Is Depression a Proscar Side Effect?

There are several possible side effects for people taking Proscar^® (finasteride). Depression, however, does not appear to be one of them. In clinical studies, depression was not reported as either a common or rare side effect of Proscar.

 

Keep in mind that just because depression was not seen during clinical studies with Proscar, it does not mean that the medicine cannot cause this side effect. Clinical trials are designed to factor out many possible variables in order to understand whether the medicine works and what its possible side effects are. Once the medicine is approved, a wider range of people begin taking the medicine and for longer periods of time. As is often the case, this can lead to other side effects being reported. However, once a medicine is approved, there are usually no more studies conducted on it. This means that certain side effects that occur very rarely may never be reported. Therefore, in some people, it's possible that a medicine may cause a side effect that hasn't been reported before.

 

So, if you notice any possible depression symptoms while taking Proscar, or if something "just does not seem right," you should talk to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.