USE OF FINASTERIDE ASSOCIATED WITH POSSIBLE SERIOUS PSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS

Abstract

Finasteride is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type 2, resulting in decreased DHT conversion. Recently, a study suggested the possibility that Finasteride is associated with serious psychological changes, which since 2011 has been debated, highlighting the need for more studies on the medication. A literature review was carried out through the PubMed and academic Google databases using the terms: “Finasteride”, “Finasteride and Suicide”, “Finasteride side effects”, “Finasteride psychiatric”, “Finasteride depression”. In total, 5 studies that addressed the possible serious psychological effects associated with the use of finasteride were selected. It was concluded that since 2011 finasteride has been widely studied due to its possible association with serious psychological effects, but most of them present inconsistencies with the applied methodology. However, due to the outcome that these effects can cause for the patient, it is prudent for the dermatologist to monitor the patient more carefully.