depression - should I stop taking proscar?

Symptoms Neurological
#1

Hi,

I’ve been on 1/4 tablet proscar for 4 months now + minoxidil.

The past few years I haven’t been that happy to start with, but I have noticed these past couple of months that I have become more moody, quiet, and easily agitated, and depressed. Last night became a particularly low point.

I know that the depression has its root causes, and I know exactly what they are in my case, although they’re not things I can just change.

I’ve also identified a few changes in my life over the last few months that are likely to be contributing to it, but I have a strong suspicion that the proscar is amplifing the effects I am feeling.

I would discontinue the proscar, but then after these 4 months I am already seeing improvement in my hair, and if I discontinue it, the results will fade and loss will continue, which in turn will cause insecurity/depression.

I know what the nature of this forum is, and understand that everyone here will probably say to discontinue it, but I’m trying to assess whether I will actually become happier without the proscar or not.

#2

If you know the nature of this forum and what everyone will tell you, then no need to really ask such a question. The answer of course is – get off it and see if things clear up for you (99.9% guarantee they will).

I too took Proscar (11 months) and experienced depression, a doom and gloom/disassociative state unlike anything I’d ever felt before in my entire life both before, and since quitting the drug. Not surprising since the drug has been linked to causing depressive symptoms in some men: propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38

Wether you choose to believe the science behind it is your choice, but many here have gone through the exact situation you are facing (do a search for “depression”), and for many the depressive symptoms promptly cleared up within a month after stopping.

In the end, hair is not the be all end all to life. I would urge you to reconsider your health, and at the very least, take a break from the medication for a month or two and see how you feel. You will NOT lose all your gains in that timeframe.

#3

What about minoxidil - If I discontinue the proscar, should I still continue with the minoxidil?

#4

get bloodwork whilst still on

#5

Minoxidil should be fine–I haven’t heard of the topical solution being related to sexual dysfunction, as it’s mechanisms are far different than propecia, which acts on blocking alpha reductase type 2 responsible for DHT production.