Accidently Took Finasteride Twice: What to Do and What to Expect
If you’re taking finasteride to treat hair loss or an enlarged prostate, you might be wondering what to do if you take more than the recommended dose, more precisely took it twice.
Finasteride is a medication that prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss and prostate enlargement.
Finasteride is typically taken once per day, but what if you forget and take another pill?
Accidently Took Finasteride Twice: What Will Happen?
The good news is that taking finasteride twice in a day is unlikely to result in serious side effects.
Finasteride has a long half-life, which means it lasts a long time in your system. Taking an extra dose will not significantly increase the medication’s effectiveness.
It may, however, increase the risk of certain side effects, such as:
- Loss of sexual interest
- Difficulties getting or maintaining an erection
- Difficulties having an orgasm
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Skin rash
These side effects are usually minor and temporary, but they can have an impact on your quality of life and self-esteem.
If you notice any of these side effects, consult your doctor about adjusting your dose or switching to a different medication.
What Is The Right Dose of Finasteride?
The ideal finasteride dose is not one-size-fits-all; it varies from person to person.
To begin, many people start with a dose of 1 milligram three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
The goal of this regimen is to strike a balance between lowering DHT to an effective level while minimizing the risk of side effects.
It takes about six months of consistent use to determine the efficacy of this dosing method. During this time, patients should keep an eye out for signs of stabilized hair loss and side effects.
If an individual’s hair loss has stabilized on this regimen with no side effects, they can continue on the same dose.
However, if hair loss persists or worsens while on this regimen, it indicates that DHT levels have not been adequately reduced. Adjustments may be made in such cases. This can be accomplished by increasing the finasteride dose, either by taking it more frequently or by increasing the daily dose.
Side effects, on the other hand, may indicate that the DHT reduction has gone too far and that the dose needs to be reduced to find the right balance.
Finally, the customized dosing of finasteride is dependent on individual genetics and responses, and determining the most appropriate dose requires guidance from a healthcare professional experienced in treating hair loss.
Do This to Take Right Dose of Finasteride
To avoid accidentally taking finasteride twice, follow these guidelines:
- Record when you take your medication. To remind yourself, use a pillbox, a calendar, or an app on your phone.
- Keep your medication in a secure and consistent location. Avoid storing it in multiple locations or mixing it with other medications.
- Do not take another dose if you are unsure whether you took your medication or not. Continue your normal schedule the following day.
Finasteride Overdose Symptoms
Common side effects of finasteride may include:
- Decreased libido (sex drive).
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining erections.
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia).
- Skin rash or itching.
- Swelling in the hands or feet.
- Dizziness or weakness.
Conclusion
Finasteride is an effective and safe medication for hair loss and prostate enlargement, but it must be taken exactly as prescribed.
Taking it twice by mistake is unlikely to result in serious harm, but it may raise the risk of side effects.
To avoid this, keep track of when you take your medication and keep it in a secure location.
Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your finasteride treatment.
