Stopping Accutane early

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

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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

[loiloi]

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

[Kallie12]

A related discussion, Roaccutane was started.