Accutane & Depression

Hi, I'm new here. I have severe cystic acne that has never responded to topical or oral treatment, diet changes, face washes, or vitamins. I am looking at accutane as the next step, but am wondering about rumors I've heard about depression. I have a history of mental illness, and am worried about this. Also, most of the oral medication I've taken seems to make my acne SO MUCH WORSE and so painful I can't sleep on my face. Has anyone had experience with either of these things?

Thanks!

[loiloi]

Hi. A causal link between accutane and depression has not been established. However in rare cases patients have reported depression whilst taking the drug. In very rare cases patients with existing depression have reported a worsening of depression whilst on accutane.
In my own personal experience, it was my acne that induced depression, not the medication which cleared the acne and subsequently the depression. Please see my journal and pictures in my profile.
You must make your prescriber aware of your history of mental illness. He may decide not to treat you with accutane, or he may decide to treat you with a lower dose or monitor you more carefully.
If whilst taking accutane you have any thoughts of harming yourself you must take no further tablets and seek medical advice immediately.
Accutane has many potential side effects including dry lips, fragile and sensitized skin, temporary hair loss or an increase in hair growth, muscle or joint pain and mood change. However, this must be balanced against the fact that it is your best hope of a long term remission from acne.
As with some other treatments, accutane can induce a temporary worsening of acne (initial outbreak) during the first few weeks of treatment, as unseen pimples come to the surface. This is normal, your skin should be clear after about 12 weeks.
80% of patients only require one course of accutane lasting 16 to 24 weeks. However a minority of patients, including myself, need a second or third course.
Welcome to the forum, and please get back to me with any further questions.
Eloise.

[liverpool_fc]

i was thinking the same way before i started accutane, im on my last month with a totally clear face on 40mg/day, the only side affects ive actually experienced are extremely dry skin all over, but thats easily managed through using moisturizer..good luck!