normal starting dose for accutane?

[Lilliahall]

Pending the results of my initial blood test, I will be starting Accutane shortly.  My doctor mentioned she was going to start me on a "fairly high" dose of 40 mg, which will go up at some point.  I am very small (about 90 lbs) and this seems like a pretty high dose, just based on what I've read.  As Accutane-worthy acne goes, mine isn't very severe (cystic, but just in a few spots).  I'm a little worried about side effects at this dose and am wondering if I should ask to start at a lower dose.  Thanks for any suggestions/advice.

[loiloi]

Hi. The usual starting dose for Accutane is between 0.5 and 1 mg/ kg bodyweight / day.
90lbs is 40kg (same as me, tiny!). I started on 20mg per day then went up to 40mg so don't worry.
Are you naturally petite or do you have any other health problems?
Do you have regular periods? Being underweight can lead to hormonal imbalance which can worsen acne. I take Dianette (Diane35) to correct the androgen imbalance and heal acne.
Do you eat well? Accutane is better absorbed when taken with food or milk.
Eloise.

[Lilliahall]

Hi Eloise -- thank you for your response.  I think maybe I will ask my doctor about the possibility of starting at 20 mg/day, as you did, before going up to 40 mg.  

I am just a small person generally -- I'm very short (4'11").  Aside from the acne and occasional migraines, I seem to be in normal health (regular periods, etc.).  

Thanks again

- Lily

[1986star]

This is a bit delayed, but please do not take Diane 35... I am going to post on every wall I can - this pill should be banned!

This is my third time on it - I've had to go off in the past because of severe depression and anxiety, but each time I go off my acne gets worse I am so desperate that I go back to it. It STOPS all testosterone, and unless you actually have PCOS, I don't think any woman should take it. Seriously, the chemical in it is used to treat males who are hypersexul!! It will not help yuor skin and will only make things worse for you in the long run. I started off with mild acne and now have severe acne. I'm 23, and feel like I shouldn't be dealing with this anymore.

Thanks.