Accutane and the side effects

[cmkoehn]

I am a 22 year old and I will be started accutane in one month.  I am concerned about the side effects.  I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING else and this is my last resort.  I am ready for the side effects of dryness and peeling, etc... But, I will also be working out a lot during the time that I will be on the medication.  Does accutane cause you to be tired or unable to work out??  Also, I have read that it can cause high cholesterol, has this been a problem with anyone?  Okay, I think that I all for now. Thanks

[francisd]

From what I’ve heard, Accutane is effective but can have some tough side effects especially dryness.  Also, I have heard that it can cause depression.

[DEBMOM]

I am 37 years old. I was on accutane when I was 15. This was a long time ago. I was one of my dermatologists first patients to use it on.  I had pretty bad cystic acne.

I did not have any side effects except for some slight drying. I never felt depressed or tired. Actually, when it started working I felt better about myself. Ifelt much more depressed dealing with cystic acne than I did some dryness.

Good luck.

[lat67]

Hi,

I took acutane about 6 years ago.  I did get very dry cracked lips so drink lots of water.  The only other side effect was I had Knee pain in the night....it was crazy bad but I got through it....acutane for me was life changing.

Good luck.

[katmshannon]

I also was one of the first accutane patients, 26 years ago. I had slightly dry corners of my lips, and no other side effects, additionally I never had another zit for over 10 years!  another concern is long term health, and honestly I know of none...I've had 2 perfectly normal and healthy children since then, so no birth defects either.  Don't get pregnant while taking it though!
good luck, be glad accutane is still around.

[Pridi]

I'm 35 yrs old and i'm scared to take accutane because of side effects and i've dealt w/depression but i've tried everything else and i'm more than frustrated i just want the acne gone. has anyone taken it at my age?

[lynn1878]

I was on Accutane for six months and finished this past June.  I didn't have any serious side effects.  I had the cracked lips and sometimes itchy skin.  THe best thing to use is Aquafor.  I used to get it from the basket in the Dermo's office or rite aid/ duane reade.  I didn't feel any depression.  I felt happy most of the time because I was so glad my skin was clear and glowing.  My hip bones would hurt when I walked but when the doctor lowered my dosage it went away in a day.  My chest hurt when I breathed but it didn't last long, Accutane makes your cartilage sensitive, but if you feel any of these be sure to let your doctor know.  STAY away from the sun and if you plan on going on vacation use SPF 50 or higher or you'll roast.  Drink plenty of water, more than half a gallon a day.  One thing I started experiencing after my last dose was hairloss and I'm still experiencing it 8 months later.  I don't have bald spots but my hair is falling out a lot and is thinner.  I have heard that this is a side effect from others on the internet but not from my dermo.  I'm going to see him this week because I am very worried that It'll keep coming out.  Being that I am a women, this worries me.  I'm very happy with the results of accutane but I also love having a head full of hair.  Just make sure that you let your doctor know of anything that you're feeling.  Don't ignore pain and good luck.