Should I use Accutane? for Questionland Seattle

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Should I use Accutane?

I'm 24 and have had moderate acne since I was a teen. It comes and goes, but when it comes, it leaves red marks that last for ages, even when I don't pick at my skin. I've tried many different skin care regimens and it seems pretty much independent of what I do diet and behavior-wise. The last time my skin was really clear was when I was on a major bender (emotional distress, no sleep, way too much drinking/smoking). Right now I'm using Retin-A, and I'm going to give it a few months to see if it does anything. If it doesn't work... I'm sick to death of having breakouts and have heard many accounts of Accutane's near-miraculous effectiveness. However, I know it's usually prescribed for severe cystic acne and has some potentially nasty side effects. Have you used Accutane? Know someone who has? Is it ever indicated for non-cystic acne? Any input would be appreciated!

Rickler asked in Drugs & Supplements 7 months ago | Report

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rickibot

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I did a round of Accutane in high school. It was quite effective for me, but it definitely had its downsides. When I took it in the mid/late '90's, my doctor would not prescribe it to me unless I was also on hormonal birth control. Accutane can cause particularly awful birth defects, so one of the prevailing policies of the time (I'm not sure about now) is that a female on Accutane had to be on the pill at the same time. When you opened the Accutane package, each of the little pill blisters had a silhouette of a pregnant woman with one of those big "NO" circles over it. They weren't kidding. So I got two prescriptions at once.

I had taken every acne remedy known to man at the time, including topical Retin-A. I had some cystic acne, but the biggest problem for me was that I broke out ALL THE TIME and had skin like an oil slick. The first two months on Accutane were pure misery. My skin "purged", a common outcome that results in your skin showcasing what appears to be the rest of the acne that you would have had in your life in a month's time. Nightmarish.

After a few months of leper status, my skin started clearing up. Then it was magically, amazingly clear, and not oily to boot. I did not have to blot 100 times a day. It was bliss. Then again, I had some of the oilest skin around to start, so if you've got dry skin going into an Accutane series, you will have a rough time with this stage. The difference between Month 2 and Month 3 was extraordinary. For me, Accutane normalized my skin.

Once the six month Accutane dosages ended, my skin reverted back to oily and break-out-y, but not nearly what it had been before. In short, Accutane helped me, but it was not easy, and results may vary. I didn't have any issues with mood alteration or depression, but I react ridiculously well to medication, including the hormonal birth control they made me take in tandem with Accutane.

Since you're on Retin-A now, give that a solid amount of time to work. Accutane is mega Retin-A - every downside will be magnified.

rickibot answered in Drugs & Supplements 6 months ago | Report

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I took Accutane as a teenager. It is the heavy artillery of acne medications. It should only be turned to after all other options have been exhausted.

One of the side effects is suicide. It fucks with your head. They knew this for some time, and when I was on it, it was required that you check in on a regular basis with a mental health professional. I believe things got even tighter after the high-profile, and tragic, suicide of the son of Michigan Congressman Bart Stupak while on Accutane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bart_Stupak#Personal_life) Stupak's son was a healthy popular young man, captain of the football team, etc, and one day after he started taking Accutane, he up and killed himself.

If other things don't work, Accutane will. But it will fuck with your head. If you have a history of mental health challenges, it's not for you.

soundslikepuget answered in Drugs & Supplements 6 months ago | Report

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I believe the greatest risk of suicide from Accutane is in prescribing it to adolescents and teens. Adults are supposedly more immune, but certainly clear skin is not worth the risk if Rickler has a history of depression. Also, pretty much any doctor who prescribes Accutane would be more than happy to prescribe anti-depressants as a preventive measure, even before symptoms of depression appear.

keshmeshi commented 6 months ago | Report

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I have two very minor notes only (not a full answer, sorry).

*I've heard Retin-A is a damn-near miracle drug. I think my brother used it with great success.

*If donating blood is important to you, some places will defer you if you are on Accutane.

Good luck, and I hope things get better!

Sacrelicious answered in Drugs & Supplements 6 months ago | Report

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I've done Accutane, but I had severe cystic acne and had gone through so many acne treatment regimens that Retin-A had pretty much become a placebo.

It's pretty rough. You have to go in to the doctor once a month to take your pregnancy test and birth control/sex ed quiz (if you're a woman), get your blood tested (fortunately only a finger prick), and pick up your next prescription. It will make your muscles sore and will seriously dry out your hair and skin. If you do it, you should try to time it during the fall/winter because you'll need to stay out of the sun; although Retin-A also causes sunburn.

Since your acne isn't that severe, though, you probably wouldn't need to be on Accutane for the full six months.

I'm sure you could find a dermatologist willing to prescribe it to you even if you don't have cystic acne, but I think the main wrinkle could be insurance. It's possible they might refuse to cover the treatment if your acne is non-cystic, so you should check with your dermatologist and/or your insurance company beforehand.

keshmeshi answered in Drugs & Supplements 6 months ago | Report

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