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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Stopping Accutane early
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Stopping Accutane early
by francis498, Nov 07, 2007 10:17AM
My daughter just discontinued Accutane after being on it for 17 weeks. She slowly started to complain of constant headaches and often crying and not understanding why. She is a freshman in college so I was wondering if its because shes in a new environment? Shes never been depressed before. Also will her stopping Accutane before the recommended time frame bring all her acne back? It was cystic but not too severe? Kathy
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 07, 2007 08:40PM
, Nov 07, 2007 08:40PMTo: francis498
17 weeks ought to be enough. I would not, however, ascribe either her depression or her headaches to Accutane; it's far more likely to be associated with her being a college freshman. I recommend a thorough medical and psychological evaluation, with appropriate therapy. But there's no need to press the issue of putting her back on Accutane after that length of treatment.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by loiloi, Nov 07, 2007 01:13PM
To: francis498
I'm sure Dr Rockoff will give you excellent advice, but if i may add my opinion. The minimum treatment time for accutane is usually 16 weeks, so 17 weeks will hopefully have been enough to cure her. She did the right thing stopping accutane when she noticed signs of depression, although as you rightly say it is rarely the accutane alone that is linked to the depression. People with acne are more prone to depression as it is such an upsetting condition. I really hope she starts to feel better soon. Loiloi xx
by Kallie12, Mar 19, 2008 05:39PM
A related discussion, Roaccutane was started.
