Accutane and marijuana

  What are the effects of smoking marijuana while on accutane?

[SA, M.D. - HVMA]

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Dear Suzy,
Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medication prescribed for severe acne.  People taking Accutane have reported increases in emotional instability, nervousness, and depression.  Some folks who have gotten depressed while taking Accutane have stopped it, watched the depression subside, and then re-started it and promptly gotten depressed again.  These observations suggest that Accutane truly has a negative effect on mood in certain people.
We also know that marijuana may induce depression and trigger episodes of panic.  So it would seem obvious that anyone on Accutane who decides to smoke pot is increasing the likelihood of creating some kind of unpleasant mood state.  The worst case scenario, of course, would be for a previously well-adjusted person to get so depressed that he or she takes his life.  Having 2 substances (one prescribed, one not) on board which increase one's tendency to get depressed might culminate in such a tragic, and entirely avoidable, outcome.  So it's not a good idea to mix  Accutane and marijuana - this could backfire on you in a big way!
Another concern regarding Accutane and pot has to do with the extremely high risk of giving birth to a severely deformed child that has been documented in  women  taking this medication while pregnant.  Some people get a bit sloppy with birth control when they're high on drugs - in this way, the combination of Accutane and pot could result in  the birth of an infant with massive cranial and facial abnormalities and severe mental impairment.  
All in all, I would strongly advise people on Accutane to avoid marijuana and other drugs.  It's always a good idea to be safe rather than sorry.
For more information about the use and abuse of marijuana and other substances, check out my Ask DrSteve web site, conveniently hyperlinked below. Good luck with your acne, and here's to living naturally, and learning how to have fun without altering your mind in a potentially harmful way.
Steve Adelman, M.D. (a.k.a. DrSteve)
This information is for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Keywords: Accutane, isotretinoin, marijuana, cannabis, pot
Ask DrSteve:  The Real Story About Smoking, Drinking & Getting High