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Accutane Brain Effects
by sci87, May 27, 2009 04:12PM
I had bad acne on my chest, back and face. Last year, I consulted a Dermatologist and he prescribed a low-dosage (35mg daily) course of Accutane. I was on Accutane for 6 months, and it cleared my acne completely. The only side effects I noticed were dry lips and dry eyes. I have been off the drug now for 6 months, and thankfully my acne has not come back. However, I was recently reading some information online about the damaging effects Accutane has on the brain. Since it is a retinoid, it affects cell proliferation and division. This supposedly results in damage to the hippocampus. Even though I haven't noticed any mental change, I am very worried that I have caused significant damage to my brain. My question is: would 6 months at 35mg/day have had caused much damage? And if so, is any damage limited just to the time on the drug (i.e. is my brain susceptible to further impairment now)?
I suppose I'm probably overly paranoid, but I would really appreciate any response just to reduce this worry.
I suppose I'm probably overly paranoid, but I would really appreciate any response just to reduce this worry.
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Please don't worry. No causal link has been found between Accutane and mental health problems. However, 1% of Accutane patients have reported depression or worsening depression whilst on Accutane or shortly after stopping. We do not know that it was the Accutane which caused their depression. Depression rates are higher in teenagers and acne patients so this could be part of the reason.
If anyone taking Accutane has thoughts of hurting themselves (suicidal ideation) they should take no further tablets and seek medical advice immediately. As you have been off the tablets for 6 months you can be confident this rare potential side effect is not going to effect you.
Eloise.