Yes. Finasteride tablets can be associated with depressed mood and depression, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of oral finasteride. The exact frequency is not known, and taking the medicine does not mean a person will develop depression. If your mood changes while taking it, contact a healthcare professional promptly; if you may harm yourself, seek emergency help now.
What does the evidence say about finasteride and depression?
Finasteride is a medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). It is available as oral tablets, while some products for hair loss are applied to the scalp. Reports of depression and other mood changes have led regulators to review its mental health safety.
In 2025, the EMA completed a European-wide safety review and confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of oral finasteride tablets at both 1 mg and 5 mg. The frequency remains unknown, meaning the available evidence cannot establish how often this reaction occurs. Most reported cases involved people taking 1 mg tablets for hair loss. This does not establish an individual's likelihood of developing depression.
The findings distinguish a recognized safety concern from a predictable outcome. Many people take finasteride without experiencing depression, but the possibility of mood changes should be taken seriously. Depression can have several possible contributors, so the timing of symptoms, medical history, other medicines and changes in daily functioning are relevant when a healthcare professional assesses a possible connection.
Does the risk differ between finasteride tablets and topical treatments?
The formulation matters when interpreting the available evidence. The EMA's review confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of oral finasteride tablets but found no evidence linking suicidal thoughts to finasteride skin spray. This finding does not prove that topical treatment has zero risk of every type of mood change. People using topical products should follow their product information and seek medical advice about new or concerning psychological symptoms.
The difference between the 1 mg and 5 mg tablets also matters when considering what to do next. The 1 mg dose is used for hair loss, while the 5 mg dose is used for an enlarged prostate. Although suicidal thoughts have been recognized as a potential side effect of both tablet strengths, the available reports do not provide a reliable comparison of an individual's risk at each dose.
What mood changes should you look out for?
Mood changes can develop gradually, and a person may not immediately connect them with a medicine. Examples of changes worth discussing with a healthcare professional include:
- Feeling persistently sad, low or unusually irritable.
- Feeling hopeless or losing interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
- Having less motivation or finding it harder to concentrate on everyday tasks.
- Experiencing changes in sleep or energy alongside a change in mood.
- Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
The NHS guidance on depression symptoms describes these experiences as possible features of depression, but they are not a checklist that can establish a diagnosis. Occasional sadness does not necessarily indicate depression. Symptoms that persist, worsen, interfere with everyday life or feel difficult to manage warrant professional assessment.
How could finasteride's sexual side effects affect mood?
Finasteride can also cause sexual side effects, including reduced sexual desire and erectile difficulties. These experiences may be distressing and can affect confidence, relationships and emotional well-being. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warns about both psychiatric and sexual side effects and notes that sexual problems have sometimes continued after treatment ended.
The EMA has also noted that sexual dysfunction may contribute to mood changes, including suicidal thoughts, in some people taking finasteride. This does not mean that sexual side effects explain every case of depression, or that everyone who experiences them will develop a mental health condition. Both the physical symptoms and their emotional impact deserve discussion with a healthcare professional.
What should you do if you feel depressed while taking finasteride?
Do not ignore a noticeable change in your mood, especially if it begins after starting treatment or becomes progressively worse. The appropriate next step depends on the formulation, dose and symptoms.
- If you take 1 mg oral finasteride for hair loss: The EMA and NHS advise stopping the medicine if mood changes or depression develop and contacting your doctor promptly for further advice.
- If you take 5 mg finasteride for an enlarged prostate: Contact your prescriber promptly about new mood changes so that the medicine and your symptoms can be reviewed and you can receive advice about continuing treatment.
- If you use topical finasteride: Report concerning mood changes to your healthcare professional and review the instructions for your particular product.
- If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide: Seek emergency mental health support immediately. Contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Tell someone you trust and ask them to stay with you while you obtain help.
The NHS guidance on finasteride side effects specifically advises people taking finasteride for hair loss to stop the medicine if they experience depression and seek medical advice. Follow the advice applicable to your dose and formulation, and do not delay urgent care because you are unsure whether the medicine caused the symptoms.
During an assessment, a clinician may ask when the mood changes started, whether they appeared after a dose or treatment change, whether you have experienced similar symptoms before, and what other medicines you take. The MedlinePlus finasteride medication information also highlights new or worsening depression and thoughts of self-harm as important symptoms to report to a healthcare professional.
Will depression improve after stopping finasteride?
There is no single, reliable timeline for mood symptoms to improve after stopping finasteride. Some people may notice changes over time, while others may continue to need assessment and treatment for their symptoms. Stopping the medicine should not be treated as a substitute for mental health care, particularly when symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting daily life.
If you continue to feel depressed after stopping finasteride, arrange a medical review rather than assuming that the symptoms will resolve on their own. A clinician can assess other possible contributors and discuss appropriate support or treatment. Report any ongoing sexual difficulties as well, because these may also need evaluation.
Should people with a history of depression take finasteride?
A history of depression or suicidal thoughts is important information to share before starting finasteride. It does not automatically establish whether the medicine is suitable for a particular person. The MHRA advises healthcare professionals to ask about previous depression and suicidal ideation before prescribing finasteride and to monitor for psychiatric and sexual side effects during treatment.
Anyone considering treatment should discuss the expected benefits, possible side effects and available alternatives with their prescriber. People already taking finasteride should report new mood symptoms rather than attempting to decide on their own whether the medicine is responsible. The aim is to address mental health concerns promptly while making an informed decision about treatment.