Baldness Drug Propecia May Put Some Men Off Alcohol: Study

Men with sexual side effects appear to drink less, even after they stop taking the drug

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, June 13 (HealthDay News) -- Some men who use finasteride (Propecia) to help battle baldness may also be drinking less alcohol, a new study suggests.

Among the potential side effects of the hair-restoring drug are a reduced sex drive, depression and suicidal thoughts. And it's men who have sexual side effects who also appear to want to drink less, the researchers report.

"In men experiencing persistent sexual side effects despite stopping finasteride, two-thirds have noticed drinking less alcohol than before taking finasteride," said study author Dr. Michael Irwig, an assistant professor of medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.

Although it isn't clear why the medication might have this effect, Irwig thinks the drug may alter the brain's chemistry.

"Finasteride interferes with the brain's ability to make certain hormones called neurosteroids, which are likely linked to drinking alcohol," he said.

"For younger men contemplating the use of finasteride for male pattern hair loss, they should carefully balance the modest cosmetic benefits of less hair loss versus some of the serious risks," Irwig said.

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Baldness Drug Propecia May Put Some Men Off Alcohol: Study