Accutane and Depression

[Emilee924]

Hi, I am 17 years old and since I started middle school my acne has been pretty bad. I decided to go on accutane and I officially started it about 3 months ago...everything seemed to be fine except for the dry skin and that didn't seem to bother me. I was supposed to get my blood test on a certain day but I forgot, and couldn't get another one for about 4 days later. When I went to the dermatologist he told me that since i had felt a little wierd being off of it for those 4 days that I should go off it for a few weeks to see if there was any changes. He gave me the prescription but said not to fill it unil those 2 weeks, but I acutally wanted to be on it because it seemed to make me feel better. Anyways, I went back on it after he told me not to and I started not feeling like myself so he told me to just completely stop it...it's been a week since I stopped taking it and I feel really depressed and I don't enjoy the things that I did even a week ago. I feel like I'm not the same person; I don't want to go to school or play tennis which I really was excelling in,and I get really nervous about little things...it's almost like I don't see the world the same way. I just don't understand how this can happen so quickly and I just want to be my happy self again and in control of my feelings.

Do you think this is from the accutane?
And how will I get back to normal, I keep hoping that I'll just wake up myself again but I know that can't happen.
Please help!!!

[loiloi]

Hi. A causal link between Accutane and depression has not been established. However, 1% of Accutane patients report depression for the first time or worsening of existing depression. It is difficult to say whether Accutane contributed to their depression since depression is such a common condition, especially in acne patients and teenagers.
Many people make a full recovery from depression, so don't think you'll feel this way forever. However, you may benefit from counselling or anti-depressant tablets. Speak to your doctor about this.
Can you talk to your parents about this?
Sometimes people with depression have thoughts of hurting themselves (suicidal ideation). If you have distressing thoughts take no further Accutane tablets and seek medical advice immediately.
Eloise.