Finasteride side effects

[Amber42]

I started standard dose Finasteride less than a month ago.  This was a big step for me and made me happy, even though I found out that my health insurance did not cover it...I was ok paying for it :-)

I also started taking a multivitamin around the same time. 

I noticed I started getting a 'dry mouth' and lips about a week ago.  It's subtle, but there. 

I stopped taking the vitamin yesterday to try and isolate it.  Will wait a few days to see if it gets better.  If it does, I may try another vitamin.   If it doesn't go away, it's probably the Fin.   :-(.
I've never really taken much medication in my life, so I am hoping that this may just go away.  I'd hate to have to stop taking it.

Just wondering if anyone experienced anything similar.




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[Megan.]

I've been using it for more than a year and a half at hair-loss dosage. I've not noticed any side effects myself.

[V]

I have been self-medicating with Finasteride for 12 years. I basically started on it after my op.
Whether I should still be on it after all these years I have no idea, but I'm so paranoid that the effects of stopping hair loss, and actually helping with regrowth of lost hair might reverse if I stop. So I don't risk it.
Living in 'stealth' I don't want to put anything at risk.
I have not noticed any side-effects at all. Although I do wonder if my very low or non-existent libido might be a side effect?

[Amber42]

Can't say yet that I'm having a side effect, and it's not necessarily bad but something weird is still going on.

I really hope that it doesn't get any worse.  Optimally, it's just my body getting used to it and then it will go away. Trying to stay optimistic.
:-)



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[Shady]

Hi,

Pharmacist here 

Finasteride is not known to cause xerostomia. It was not reported in any of the literature I have consulted. Although, xerostomia can be caused by a multitude of meds. Make sure you stay hydrated as it can induce diarrhea. If that doesn't work, saliva replacement therapies are available at the pharmacy and should be enough to relieve the dryness in your case.

Don't give up!
Cheers!

[Shady]

I have been self-medicating with Finasteride for 12 years. I basically started on it after my op.
Whether I should still be on it after all these years I have no idea, but I'm so paranoid that the effects of stopping hair loss, and actually helping with regrowth of lost hair might reverse if I stop. So I don't risk it.
Living in 'stealth' I don't want to put anything at risk.
I have not noticed any side-effects at all. Although I do wonder if my very low or non-existent libido might be a side effect?

Yes, reduced libido has been reported in 2 to 10% of the patients taking finasteride. I always recommend telling your healthcare provider the meds you're taking, as it can lead to severe consequences if they're not aware of it. Nobody's going to force you to do anything! Also, finasteride has been associated with certain risks when taken over many years, so it's all about balancing the risks versus the benefits. I strongly suggest to discuss that matter with your doctor.

Cheers!

[SueNZ]

My younger brother takes finasteride due to prostrate issues. He is 48 and has found his PSA count is around 1. I am going to ask about side effects that he may have experienced. So far in our discussions nothing extraordinary has come forward.


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[V]

Yes, reduced libido has been reported in 2 to 10% of the patients taking finasteride. I always recommend telling your healthcare provider the meds you're taking, as it can lead to severe consequences if they're not aware of it. Nobody's going to force you to do anything! Also, finasteride has been associated with certain risks when taken over many years, so it's all about balancing the risks versus the benefits. I strongly suggest to discuss that matter with your doctor.

Cheers!

Hi Shady, and thank you for your input.
I did wonder if my lack of libido had something to do with finasteride.
But, (and I know I'm going to sound like a fool here) if I told my GP, who by the way is happy to prescribe me my post-op HRT, he would be pretty peeved with me. And the long term risks of increased cancer is something I'm happy to accept. If my GP insisted I stopped taking Finasteride, and then my hair loss came back, that would pretty much destroy my life as it is now. So rock and hard place, huh?

[hibiki]

I do feel lower libido after taking finasteride, something I am perfectly alright with. Other than that, I dont really notice any other changes.

[Rachel]

I was taking Finasteride for 3 years at a high dose. My T is below 3 ng/dl so I stopped taking it. I have not noticed any adverse hair issues. I have issues with suicidal ideation and attempts so I was really interested in doing what I can to remove any potential dangers. I am on a SSRI depression medication too, which helps a lot. Oh, due to lack of T my sex drive is very low.

When I started fin I noticed a dull ach in my gonads for a week but no dry mouth. I went off fin at the same time I fully came out and started expressing so the huge reduction of suicidal ideation and feeling of well being and happiness is most likely due to being me

[Amber42]

Hi,

Pharmacist here 

Finasteride is not known to cause xerostomia. It was not reported in any of the literature I have consulted. Although, xerostomia can be caused by a multitude of meds. Make sure you stay hydrated as it can induce diarrhea. If that doesn't work, saliva replacement therapies are available at the pharmacy and should be enough to relieve the dryness in your case.

Don't give up!
Cheers!

Thanks :-). Funny thing.  I've never had dry mouth before, in fact, my saliva production has always been on the high side.  I drink a lot of water.  The sensation I have is I think dry mouth, but my lips have a very slight tingling or numbness.  It sounds worse than it is, but something is a bit weird.  Since I stopped my multivitamin, it has been a bit better, but still there - very lightly however.

I will mention it to my GP at my next appointment.

My libido is a little lower but I have always had pretty high level so there's lots left over :-).   I had a dull ache in my boys down there today...hmmm

Again none of these I can't handle, but hope it doesn't get worse.


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[karmatic1110]

The dull ache is normal. Sometimes the most unpleasant side effects (if that is indeed what it is) can be the most subtle. I hope you figure it out

[mac1]

I have been on finasteride for about 4 months now and have not noticed any of the possible side effects.  I had been hoping for a couple of the possibilities.

[Amber42]

The weird sensation has persisted and I told my doctor today.  He told me to get off the Fin for a week to see if there is an improvement.  :-(

I really don't want to get off it.  I went through a shed and I finally just started seeing some new hair growing this week....

It sucks.  Does anyone know if I stop for a week and restart, if progress is stunted or a reshed happens(?)



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[Seshatneferw]

It sucks.  Does anyone know if I stop for a week and restart, if progress is stunted or a reshed happens(?)

There might be some reversal, but in the long term an extra week off the DHT blockers shouldn't make a difference. At worst, it'd be like you started on Finasteride a week from now instead of a month ago.

[barbie]

I have taken finasteride during the past 3 years to prevent my hair loss.
Yes. In summer, I am frequently thirsty and drink at least 2 liter (68 ounce) water everyday.
My libido was too much strong, and I wished to decrease it. I guess finasteride did it for me, but I can not confirm it. It can be related with my aging and smoking, and other factors.

barbie~~

[Amber42]

I guess I'm bummed that I'd see any regression.  I've been growing my curly hair out and that's frustrating enough...as its growing, I'm going through a frizzy Afro phase and the thinning is causing some dysphoria.   I finally started seeing some hair coming so I was excited.

The real worry is if the doctor advises that I stop the fin completely!  That would really suck.  I asked about dutrasteride and he asked that we try going off the Fin first to see the results. 

I have taken finasteride during the past 3 years to prevent my hair loss.
Yes. In summer, I am frequently thirsty and drink at least 2 liter (68 ounce) water everyday.

Did you start getting thirsty in the summer after starting the Finasteride?

I drink a lot of water usually and I know the summer diet is a bit saltier (BBQs, etc) but the sensation in my lips doesn't get any better after drinking tons.


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[barbie]

Did you start getting thirsty in the summer after starting the Finasteride?

I drink a lot of water usually and I know the summer diet is a bit saltier (BBQs, etc) but the sensation in my lips doesn't get any better after drinking tons.

It's summer and I now think it is normal to feel thirsty. Although I started Finasteride more than 3 years ago, I first realized I am very thirsty this summer. I drink at least 2 liter water everyday.

barbie~~

[yolo123]

I guess I'm bummed that I'd see any regression.  I've been growing my curly hair out and that's frustrating enough...as its growing, I'm going through a frizzy Afro phase and the thinning is causing some dysphoria.   I finally started seeing some hair coming so I was excited.

The real worry is if the doctor advises that I stop the fin completely!  That would really suck.  I asked about dutrasteride and he asked that we try going off the Fin first to see the results. 


Did you start getting thirsty in the summer after starting the Finasteride?




I drink a lot of water usually and I know the summer diet is a bit saltier (BBQs, etc) but the sensation in my lips doesn't get any better after drinking tons.


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Hey Amber42,

I got dry eyes and dry mouth from Finasteride after a week of taking it. Did you manage to keep taking it? I am contemplating lowering the dosage to see if the side goes away.

[Amber42]

It's been a year since that post and I can say that the dry mouth did eventually go away.  I can't say that I'm super happy with my results on Fin...but it hasn't been terrible.  I have been growing my hair since Feb 2016...so it is quite long...and crazy curly LOL

I also started Spiro a couple of months ago. 

I won't get into dosages but I am taking more Fin than when I originally started, based on the Endo recommendation.

I had stopped the Fin back then for a week to try and isolate the dry mouth.  I've been on it since...but it eventually went away...your mileage may vary, but  talk to your doctor...they may have a different course of action for you.


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