Noah from Northamptonshire, UK – How SSRIs and 5AR inhibitors devastated my life

My name is Noah, and I want to share how SSRIs and 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting supplements have devastated my life. My hope is that my story will raise awareness of these life-altering conditions and contribute to the efforts being made to help those of us who are suffering and in desperate need of understanding and support.

In late 2023, after beginning training to become a clinical psychologist and leaving a difficult romantic relationship, I was eager to embrace a new chapter of my life. Motivated to adopt a healthier and more natural lifestyle, I decided to taper off Citalopram, an SSRI I had been taking for several years without issue. Following my GP’s advice, I tapered the medication over six weeks. During this time, I was also taking Pygeum, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting supplement, that I had used in the past without any problems.

In the months that followed I began to experience a dramatic and alarming deterioration in my mental health—far beyond anything I’d ever felt before. My symptoms spiralled into severe mood swings, crying spells, suicidal thoughts, cognitive struggles, depersonalization, derealization, intense anger, night terrors, intrusive thoughts, and overwhelming anxiety. The intensity of these symptoms made me question whether I was dealing with PTSD from my previous relationship or even descending into psychosis.

Following this, I began to experience sexual difficulties, including erectile dysfunction and genital numbness. This led me to discover Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) and the possibility of protracted SSRI withdrawals. I realized I had tapered off Citalopram far quicker than recommended, and it became clear that my symptoms might be withdrawal-related. Around this time, I also stopped taking Pygeum.

In the weeks that followed, as I wrestled with whether to reinstate Citalopram, my symptoms took a turn for the worse. Almost overnight, I became bedridden, overwhelmed by psychological torment and cognitive decline, leaving me unable to work. Physical symptoms also began to emerge, including head pressure, tinnitus, and paraesthesia. Believing these symptoms were still tied to SSRI withdrawal, I reinstated the medication, hoping for relief.

At first, there was a slight improvement in my symptoms. But soon, an entirely new set of difficulties emerged: complete emotional numbness, deep cognitive dysfunction, muscle wastage, joint pain, body hair changes, reduced sensation, and loose, stretchy skin across my body. My sexual issues worsened to complete impotence and significant penile atrophy. It was at this point that I stumbled upon Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) and realized I was likely dealing with this condition due to the 5-AR inhibiting supplements I had been taking, with the sudden dramatic worsening in symptoms a few weeks prior possibly being a ‘crash’.

Knowing SSRIs could worsen PFS symptoms, I attempted to reduce my dosage, only to be hit with an even more intense return of symptoms, including what I believe was akathisia. This forced me to resume my original reinstated dosage, despite the fear that it could be worsening my PFS symptoms.

I have remained on this dosage ever since. While some symptoms have slightly improved, many have worsened. Though I no longer live in constant dread and terror, I now experience complete emotional blunting, relentless intrusive suicidal thoughts, severe cognitive impairment, full sexual dysfunction, and worsening muscle and skin issues. I’m trapped in a situation where I don’t know which symptoms are from PFS and which are from SSRI withdrawal. Reducing my SSRI might improve the PFS symptoms, but it could also reignite the withdrawal symptoms—and that uncertainty is excruciating.

These symptoms have destroyed the life I once had. I have been unable to return to work and will likely lose my career. I’ve lost my independence and had to move back in with family. Compounding the isolation of this experience has been the total lack of professional support or understanding I have received.

By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the devastating side effects of these medications and supplements. I want to support the ongoing work to raise awareness, increase support, and, ultimately, find effective treatments that can help those of us suffering reclaim our lives.