depression and accutane [Forum Archive]

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depression and accutane

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Posted by: shamrock

I know many of you guys have tried accutane and had good results. I don't think that I have much of a choice but to start taking it. I have read a lot!! of serious articles relating accutane to depression. I am really nervous about trying it. Some thoughts please!!!

Posted by: Vieope

I never used it but it seems to be true. I remember some guy in the news that commited suicide with an airplane in Florida. Don´t you have to go to the doctor for a prescription for that?

Posted by: Luke9583

I got depressed, even after I was off for a while. Wasn't right for a while actually. I seriously even lost the self-confidence to piss at a urinal

My mother and sister also fought depression on accutane.

Posted by: hardasnails1973

you are depressed becuae accutane is like an antibiotic. IT KILLS GOOD BACTERIA and an imbalance occurs causing depression. If imbalance is too great then you will end up with dysbiosis and if left un treated can be a starting point for a cascade of aliments that onl drs will treat all the symptoms and not the cause. Simple solution is take a shit load of probiotics to bring balance back in line. Other wise you will be screwed with many aliments that will just be treated over and over again. The imbalance almost killed me. I expreiced the same thing taking accutane and that was 18 years ago and lived those years being depressed never knowing why. INTESTINAL IMBALANCE !!

Posted by: sportytahoe

be very VERY careful with accutane, i've witnessed it F up some friends very badly...

Posted by: Luke9583

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardasnails1973

lived those years being depressed never knowing why. INTESTINAL IMBALANCE !!

Sounds very familular. It's capable to a rough M1t cycle though

It's like an on/off switch where you literally start feeling like you have 'nobody'. At first you say to yourself, "i know that's just the m1t talking" but as the cycle progress you start to question even that! That's one of the many reasons I would be using PH/PS's any more.

Posted by: hardasnails1973

Steroids/prohormones disrupt and destroy good bacteria and bad bacteria over take. Add in antibiodies from past years accutane, high protein diet, low carb, sugar from junk food. This all equals a diaster waiting to happen. i now have talked to people that have gone for years with out resolution to their health problems. Most o these people had intestinal imbalnce from stress, improoper diets,antibiotics, and alot of other factors. There problemsdid not resolve until they correct the imbalances and with in 6 -9 month they felt like what normal was again. No conventional dr will except the idea, but a alternatve medicine would. After 4 months of running test after test they found nothing wrong with me that is when dr sent me to an alternatice dr and with the interview he knew what the problem was, but 2 weeks later the test confirmed it

Posted by: topolo

I took it 12 years ago and I have suffered from depression for the last 7 years

Posted by: hardasnails1973

topolo - start takng a probiotic and over 3-4 months balance will be replenished. Its all about balance in the human body (ying/yang).

Posted by: shamrock

guys, what should I do? I have a predisposition for depression. Has anyone been successfully treated with accutane. You guys that suffered depression did you have it before the accutane. What would happen if I took ssri's with it. Do you mean to tell me that even after you discontinued the accutane you suffered depression.

Posted by: hardasnails1973

reaso people are depressed are mainly nutrient deficency amino acid mostly. 5 htp may be better then antidepressant and safer. add probotics as preventative meaures

Posted by: shamrock

`what is 5hp

Posted by: hardasnails1973

5 htp is a precursor to sertonin which body need to regulate moods and depression, low levels of serotinon = major depression. When drs give antidepressants to people with low level sertonin it is just masking the problem and will work for a short time but will fade after a few months then you are back to square one. Drs need to correct the source rather then the symptoms

Posted by: topolo

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardasnails1973

topolo - start takng a probiotic and over 3-4 months balance will be replenished. Its all about balance in the human body (ying/yang).

I have no idea what this means

Posted by: bandaidwoman

Up to the current time, a rate of 12 suicides per 8 million isotretinoin-treated patients has been documented. Half of these patients were on concomitant medications. (other depression medicines, thus was there some selection bias?) A small number of patients have reported that depression subsided when isotretinoin was withdrawn and recurred with treatment resumption. In the United States, 64 suicides occurred between 1991 and 1999 in patients who at one time took isotretinoin. Thirty occurred during treatment, 24 after treatment was stopped (6 months-10 years), and 10 occurred in patients whose treatment status was unknown.
These numbers must be compared with general suicide statistics in the United States. In total, 30,000 suicides occur per year (in the general population, the rate is 11.4 per 100,000). Eighty percent are males. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the 15- to 24-year age group (6000 per year). So when isotretinoin patients are observed, the 64 total suicides must be compared with an expected suicide rate of more than 10 times that number .These data suggest that in these patients the suicides were likely due to factors other than isotretinoin treatment.The isotretinoin suicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 is well below that of the general population, as noted above. In addition, in the isotretinoin patients, there was no alteration in the typical US pattern of suicide in terms of gender distribution, relationship to depression, underlying psychiatric disorders, or lack of warning signs (typical of youth suicide).

Depression showed a similar lack of correlation with isotretinoin treatment. In isotretinoin-treated patients, depression was reported in 1013 patients compared with the expected number of 182,500 in this patient population. Depression is a common diagnosis. In the United States, 10% to 20% of the population report experiencing depression at some time during their lives. Sixteen to twenty percent of 12- to 18-year-olds are given a diagnosis of some form of depression each year. In a large study of approximately 8000 isotretinoin users and 14,000 antibiotic users, no difference in relative risk for depression was found between the 2 groups. In view of these data, the risk of any true association between isotretinoin use and depression seems to be excessively small. However, these issues should be discussed with your doctor.

Posted by: shamrock

Very very good. could you possibly break that down so I could understand better!!

Posted by: bandaidwoman

The suicide rate while taking accutane was 1.4 out of 100,000 and the suicide rate in the general population is 11.4 out of 100,000 people.... So the rate of suicide was actually lessfor those taking accutane than that of the general population!

The converse and perversed conclusion would be that it lowers risk of suicide! (But that is erroneous because of the methodology of the data).

The gist is this....can't peg suicide to taking accutane. It's a general overblown media sensational garbage.

Posted by: Luke9583

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandaidwoman

The suicide rate while taking accutane was 1.4 out of 100,000 and the suicide rate in the general population is 11.4 out of 100,000 people.... So the rate of suicide was actually lessfor those taking accutane than that of the general population!

The converse and perversed conclusion would be that it lowers risk of suicide! (But that is erroneous because of the methodology of the data).

The gist is this....can't peg suicide to taking accutane. It's a general overblown media sensational garbage.

How many people commit suicide after their accutane cycle though

Posted by: bandaidwoman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke9583

How many people commit suicide after their accutane cycle though

Thirty occurred during treatment, 24 after treatment was stopped (6 months-10 years), and 10 occurred in patients whose treatment status was unknown.

Posted by: Luke9583

wow, very interesting stuff

Posted by: trvlr70

If you have a tendency toward depression, I would make sure that you are closely monitored for personality changes if you decide to take the drug. I have heard it is very effective. Good luck!

Posted by: Luke9583

I did not have a history of depression. When I ran Accutane, my family was told to watch me; as with my sister and mother when they ran it. I had moderate acne, and it worked! It took a couple months. But if I could do it all over, I would not have taken accutane. I feel it is the main contributor towards my poor high school expirience, and my personality is and has been much different since before I used accutane (not for the better or the worse, I just am a 'different' person. )

But everybody is different.

Posted by: shamrock

They say bodybuilders have no brains (just kidding guys.) Anyways I am just not convinced that this drug is a benign as your survey says. How many of the 100,000 had depressional tendencies before taking the drug. This is very important to know. I am reading forums of peoploe that have taken accutane and they have nothing good to say. Luke I am sorry for how you feel, but perhaps your personality has nothing to do with the accutane. Bandaid woman, I once read something on the forum that explains exactly how accutane effects depression. Do you remember???

Posted by: shamrock

guys, I have these terrible nodules on my head called "dissecting cellulitis." I think they may be caused from the gear. They are truly unbearable and I seem to be getting more. I just started my cycle two weeks ago and have made good improvements. All three skin doctors that I have been to have recommended accutane. If I take accutane will I still be able to work out? Should I discontinue my cycle? I have worked so hard to build my body as I am sure you all have. I weigh close to 250 lbs and am 8% body fat. Bodybuilding is a huge part of my life and I don't want to loose it. Mudge and some others you are on it how do you feel?

Posted by: Luke9583

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamrock

If I take accutane will I still be able to work out?

No, not really. I was told I had to quit playing soccer. And that was only like 2 games a week

Posted by: Pirate!

I've personally witnessed family and friends go though intense depression on accutane that they didn't have before. One friend almost killed himself in front of me with a shotgun. They were all teenagers at the time, so that might be a factor, too.

Posted by: Luke9583

Quote:

Originally Posted by PirateFromHell

I've personally witnessed family and friends go though intense depression on accutane that they didn't have before. One friend almost killed himself in front of me with a shotgun. They were all teenagers at the time, so that might be a factor, too.

This is what I hear all the time. That teens with acne are generally depressed anyway. But I did NOT have bad acne, and I wasn't depressed

Posted by: shamrock

give me some serious encouragement!! All you guys!!!

Posted by: bandaidwoman

Shamrock, accutane can cause severe muscle soreness with vigorous excercise but it is not a contraindication to stop your excercise level if you are able to handle it. I have quite a few bicycle racers on it who kept racing (and riding 300miles a week training) with some noted minimal muscle soreness and who may not have preformed as well racing ....but that was it. Quite a few body builders use it and notice a decrease in tolerance to number of reps but many are able to continue their training.

Back to the depression issue, the fact that undiagnosed mood disorders are a common problem among teens, (and the the group most likely to be using the drug) combined with a disfiguring condition such as severe cystic acne probably exacerbates their depression. Accutane still does not have good epidimiolgical proof that it is causing the depression as based on the numbers I cited above.

Shamrock, I don't remember the thread on accutane and how it causes depression but I will try to do a thread search and find it.

Posted by: Luke9583

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamrock

give me some serious encouragement!! All you guys!!!

Well maybe we shouldn't

Posted by: shamrock

thanks for all the info. Luke I am in quandry here I have big cystic sores on my head and no hair is growing there. I have been to three doctors and they all have told that if it is curable only accutane will help. We all bodybuild to enhance our physical bodies. wouldn't I be shooting myself in the foot if I didn't do something about it? bandaidlady, how did your friends feel while on the drug mentally???

Posted by: bandaidwoman

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamrock

thanks for all the info. Luke I am in quandry here I have big cystic sores on my head and no hair is growing there. I have been to three doctors and they all have told that if it is curable only accutane will help. We all bodybuild to enhance our physical bodies. wouldn't I be shooting myself in the foot if I didn't do something about it? bandaidlady, how did your friends feel while on the drug mentally???

They weren't friends..... I know them from my professional relationship with them. Psycologically, they felt fine. However, they were older (not teenagers) adults in their twenties and thirties. (Remember, the most problematic group with regards to this question of depression usually involve teenagers.)

Posted by: shamrock

i am 32 years old but feel like a teenager!!!

Posted by: Paynne

I had acne from age 13 - 40. Nothing worked well. I took accutaine for 5 months. Acne is still gone completely two years later, I take nothing for it now. I had no depression or any other symptoms exempt for cholesterol rising a bit but it went down to below what it was originally when I had it checked a few months after finishing accutaine. In other words, it worked perfectly

Posted by: Luke9583

That's a good story

Posted by: clemson357

I don't really care about the side affects. That may sound stupid, but there really isn't much that could be worse for me psycologically than acne.

its like my face will completely clear up for about 1 week at a time, just to give me a taste of what it is like to look normal. then, it will break out again. I don't have the kind that looks really red all over, I get several big ones sporadically around my mouth and chin.

I have literally considered blowing my brain out.

The worst part, I can't get in to see a dermatologist in my new city for months. I saw my dermatologist at my permanent address, where my parents live, and she said she would definitely perscribe it to me except she can't unless I can come back once a month to check for side affects. I live 7.5 hours away, and I am in graduate school, so that isn't possible.

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemson357

I don't really care about the side affects. That may sound stupid, but there really isn't much that could be worse for me psycologically than acne.

its like my face will completely clear up for about 1 week at a time, just to give me a taste of what it is like to look normal. then, it will break out again. I don't have the kind that looks really red all over, I get several big ones sporadically around my mouth and chin.

I have literally considered blowing my brain out.

The worst part, I can't get in to see a dermatologist in my new city for months. I saw my dermatologist at my permanent address, where my parents live, and she said she would definitely perscribe it to me except she can't unless I can come back once a month to check for side affects. I live 7.5 hours away, and I am in graduate school, so that isn't possible.

Hey bro, know how it feels. i had horrible face, back , chest, and the worse leg acne imaginable. A lot of people warned me about the side effects of accutane before going on it. I told them the same thing, that the side effects of my horrible acne were far worse than what could be seen with accutane. I say take it by all means. I took 80mg a day for 5 months and have been 95% clear the past 3 years. This shit was a fuckin miracle it ,saved my life. I was diagnosed with depression before going on accutane, and dont feel that it made it any worse. I am actually now near depression free. DOnt wait for your Derm. go to another one. But make sure that one prescribes accutane as many derms do not.

Posted by: LittleKid

Knew somebody at my old school that comitted suicide while on accutane.

Posted by: njc

knew a couple of poeple from my high school who killed themseles while not on accutane.

Seriously guys/ i did and unbelievable amount of research before taking this stuff, read numerous accounts. Amd i believe its all garbage and hype. read the first page of this thread, i cant remember who posted the stats of suicide whilst on accutane but i was constantly getting the same info in my research. If poeple are getting depressed while on accutane, it may be a placebo effect. all they hear about is that there gonna get depressed while on accutane , so the mind being as powerful and in control as it is subconsciously follows suit.

Posted by: LanceM

I've taken accutane. I have good results. I was never depressed. I was more happy that my acne was going away than anything. Your face will be dry as hell though

Lance

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanceM

I've taken accutane. I have good results. I was never depressed. I was more happy that my acne was going away than anything. Your face will be dry as hell though

Lance

amen to the dryness. i had a 5 month case of chapped lips. In the summer time!

Posted by: Prince

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamrock

They say bodybuilders have no brains (just kidding guys.)

I know you said "just kidding", but I have found over the years that "bodybuilders" are generally smarter and more educated than the general population...interesting huh?

Posted by: Arnie's left nu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert DiMaggio

I know you said "just kidding", but I have found over the years that "bodybuilders" are generally smarter and more educated than the general population...interesting huh?

I dont understand....

Posted by: SJ69

I think people who need to take accutane have a higher than normal rate of depression due to the self image problems associated with having acne. I think it is just as likely more acne sufferers would commit suicide if they didn't have accutane. The study is inheritly flawed, too many variables. The accutane users aslo had severe acne (2 variables 1. acne 2. accutane) you can't get reliable results with two variables.
I've taken accutane 80-120mg ed for 4 months. The sides are a little rough, dry bleeding gums and ear lobs, achy joints but no depression for me. I felt fine mentally. maybe even felt better than normal.

Posted by: clemson357

how long does it take to work, everyone here is saying "I took it for 5 months..." does it take 5 months to start working, or does that mean you took it for five months and then didn't have to take it anymore?

Posted by: SJ69

1 week

Posted by: SJ69

you'll notice it working in about a week. complete clear up? it depends...

Posted by: njc

mine got worse for the first 2 and a half months. and i mean WORSE!!!!!!! Ive never had such hideous acne as what is refered to as the "work through period", subcateous acne is pushed up from beneath the skin and finally dried and expelled. By month 4 i was looking pretty good. Continued to get better through the entire five months. Actually was at my best about 2 month safter treatment, that was 2 years ago and its been good ever since. the shit saved my life.

Posted by: clemson357

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc

mine got worse for the first 2 and a half months. and i mean WORSE!!!!!!! Ive never had such hideous acne as what is refered to as the "work through period", subcateous acne is pushed up from beneath the skin and finally dried and expelled.

thats not sounding too hot, is that normal?

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemson357

thats not sounding too hot, is that normal?

it is normal. Most experience the "Work through" period but to varying degrees of severity. Then there are those lucky ones who dont.

Posted by: Stratosphere

Ok Im about to start taking accutane this week. Now honestly I'm not too concerned about the depression issue cuz I have confidence in myself and I would never commit suicide. (trust me ive had some shitty times and still never crossed my mind). Im more concerned about other health risks that may be involved. Also I am taking a multivitamin that includes Vitamin A, which is practically what isotretonin is, so should I get off of the vitamin to not further pump my V-A lelvels?

Posted by: SJ69

Skip the Vit A, it's fat soluble therefore cumulative and you could possibly build up to toxic levels while taking accutane. Get your bloodwork done monthly and adjust as needed. My triglycerides went up over 400, that's off the charts. Get Aquiphor, nothing else for your lips and ears, chapstick doesn't cut it.

Posted by: njc

absolutely skip vit a supplementation.

Posted by: Stratosphere

Well I've been on Accutane for exactly a week now, and I am already seeing results. My face is noticeably starting to clear up. The only side effects I have noticed so far are chapped lips, dry skin, and a little muscle ache. Although the muscle aches could also be because I just started working out regularly after a year away.

Does anybody have some reccomendations for treating the chapped lips and the dry face??

Posted by: bandaidwoman

I've heard acuaphore ointment helps http://www.eucerinus.com/medicalsite...appedlips.html

Posted by: SJ69

Aquaphor !!! see above

Posted by: SJ69

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJ69

Skip the Vit A, it's fat soluble therefore cumulative and you could possibly build up to toxic levels while taking accutane. Get your bloodwork done monthly and adjust as needed. My triglycerides went up over 400, that's off the charts. Get Aquiphor, nothing else for your lips and ears, chapstick doesn't cut it.

...

Posted by: Mudge

I had zero depression problems on accutane, and I already have occasional anxiety/depression issues.

You get it, or you dont. The number of problem people is under 1% as I last saw statistically, they do NOT want to prescribe it unless they have to, or if you have a liberal dermo.

Posted by: Stratosphere

Can you get Aquaphor at any convenience store, or do you have to special order it?

Posted by: SJ69

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratosphere

Can you get Aquaphor at any convenience store, or do you have to special order it?

CVS has it I think, my derm gave me a bunch of samples, which are better bc they are pocket sized.

Posted by: clemson357

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratosphere

Well I've been on Accutane for exactly a week now, and I am already seeing results. My face is noticeably starting to clear up...

that is what I like to hear. I had my bloodwork done last week and should be getting my prescription sometime this week.

in response to some of what was said above, my dermatologist says that only 10% of people get worse before they get better. hopefully I won't be one of those. I guess I will go out and get some chapstick.

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemson357

Honestly man, based on the research I did before I took it, I think your Derm is wrong. I do however hope that u avoid the workthrough period and that i am wrong.

Posted by: SJ69

My derm said the work through period is bull shit, some people get worse bc when they start taking accutance they have to stop taking other acne meds. How can a drug that immediately cuts sebum (oil) production make acne worse?

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJ69

My derm said the work through period is bull shit, some people get worse bc when they start taking accutance they have to stop taking other acne meds. How can a drug that immediately cuts sebum (oil) production make acne worse?

becuase it pushes underlying acne to the surface so it can be worked out of your subcaceous glands.

http://pages.ivillage.com/amymtn/aoa/id5.html

Youll find that just about everyone on that site who posted an accutane diary experienced the workthrough period. In my case man, I got acne like id never even knew existed. Im talkin lumps 2-3 inches in diameter and about half an inch big in numbers of 20-40 all over my body and in places where Ive never even gotten them before. I got progressively worse for probably the first 6 weeks before improvong. Tell your Derm to do some research, he really should be better informed being that hes a doctor and all.

Posted by: SJ69

"becuase it pushes underlying acne to the surface so it can be worked out of your subcaceous glands."
Not trying to be a dik, but what does that mean? How does it "push"?
I cleared up right away, I realize everyone is different, but don't you think my derm has a point? Could it be true that the actual reason of the "work through" period is the fact the patient is no longer taking his antibiotics and retin A and benz. peroxide etc, therefore the time lag it takes for the accutane to really kick in leaves the patient virtually un medicated during that time? I can see logic in his line of reasoning. Also, since I know a little myself and did my own research, we talked alot about this drug, and I know for certain, that he did do his research. He also said he treated over a thousan patients with accutane and has taken detailed notes. I am not saying the other school of thought is wrong, I'm just saying his take on the issue is a valid theory also.

Posted by: SJ69

Clemson, DON"T waste your money on chapstick, Why try to kill an elephant with a bb gun? See my posts above concerning dry lips.

Posted by: clemson357

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJ69

Clemson, DON"T waste your money on chapstick, Why try to kill an elephant with a bb gun? See my posts above concerning dry lips.

I took my first two pills just now. I also bought aquafor, or whatever it is. Does that only go on your lips? or on your skin as well? Also, does the inside of your nose really get dry? do you put aquafor in there?

Posted by: clemson357

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc

...In my case man, I got acne like id never even knew existed. Im talkin lumps 2-3 inches in diameter and about half an inch big in numbers of 20-40 all over my body and in places where Ive never even gotten them before. I got progressively worse for probably the first 6 weeks before improving....

wow. that is really fucked up. I feel for you man. It is better now for you, so I guess that is good.

I am not going to read anymore about it, I am already kind of scared. That packet of information freaks me out, where they show what a baby would look like if born while the mother had taken accutane....NO FUCKING EARS, are you kidding me??? Luckily I am not a girl.

I will post back here and let you guys know how it works.

Posted by: SJ69

Clemson, don't worry about it!! What's your dose and body weight? Just get the blood work done, you'll be fine.
You can use the Aquaphor on any skin surface that becomes too dry. For me, it was lips and ears and the edges of my nostrils, I wouldn't put it INSIDE my nose, you just gotta deal with some minor bleeding from your nose.

Posted by: Mudge

* I had no work through period, but I did have a FAST rebound when coming off it the first time (too premature).

* Chapwho? No way, Blistex worked fine for me but Chapstick is crap. It wont moisturize it just about is good for coating your lips with wax, that serves little purpose. You will be using it every 15-60 minutes when your lips get bad, trust me. Even my eyes dried out making my contacts a pain. Thankfully that period didn't last forever during the treatment.

Posted by: snoops

Ive taken accutane and loved it. I never was never depressed and it completely cleared my acne.

Posted by: clemson357

day 3.

I don't want to jump the gun, but I feel like it is working. My nose and eyes feel slightly dry, I feel no new acne coming in, just old ones healing slowly.

The biggest thing is, I do not feel depressed at all. Day 3 is definitely to quick to say anything conclusively, but I have been more happy and up-beat lately than I can remember in the recent past. Maybe it is because I am excited about finally taking some hardcore stuff, and finally getting past this stage of my life.

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJ69

"becuase it pushes underlying acne to the surface so it can be worked out of your subcaceous glands."
Not trying to be a dik, but what does that mean? How does it "push"?
I cleared up right away, I realize everyone is different, but don't you think my derm has a point? Could it be true that the actual reason of the "work through" period is the fact the patient is no longer taking his antibiotics and retin A and benz. peroxide etc, therefore the time lag it takes for the accutane to really kick in leaves the patient virtually un medicated during that time? I can see logic in his line of reasoning. Also, since I know a little myself and did my own research, we talked alot about this drug, and I know for certain, that he did do his research. He also said he treated over a thousan patients with accutane and has taken detailed notes. I am not saying the other school of thought is wrong, I'm just saying his take on the issue is a valid theory also.

Yeah sure. I think I might do some more research on it. It just seems to be true with most people ive conversed with who have taken it and was defenitely true w myself.

Posted by: clemson357

day 7. It is definitely working. At this rate I should be 100% clear in two more weeks; when I say 100%, I mean you won't even be able to tell I ever had acne. Luckily, my face doesn't really scar.

I have absolutely no depression. NONE. I will update again after another week.

Posted by: njc

It wont make u depressed man. Thats a retarded myth.

Posted by: clemson357

day 13. The nose bleeds are starting to suck. I got one in class and another one in the gym. It is definitely working. the skin around my mouth and chin is really dry.

all in all it is definitely worth the side effects so far.

Posted by: njc

Good deal. Accutane will work like a mother. I have no doubts youll be very pleased.

Posted by: J-ROC

I've been on accutane for a week today, and I am quite pleased with how quickly the acne is healing.... zits that would normally take a week to dry up and heal, were virtually gone in two days.
The heavy break outs post accutane only lasted three days..
My face now is almost completely clear...first time in 7 years and I'm 29. WOW!

The only side effects so far is a really dry face and the first two mornings I woke up with nasty head aches, My lips and ears are just starting to get fairly dry and I'm drinking about 15 glasses of water a day... very thirsty

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc

It wont make u depressed man. Thats a retarded myth.

No, it is not a myth. I came across someone who lost a relative to suicide from it. Is it quite rare? Yes. I had zero depression issues from accutane.

Most of the side effects cleared up as my body seemed to adjust.

Posted by: LW83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I dont' think it's that rare. My mother, my sisters and I have all used accutane. We all had some pretty bad side effects. But don't get me wrong, the stuff works.

I was very depressed. Not just depressed though; bitter and angry.

Posted by: DamnHardGainer

My opinion is that accutane and depression link is a myth. In Europe, Canada, and Australia, accutane is sold under names like isotane, etc., without prescription. Why? Because according to European studies no link has been shown proving accutane causes depression. The EU has its own committee such as our FDA to come to such conclusions.

I also have my own experience to fall back on. I've been on three 5-month cycles of accutane several years ago. The first two were under doctor supervision with monthly blood tests. The first cycle was a pretty hefty dose of 40mg twice a day. All liver tests came back normal and unchanged by the way....the Europeans don't do blood tests for accutane since its over the counter anyway. I've been using isotane, the canadian equivelent myself over the last 5 years...without supervision. I never had bad acne even in my teens to early 20s, I just didn't like blemishes. I have no acne today but I take accutane for cosmetic purposes. I like how it dries out my skin and reduces skin oil...it also narrows your pores so your skin looks better when moisturized properly. I take 10mg whenever my facial skin feels like it is developing excess oil, so that's about 10mg every 3~5 days...a tiny amount to be sure but it keeps my skin perfect.

Notice that the so-called depression link in the US is found in individuals who are already pre-disposed to being depressed and/or are on other medications or using drugs at the time. Other popular cases are with teenagers who are already raging with hormones and prone to being depressed and moody in the first place -- add in acne, the bane of teens, and you have one depressed guy or girl. Now consider that Europe does not find any reputable links between depression and accutane use which is why it is over the counter there...now is there some genetic resistance that the Europeans have that Americans don't? That accutane affects them differently? That would be rediculous.

If anything, I'd argue accutane alleviates depression! And it does it by returning people's lives to them...banishing acne and making them socially "acceptable" again, improving their self-esteem and willingness to go about their normal lives without fear.

Posted by: LW83

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnHardGainer

My opinion is that accutane and depression link is a myth. In Europe, Canada, and Australia, accutane is sold under names like isotane, etc., without prescription. Why? Because according to European studies no link has been shown proving accutane causes depression. The EU has its own committee such as our FDA to come to such conclusions.

How can it be a myth, I am telling you right now of three cases out of three where depression occurred.

Posted by: J-ROC

I am in Canada and I have been precribed Accutane. The name isotane was never brought up. and I do have to get monthly blood work done!

- Ive been taking it for a week and a day now, looking pretty good.
How long does it usually take to notice the depression thing, if it is going to happen?

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Its not the suicide that i question. It the causing of it by "it"- Accutane.

Posted by: DGuy

I've been on accutane 4 times. Yeah that's pretty brutal. It does work very well though. Unfortunately for me it kept coming back, but I'm 17 now and it hasn't come back. I'm pretty sure I'm through with it now. I never had any problems with depression really. The only thing that sucked was the complete dryness. It's worth it though.

Posted by: DGuy

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-ROC

I am in Canada and I have been precribed Accutane. The name isotane was never brought up. and I do have to get monthly blood work done!

- Ive been taking it for a week and a day now, looking pretty good.
How long does it usually take to notice the depression thing, if it is going to happen?

Just don't think about it so much and it won't happen. For me, the first few weeks on it made my face even worse. But apparently that's supposed to happen. After about a month it started going away for me.

Posted by: DamnHardGainer

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-ROC

Consider that you can be prescribed on aspirin if your doctor wanted to...but accutane can be bought as isotane in Canada without prescription unless they changed the law. I ordered mine from there for 4 years and recently switched to an Aussie company that was cheaper.

Btw, most people have flare ups after a few weeks for a little while as the acne unseen under the skin reaches the surface. So I wouldn't get too excited yet. After you get past that though, it's clear sailing from there.

Posted by: DamnHardGainer

Quote:

Originally Posted by LW83

How can it be a myth, I am telling you right now of three cases out of three where depression occurred.

Forgive me if I prefer scientific studies over hearsay.

Posted by: clemson357

Quote:

Originally Posted by LW83

How can it be a myth, I am telling you right now of three cases out of three where depression occurred.

I know three cases where someone picked their nose, and died later that day. that must mean picking your nose causes death.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-ROC

I am in Canada and I have been precribed Accutane. The name isotane was never brought up. and I do have to get monthly blood work done!

Accutane is merely a branded name. Isotrentinoin is the substance name, so some products sound similar, like Isotrex (topical), etc

Posted by: roxygirl

It sounds like you dont want to believe anyone about the depression/accutane link. I took accutane when I was 20 years old, so I was past the "teenage depression". Before taking it I had never been depressed- in fact I was always uppidy and very happy. While taking this med and after I battled with depression. But that aside- let me tell you about the other side effects. First of all- you will have to go to the doctor at LEAST once a month to have your blood drawn so they can monitor your liver. Guess the med messes with the way it functions so they have to make sure its is under control. Your skin will get worse....WAY worse for a while and you will be HYPER HYPER sensitive to the elements. My lips were so cracked the entire time I was on the med that chapstick was never further than 2 inches away from my lips. The skin on my hands would chap and bleed... my eyes practically dried out- a problem that I got to keep, even after stopping. I went on two different cycles of accutane and it clearned my skin up for a while but it came right back after about 6 months. My skin is fine now... but for about a year after I took accutane my skin was HORRIBLE. But everyone is different. If you were my brother I would do everything in the world to try and convince you not to take it. In the end it wasnt worth it- and it didnt work long term. Good luck with your decision. Just really think about it before you do it. I say dont.

Posted by: njc

1 out of 5 people suffers depression in there lifetime. Its too frequent an occurance for me to believe that it is brought on by accutane without any scientific evidence of a connection.

Acne itself can cause depression. Maybe so can everyone telling you, " oh youre taking accutane, that cuases depression", in a placebo sense.

Posted by: roxygirl

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc

1 out of 5 people suffers depression in there lifetime. Its too frequent an occurance for me to believe that it is brought on by accutane without any scientific evidence of a connection.

Acne itself can cause depression. Maybe so can everyone telling you, " oh youre taking accutane, that cuases depression", in a placebo sense.

very true. still wouldnt wish the side effects on my worse enemy though.

Posted by: Trackbunny

Are you kidding me?

I'm someone is very healthy and I took accutane for 7 months. They even started me off with an antidepressant in the first month to combat the side effects. They were awful! Even on antidepressants the accutane affected me as well as after the treatment was through.

Please consider all options before doing taking it. After what I'm been through I woudn't do it again.

Posted by: clemson357

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