PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:
I know. This has been discussed into the ground. A non-researched and non-FDA-approved chemical is not an alternative to an FDA approved medication that has proven results for hair. Don’t you dare comment any pointless comments about that, that is not the point of this post-- WE ALREADY KNOW. Finasteride works well for hair growth for most men, and for the majority, no “major” side effects occur (even though the corporate funded studies are biased, fk off, I have a very strong feeling that significantly more than 2% of men get some sort of ED after taking fin, since it literally lowers the hormone which largely facilitates erections, but that is besides the point. Let’s continue.)
Hi! I have been taking low dose fin, I’ve tried about 3 different dosing schedules over the past year as recommended by my MD who prescribes it; he recommended lowering the dose to prevent side effects. Currently on 0.25mg daily. For the record, I have also been taking 2.5 mg oral minoxidil per day.
Let’s cut to the chase. I get horrible side effects from the fin. It is not placebo. My prescribing doctor agrees. I didn’t even know fin could cause brain fog and other neurological issues; I only found out because I cannot even hold verbal conversations with people without my mind going blank no matter the discussion, time, or place–people literally treat me like I have some sort of cognitive delay when I speak to them, and this has never happened before, I was always snappy and quick prior to starting fin. For those who doubt the authenticity of my experience, I only found out this out when I looked it up about 3 months ago and found this out AFTER experiencing the symptoms, not before, so you absolutely cannot say “placebo,” do not waste the point of this discussion with your lack of empathy. Yes, I know most men don’t get bad symptoms, but I am the outlier; fin works well on my hair I believe, it seems to have a good effect, but I have HORRIBLE symptoms and lowering the dose changed absolutely nothing about them. My symptoms: major erection problems, very low sensitivity/feeling in my penis, watery semen, low libido, genital pain in all areas, frequent urination, devastating brain fog, horrible executive function, undeniable personality changes, and s****de ideations.
So, here is my question and the entire point of this post now that the context is presented:
Does anyone here have any insight regarding any successful or adverse personal trials when ceasing finasteride and instead beginning a regiment of RU58841? I KNOW RU DOES NOT REPLACE FIN READ THE TOP OF THIS POST IF YOU DIDN’T. I am asking for your experiences in “switching” for those of you who were unable to continue fin, or maybe you never tried fin at all and started with RU. I am asking this for the sake of having some insight on whether or not this is worth a shot for me.
Thank you all for reading