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Propecia could affect men who take it, causing them to develop sexual side effect and be at risk for severe depression and suicidal thoughts. 

Researchers found that 64 percent of men who developed long-lasting sexual side effects from the drug also reported experiencing moderate or severe symptoms of depression, and nearly 40 percent reported suicidal thoughts.

The study is published online in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Researchers say doctors and Propecia users should be aware of the potential serious risks of the medication, especially as it is being used cosmetically, to alter a normal age-related process. 

In a statement to FoxNews.com, a Merck spokesperson disputed the study's claims, saying: "Merck believes that PROPECIA (finasteride) has demonstrated safety and efficacy profiles and that the product labeling appropriately describes the benefits and risks of the drug to help inform prescribing [depression is listed as a potential risk on the label].

Researchers surveyed 61 men - average age was 25 - who had previously used Propecia. All the men had experienced sexual side effects for at least three months after they stopped taking the medication. They had not experienced sexual problems before taking the medication, and did not have a history of mental illness.

Researchers also questioned 29 men with male-pattern baldness who had not taken Propecia. 

All participants answered questions about their symptoms of depression over the last two weeks.

Among those who had used Propecia, 11 percent had mild symptoms of depression, 28 percent had moderate symptoms and 36 percent had severe symptoms. Thirty-nine percent reported suicidal thoughts, and an additional 5 percent answered "yes" when asked whether they agreed with the statement "I would like to kill myself."

Among those who had not used Propecia, the prevalence of depression was much lower: 10 percent had mild symptoms, and none had moderate or severe symptoms. Three percent of men in this group had suicidal thoughts.

However, the findings are preliminary, and further research is needed to confirm them.