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Study Links Finasteride to Serious Psychiatric Risks

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry links finasteride to serious psychiatric effects, including mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.
The findings suggest pharmacovigilance gaps by Merck and regulators, challenging prior FDA assessments.
The FDA listed depression as a side effect in 2011 and suicidality in 2022.
Brezis calls for mandatory ongoing safety research on approved medications.

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Story summary

A new study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry links finasteride to serious psychiatric effects, including mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.
The findings suggest pharmacovigilance gaps by Merck and regulators, challenging prior FDA assessments.
The FDA listed depression as a side effect in 2011 and suicidality in 2022.
Brezis calls for mandatory ongoing safety research on approved medications.