Student took his own life after hair loss drug triggered suicidal thoughts
Oliver Fawkes, a 21-year-old student, tragically took his own life after experiencing severe mental distress linked to a hair loss medication. An inquest revealed that he had been prescribed finasteride, which is known to have rare side effects including suicidal thoughts. Despite warnings, he continued the medication until shortly before his death in November 2025.
- ▪Oliver Fawkes was found dead near his family home on November 25, 2025.
- ▪He had been taking finasteride for hair loss, which can cause suicidal ideations and depression.
- ▪His mother described him as a unique person who excelled academically and was pursuing a master's degree.
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NewsUKHome NewsStudent took his own life after hair loss drug triggered suicidal thoughtsOliver Fawkes died aged 21 after a period of severe mental distressAlice Hobbs Wednesday 20 May 2026 10:49 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2980184","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/oliver-fawkes-death-suicide-finasteride-b2980184.html","title":"Student took his own life after hair loss drug triggered suicidal thoughts"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-20287","index":0}Oliver Fawkes was found dead near his family home in…
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