling, burning brain at the same times every day, and neuropathy in my face/head. Though I was just outside in the forest where there is tons of pollen right now and the thing with the random physical anxiety thing with pausing speech came back to a very noticeable degree. I suspect that it’s basically just residual neuro-inflammation that any kind of immune response makes worse because that much I have soldily gathered on it. I don’t why since I have no idea what it’s actually doing but serrapeptase is a miracle right now in my case.

#3

Yes, like you, I also felt a sensation of pressure in my head and ears. In fact, it was the tinnitus that made me stop taking finasteride (I started experiencing it after about 2 months of treatment). I stopped because of that, and then developed hyperacusis, intermittent hearing loss, anxiety, depression… My tinnitus has almost completely disappeared now, and I no longer have hyperacusis or the pressure I was feeling.

What developed about three weeks ago is Eustachian tube dysfunction—I hear a clicking sound in my ear when I swallow. I didn’t even know that could happen because of finasteride. If you’ve experienced this too, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You also mentioned having trouble finding your words when you speak—that hasn’t happened to me. However, I still struggle with anxiety and depression that come and go. I also have emotional hypersensitivity toward life and my memories—I feel nostalgic about everything, really.

Those are the only symptoms I have left, but they’re ruining my life. I’m afraid of everything; I’ve become a complete mess. Do you think the treatment you mentioned could help with these symptoms? I’m really glad you’ve found some balance.

Anyway, thank you for your reply. I get very few responses to my posts, but they mean a lot to me. No one around me understands what I’m going through. I’m good at hiding it, but deep down it’s extremely hard to bear.

#4

If I were you I would try to never touch a pharmaceutical drug again, and certainly not any anti depressant.

Your three months off and have avoided multiple life ruining side effects that are common.

You could get much better and quickly.

In any case, nobody can advise you on any sort of treatment.

#5

Thank you for your response. I have to admit, I thought I would have made more progress in three months… Right now, I just can’t manage to feel happy. I read your story—you’re a father, like me. It’s terrible not being able to feel joy with your children, and even becoming a sad person when you were the complete opposite just three months ago.

If this is only going to last a few more months, maybe I could come to terms with it. But the idea that it could last for years—I just can’t accept that. It’s impossible for me. I’m too unstable, and yes, it’s ruining my life…

What helped you personally? And how long did your recovery take?

#6

Hi Azerty,

I went through what you’re going through. I know the head pressure feeling you’re talking about well. I even also have the ear clicking thing you’re talking about, first other person I’ve seen mention that one.

I made it through what you’re experiencing and you can do it too. I felt so bad I felt I needed to go to the emergency room the vast majority of most days, and I wager that’s how you feel as well. I recall the early days where the depressive thoughts were so bad I would shake my head violently to stop the thoughts, probably giving myself a concussion (not recommended).

What worked for me may not work for you, but I just want to maybe give you some hope and direction. You can improve, myself and others have, but it takes time, longer than you will want. The fact that you’re fluctuating is good, from what I’ve seen it seems people that fluctuate fair better long-term than those that don’t.

You are very early on, and as bad as you have it, like bluecloud insinuated, you can always very easily have it much worse with PFS. I want to be very clear that I’m no expert and my advice is only based on my personal experience, but I would recommend to stay away from any type of quick cure though hormonal means or pharmaceutical. I know you want to get better now, but many have tried these things and if they were a solution, this forum wouldn’t exist. The chances you heal yourself are zero, maybe you feel better, but the chances you make yourself worse are significant. At the very least I would give it more time. You said you’re already improving after 3 months? That’s great! Give it 3 more months and see where you stand. If you’re still improving, give it 3 more.

As long as your body is naturally improving, I wouldn’t touch it. You don’t feel like you can do it, but you can. I’m here to talk if you need. I have a very detailed play by play of my recovery in my story, if you are interested. If you have any questions I’d be more than happy to answer.