I have tried everything (yes, both proactive and murad, Retin A, birth control pill...I only use noncomedogenic makeup) and nothing works. I'm ready to ask a dermatologist about Accutane, but would like some feedback from those who have had experience with it. I could deal with joint pain and dryness, but wouldn't mess with it if *depression* is a real possibility as a side effect. I know it's listed, but so often EVERY side effect known to man is listed on these things! Did anyone experience depression on it?
Also, is this a drug that I would need to be on indefinitely to cure my acne? Or, do you just take it for a few months and are able to stop---and your acne is better. I don't want to have to take it forever! Thanks for any input you can give.
2007-03-13 13:55:36 · 6 answers · asked by josie 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Although depression is a POSSIBLE side effect, it is by no means a guarantee. This particular side effect has received more attention than usual b/c of the high profile teenagers who have had problems (I believe a senator's son killed himself after taking Accutane). This said, I have taken Accutane on two different occasions, and I never had any problems with depression. It definitely dried me out, but it wasn't unbearable and my acne did clear up completely during treatment. My complexion remained clear for several months but reappeared after a time. After discontinuing Accutane, I suggest using a topical treatment like BenzaClin to keep you from getting excessively oily again (which leads to breakouts). Personally, I highly recommend it.
2007-03-13 14:04:26 · answer #1 · answered by heathermagoo13 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Accutane is a powerful drug, it essentially decreases the amount of oil your skin produces which in turn cloges your pores causing zits, and it also produces another type of oil to compensate for that loss of oil, which is better and cloges less. I am also thinking of taking it so just like you, I am also researching around. However I am on menocine currently and I found that your liver plays an amazing role in how your skin is. I highly suggest that you do a liver detoxification, now this is kind of off topic, but during the course of this detox program you will not get ONE zit, which is usuallly 2 months course. You can get it at a health food store, and isnt costly.
After doing that I am on also daily supplements that help promote better liver function, with this and proper diet I hardly get a zit, and trust me I have severe acne. Now the proactive people will have you beleive as well as the rest of the world that diet doesnt play a role, but i'd say im living proof, when I eat purely fruits and vegies, all week, plus the occasional cookie, tuna sandwich or pizza, I get (NO) zits,only wen I binge one day on sugary and fatty foots that ill break out like madd, other wise im fine. Hope this helps
2007-03-15 18:21:41 · answer #2 · answered by Jo s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried everything there was and nothing worked for me either. I decided I was going to do the accutane thing regardless of the side effects b/c I was sick of acne. If I remember I had to take ot for 4-6 months and had to take the entire time even when my skin started to clear up. I had a lot of joint pain and stiffness, horrible drying out of skin especially on my arms and hands... but for some reason my skin just went from 2 new breakouts a day to 0.. some people report acne coming back but after 3 years I still only get a zit once in awhile... so it was worth it to me!
just fyi on the depression thing, it didn't really affect me. However, my brother tried accutane after me and had a mental breakdown and went to the hospital for pshych care for a week. I guess it just depends on a case to case basis.
2007-03-13 14:06:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jordon 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I too tried everything to cure the acne on my face and back, but nothing would work. After taking Accutane for 5 months, I have to say, it really is a miracle drug. My acne is completely gone. I experienced some dry, peeling skin on my face and some eczema on my hands, but I really didn't mind. It's an incredible feeling to go from ashamed of your face to proud and confident. I STRONGLY recommend it.
As for the depression and mood swings, I experienced none, and to the best of my knowledge, the vast majority of people do not. Accutane has been used for 25 years, and there have been numerous studies done concerning it. If it was really that dangerous, they would've taken it off the market long ago.
For some people, a 5 month course is enough to end acne indefinitely. For others, it comes back a few months after the end of treatment, but it is generally not that bad. Some people decide to go on a second course.
I really hope you decide to take it, it will change your life. Best of luck.
2007-03-13 14:09:27 · answer #4 · answered by Sean 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok lets really talk, Ive been in the skin care industry for 17 years and are licensed. Accutane damages your liver, Retin-A makes your skin thin,proactive is crap. I have a great line of skin care for you that will work but you must stick with it. www.dermalogica.com you can only get it from a salon or spa. Look and see what salons or spas have it in your area and its not that expensive. The key to clearing your pores is exfoliation ( scrub) 2x a week as well as a great clenser. Dont buy that nasty apricot scrub its horrible and puts holes in your skin! good luck
2007-03-13 14:06:26 · answer #5 · answered by Alyssa C 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I dont know how long you take it. but my friend did and his lips were a bit chapped. he said that if you drank alcohol while on it some bad stuff could happen
since im not an expert and wiki pedia is. heres an article...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accutane
2007-03-13 14:04:58 · answer #6 · answered by sambucca 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋