If you are in crisis: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, NHS 111, or attend your nearest A&E.
What the regulator says
The MHRA Drug Safety Update of 29 April 2024 explicitly named suicidal ideation among the psychiatric reactions for which patients must be counselled. The 11 May 2026 update strengthened these warnings. Patient alert cards in finasteride packs flag this risk specifically. Yellow Card data showed 281 reports for depressed mood or suicidal behaviour at the time of the original DSU.
In plain English
Suicidal thoughts while on finasteride are a recognised, rare but serious adverse drug reaction in UK regulatory wording. The MHRA introduced patient alert cards specifically because these reports needed clearer patient communication. If this happens to you, stop the medication and seek immediate help.
How long does it last
In the regulator's case series, suicidal ideation typically resolved on stopping the medication. The MHRA explicitly recognises that in a small number of cases psychiatric symptoms persist after discontinuation. Whatever the trajectory, the immediate action is to stop and seek help, not to assume it will resolve unaided.
What to do if it happens to you
Stop the medication immediately. Contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). Tell a person you trust. Attend NHS 111 or your nearest A&E. Then contact your prescriber and your GP. Yellow Card reporting helps the regulator's ongoing review but should not delay seeking care.
When to seek urgent care
If you are having thoughts of suicide right now, please: - Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7, every day of the year) - Text SHOUT to 85258 (free 24/7 crisis text) - Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option - Attend your nearest Accident and Emergency department - Tell someone you trust where you are You are not alone in this and there is help right now.
Want bloods to help investigate?
If you would like a bloodwork baseline to support the clinical conversation about your symptoms, our sister diagnostic service WMG Health offers panels designed around the question you are asking. A clinician-designed custom panel (from £275) is usually the best route when the question is specific.
Same Westminster Medical Group, single clinical record, results visible to your WMG Meds prescriber.