New to Accutane - Page 2

ltmike · 12-05-2006, 11:39 AM

I don't agree. It's no secret that depression is linked to using accutance, but if the symptoms are monitored carefully, there should be little risk. As for the acne getting worse the minute you stop using it, that varies case by case. And if you don't use it for the full 5 months or whatever your derm says, it will not work fully and will probably get worse once you stop. I wouldn't ever go as far as to not reccommend accutane to someone based on someone else's bad experience, or my own (if I had had one) for that matter because every person is different. I have been on accutance for a month now and I can honestly say I feel less depressed than I have in a long time. My acne was getting me really down, and I view this drug as the ultimate tool in fixing that.

meg86 · 12-06-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltmike

I don't agree. It's no secret that depression is linked to using accutance, but if the symptoms are monitored carefully, there should be little risk. As for the acne getting worse the minute you stop using it, that varies case by case. And if you don't use it for the full 5 months or whatever your derm says, it will not work fully and will probably get worse once you stop. I wouldn't ever go as far as to not reccommend accutane to someone based on someone else's bad experience, or my own (if I had had one) for that matter because every person is different. I have been on accutance for a month now and I can honestly say I feel less depressed than I have in a long time. My acne was getting me really down, and I view this drug as the ultimate tool in fixing that.

I appreciate your response but you should know that I was being monitored very closely. The depression came very suddenly, almost out of no where. & it took a long time to get back to normal again, I still have to take anti-depressants. I consider the people who have good experiences to be really lucky. I don't see how doctors are even allowed to perscribe this medication with all they know about it. Acne is something no one should have to live with, but I will not reccomend anyone risk your life their to get rid of it.

Accutane2X · 01-11-2007, 11:15 AM

I took Accutane at 18 (no break outs for 10 years) and then again at 29. I've been off of it for a year and a half. I have nothing but good things to say about Accutane. I did not have severe side effects, and I'd take it again if I started to break out. Do as your doctor advises. Take your meds as prescribed. Get your blood work done every month and take your Birth Control Pills. Keep on top of things this way and you should be happier when you are finished! How can you not be happier when you have a clear face? Good Luck!

hopetobeclear · 01-11-2007, 11:39 PM

Hi,
I feel as though I am one of a small few that can attest to accutane's benefits. I have taken 4 rounds of accutane, and it has been the only thing to clear me up. Though it has only been a temporary cure, those months of clear skin due to accutane have been some of the best months of my life! My confidence is sorely lacking right now, and have finally decided to try something else (Spironolactone). However...if that does not work, I have NO problem using accutane again. I cannot speak for anyone but myself but I feel more depressed when I breakout, than when I have clear skin while on accutane and thereafter. When I took accutane I stayed away from anything that had extra vitamin A (vitamins, and yes carrots). Honestly, I drank while on accutane, I am not a heavy drinker; but I suppose it is probablly better to avoid alchohol while taking such a strong drug. Accutane is harsh, and the breakouts you will pobablly get before your skin clears might make you want to stop...don't...it is worth it. However, if you do feel depressed (and it's not just because you are breaking out--I think it's easy to know the difference), you should definetly discontinue and see a doctor. Hope I helped. Good Luck!!

muffystuff · 01-12-2007, 07:44 PM

Accutane worked a miracle for me eight years ago and I haven't had any acne problems since. My skin still produces oil, I just don't have cystic acne. Or any acne, for that matter.

Yeah, when I was on it, my lips were dry and so were my hands. I was also depressed--and I hadn't ever been before. I wish I knew that was going to be a side effect so I could've expected it--but I think they're much better about warning about that now.

Accutane is serious business--and you have to be really careful while you take it. You also have to monitor your side effects, and if they're really bad, you may need to stop taking it. But to assume that no one should take it or be prescribed it because you had a hard time with it--well, that's just not fair.

It saved my self confidence, for sure.