Considering Quitting - Need Urgent Advice From Experienced Members

General Discussion
#1

I am aware that this forum is for the purpose of addressing post-fin side effects and recovery. But I nevertheless feel that this is an appropriate place to post my question and see if members can help me with their experiences - your advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have been on Propecia for 7+ years (on and off, but mostly on). During that time, I have repeatedly complained of many of the symptoms i recently came across when visiting this site: decreased libido; sexual dysfunction (numbness, feeling of detached etc.); general apathy and malaise for life; uninterested for hobbies; general anxiety; ruminating endlessly over things; “brain fog” - especially short-term memory impairment and occasional slurred speech.

I recently read on this site, however, about the effects of discontinuing Propecia use (i.e., the post-fin “crash”) as opposed and in addition to the side effects of simply continuing to use the drug. Now, I am more terrified to stop using the drug than I am to continue to take it.

My question for the experienced members is this: has anyone ever discussed or heard of the following concepts in order to prevent the on-set of post-fin syndrome: (i) slowly weening off propecia over a period of time (e.g., taking smaller doses or less frequent use); or (ii) simply continuing to use the drug.

As I stated above, I understand that my question is not precisely on point with respect to this discussion board - but I would very much appreciate any advice from the members.

#2

Nobody knows who is susceptible to the PFS in the first place (there is no test for this syndrome, or genetic profiling required for men using 5AR inhibitors, to determine if those who react poorly share common genetic, hormonal or other traits), so the below is a moot point.

Regardless, we (those suffering longterm side effects after quitting) are likely in the minority compared to the overall Finasteride userbase, so odds are on your side that things should go back to normal after discontinuation. According to the manufacturer, side effects will resolve after quitting. However, anecdotally some men have found otherwise, as noted on this forum and others out there.

Either way, you’d never know what camp you fall into unless you quit, so you will need to make a judgement call for yourself in the end. Best bet is to also speak with your doctor to inform them if you plan on stopping the medication, and getting some bloodwork done to assess current hormonal status (as noted here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=92 )

Despite being stuck with many of the symptoms of the Post-Finasteride Syndrome, I (personally) would still rather NOT be ON the drug for life, even if I knew there was a chance I could end up “crashing” after quitting. Inhibiting 5AR2, DHT, neurosteroids and interfering with the various other 5AR-dependant processes the body requires for years or decades may have numerous health consequences in some men, as you are finding out based on your listed side effects.

However, as mentioned earlier, we with longerm problems are likely in the minority – unfortunately, nobody can tell you why we specifically had this occur. Regardless, it is certainly not a mainstream issue affecting every single man that takes this drug. You will need to make a decision for yourself what you choose to do – inhibit naturally occuring bodily processes for as long as you can stand it, or see if things go back to normal should you choose to discontinue use.

If you choose to ween off, review section 5 of the FAQ: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7

Most likely everything should clear up in time, after discontinuation. However, if you find they do not after months, then consider further investigation.

#3

by the sounds you are already suffering from the symptoms of pfs. so what do you have to loose if you quit?

#4

Listen to me, I TOOK THE DRUG THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. No major brain fog/cognitive dysfunction but all the sides you listed. Your post is similar to my situation on discovering this site and finding out what an effect the drug had had on me over the years, aside from the sexual ones.
I can tell you this: I was not genetically predisposed to crash, 'cos I stopped and started it like yourself a couple of times at least and my libido and all round physical and mental energy jumped (hindsight is wonderful). Sadly I went on one last time, the sides got worse, found this site and just dropped it.
This might have been the biggest MISTAKE of my life, aside from touching the shit in the first place.
You MUST ween off, no one who has has been really fucked over with multiple hormones out of whack after an almighty crash days/weeks later. I’m no scientist but it seems clear to me anyway that the body sometimes cannot handle the sudden surge of DHT all at once.
I am still pissed this wasn’t stressed on here when I quit. I just stopped and presumed everything would be ok like it said here. I can understand why you might want to continue, for me things got a thousand times worse AFTER I stopped. Even at the end I still had a libido for porn and could still get hard on demand even if it was possibly less durable. Maybe you could reduce the dosage and maybe see sides disappear, then quit?
At least you are registered here, my registration went to spam and I didn’t know so I couldn’t get the advice you now seek between my quit and crash, as symptoms got gradually worse. I would probably have posted a similar plea.
I would be inclined to think you might stop cold and be okay if you have no shrinkage, depression or elevated estrogen symptoms but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Whatever you do keep us updated if you notice anything funny happening. And consider yourself very lucky you can get this advice first!

#5

propeciausernyc325,

The reality is you will continue to have the side effects you have now and you may develop more as time goes on. Could you crash if you ween off of the drug, yes that’s definitely a possibility. Or you could keep taking it and damaging all of the organs in your body.

The only way for you to get better is to stop taking it. It could take a long time for you to recover and you could crash, but I beleive you will notice some of the sides diminish over time like most of us.

#6

I’d prepare for the worse but expect the best.

I’d prepare myself to feel like shit. You might have suicidal thoughts and you’ll go through entire episodes of nervous breakdowns lasting days maybe even weeks. You won’t sleep well, it will be as if you’re not even sleeping even when you’re sleeping.

You’ll get a lot worse before you get better, but I don’t think any human being should have to be subjected to this drug.

However, knowing what I know now. I’d try and get a perscription for anxiety medication, like klonopin so you can lessen the terrible side effects you’ll feel once you quit the drug because you may end up going into full panic attacks and withdrawl from your body being addicted to Fin.

#7

Disagree. Taking additional pharmaceuticals introduces new variables which may cause other issues of their own, especially considering one is coming off an anti-androgen like Finasteride and the body has to deal with massive hormonal changes as a result.

My personal opinion is to avoid introducing new pharmaceuticals to the body unless absolutely necessary, considering a drug got us into this mess in the first place. But people are free to do as they wish, of course.

#8

When you’re hysterical on the verge of a nervous breakdown with beligerent thoughts of irrationality and suicide. Taking an anti-anxiety drug can’t be any worse than what we’ve already put ourselves through with Fin. I had a serious thought one day on the way to work of driving off the Howard-Frankland bridge in Tampa, but I had almost drowned before and didn’t want to experience that feeling again.

And it certainly can’t be worse than TRT.

I speak from my own experience. I recovered mostly within 4 months after being on this crap for almost a year, and I even took the 5 mg proscar and I’m only 130 lb guy.

The only medications I took to recover were Synthroid on a daily basis. Klonopin and Oxycodone when needed, especially the lower back pain I experienced after quittig Fin, it was like it was on fire.

#9

Why introduce additional variables which can cause further complications. It’s important to remain clean so that your case is cut and dry from finasteride, and can’t be blamed for anything else.

If anxiety is an issue I recommend valerian root; it’s effective for anxiety and isn’t a pharmaceutical drug.