This is weird -- how quick can side effects start??

Balding Scot · Jul 22, 2009

Some of you may have read my other posts. If not, quickly: I had to go off propecia a few years ago because I had debilitating side effects. Anxiety, panic attacks, fits of confusion.

I just started saw palmetto 4 days ago, though I missed two days ago, so i've only had three dosages. 320mg of pure extract.

Now, I know some people say that saw palmetto has the similar effects as Finasteride, but this is nuts.

Starting yesterday, I began having the panic attack and brain fog symptoms that I haven't had since I was on Propecia. Last night I couldn't sleep, major bouts of anxiety and night confusion (out of body type stuff), which is just what I experienced on propecia a couple years ago.

Is this all in my head? Or could it be the Saw Palmetto?

My question is directed at people that *know their stuff* about how chemicals you take orally can interact with the body. Is it possible that after only two-three doses of the stuff, I could already be experiencing side effects, neurological ones at that? It seems quite soon.

Please, only tell me if it's in my mind if you have very good knowledge to back it up. This is really important for a number of reasons! Thanks kindly.

Mew · Jul 22, 2009

If a substance interferes with 5AR, wether naturally or pharmaceutically, the possibility exists for side effects.

5AR does more than just metabolise T->DHT, it also has important functions in the brain and spinal cord, where it metabolises neurosteroids like Allopregnanolone, which acts on GABA-A receptors. Block that process and you can get anxiety like symptoms.

Look it up on pubmed if you disbelieve.

Balding Scot · Jul 22, 2009

Hey, you don't have to convince me, like I said, I had the same symptoms on Propecia two years ago.

My question is -- how quickly can such things start after starting the drug (in this case saw palmetto).

I've only been on it for 4 days. Could I already be getting the side effects, this soon?!

Mew · Jul 22, 2009

how quickly can such things start after starting the drug (in this case saw palmetto).

I've only been on it for 4 days. Could I already be getting the side effects, this soon?!

Look, as soon as you start taking the substance that interferes with 5AR, you are inhibiting natural processes that need to take place. Since each person's genetics and hormonal profile is unique to them, different people will have different tolerances to such 5AR inhibition.

In your case it sounds like you are very sensitive to the effects of blocking 5AR and your body is reacting to the direct mechanism of action of what you are doing. And since you have your own unique genetic makeup and hormonal profile, perhaps it only takes a short time for you to exhibit the beginning effects of such 5AR inhibition, in this case 4 days after you commenced therapy.

You really only have 2 choices: continue and mess with your body, or quit and find an alternative to internal 5AR inhibition. My suggestion would be the latter, especially considering the recent "Finasteride & neurological damage" thread over on hairlosshelp.com -- read it if you have not already.