NEWCOMER SEEKS ADVICE/GUIDANCE

Hi to everyone,

I found this forum because I have been experiencing severe anxiety/panic attacks since starting propecia. I’m a 24/white male. I didn’t realize it was propecia at first but after researching online, I’m somewhat convinced. I’d never had problems with panic but now I’m battling panic and depression. I was on 1mg per day of propecia for about 15 months. I’ve been off for 5 days now. I’ve started zoloft (SSRI) which has helped but I still don’t feel right and get the brain fog/occasional dizziness. I can’t handle caffeine and alcohol even though I never had problems with either beforehand. What else can I expect? Will it get worse? I’ve never had problems with ED and my libido seems like it has not been affected. I decided that I’d rather be bald than experience the extreme panic and depression. On that note, should I shave my head or just let it go slowly and naturally. Is my hair gonna fall out since I stopped? My anxiousness is also bad right now since I’m out of work. Thanks guys.

Drug has been linked to depression and anxiety.

It should go away the longer you’re off.

Read:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=668

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1274

I’d get off the SSRI if I were you, it probably isn’t needed.

As for hair, nobody cares about that here anymore. It will likely take well over a year for you to see any speed up in loss.

Thanks for the reply and the links. How long until propecia is out of my body? Does propecia dehydrate the body at all? And why do you recommend getting off the SSRIs if it’s the only thing that helps me control the panic attacks and extreme anxiety? Obviously, I don’t want to be dependent on any medications and would rather be on nothing. Do you think I’ll ever be able to drink moderate amounts of caffeine and alcohol again (i.e. once the propecia is out of my system)?

See previous post. Thanks to anyone who can offer up some answers for my peace of mind.

I would not drop both ones at the same time. Yes, fin dried me up completely (skin) and others have problems with dry skin too.

I’ve now been off of propecia for just over 2 months. My panic attacks have basically gone away. My anxiousness is a lot better. I can now function on a daily basis. I weened myself off of the SSRIs and I’m glad I did that, too. All in all, I’ve had to limit my caffeine and alcohol intake and I’ve quit smoking. I still experience brain fog, abnormal fatigue and extreme nervousness. I don’t feel back to myself but hopefully this will come with time. Will I ever feel like myself again? Does each month get better? I’ve also started taking omega 3s every day which has helped (at least I think). Even though I feel better, my times of angst come when I’m either hungry and havent eaten a meal (i.e. the anxiousness/bad feelings increase) or if I’m dehydrated.

As far as my unit, I don’t have problems getting erections but the amount of semen I generate, does appear significantly lower. I can’t comment on my sexual performance since I have not had sex lately. As always, comments and questions are always appreciated.

Be glad your unit still “works” well! As for semen volume and consistency, it can take many months to come back to somewhat normal… but for me, even almost 3 years later, I still do not put out as much, nor with much force, compared to before the drug. Of course, since the drug atrophies the prostate, this is to be expected.

GET OFF THE ZOLOFT NOW!!! It will ruin your hair!!! try another med!

He’s off the Zoloft… his last post states:

Thanks for the comment mew. Any timetable on when you think Ill start to feel myself again as far as stamina, energy, disappearance of brain fog, nervousness and anxiousness returning to normal, etc.?

“Use it, or lose it!” The saying goes.
I’ve heard it is very true.
If I was you, I would try my hardest to get a girlfriend and to start having regular sex again. This will probably help you more than anything. It is a very true phenomena!

Likely a number of months, possible a year minimum – but this is just from my own personal experience… things seemed to get much better mentally starting around 14 months off.

Update:

After some sex the last two days, I have started waking up with big hard-ons!! two days… :laughing:

DB, please elaborate on zoloft and it ruining your hair? How is this possible?
i’m thinking of going back on it for my severe mental issues from propecia, just to chill the f out. I’ve been on it before propcia for years on/off and it helped with stress and anxiety big time.

zoloft and hair loss or it ruining your hair?

sorry for the late question in regards to this post—i just got to this one :slight_smile: and hope DB is still around!