Depression and suicidality associated with 5α-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride)

Question from a Member: I am wondering about the risk of finasteride use in patients with a history of major depression or a clinical anxiety disorder. What are finasteride and dutasteride? Finasteride (brand names Proscar® and Propecia®) and dutasteride (brand name Avodart®) are 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) both with an FDA-indication for the treatment of symptomatic benign…