roaccutane and SNRIs

[loiloi]

Hi, i've had severe facial acne since i was 11 i'm now 31 which has adversely affected my life and made me v unhappy. Tried everything topical,antibiotics and anti-androgens for 20 years without sucsess. Had 2 courses of roaccutane which worked and made me so happy but sadly relapsed. Am so unhappy about my acne have seen mental health workers and take SNRI venlafaxine. My health proffessionals agree it is the acne making me unhappy not the roaccutane or venlafaxine. Doc thinks the expected benefits of a third course of roaccutane outweigh any potential side effects. They think the acne puts me at greater risk of depression that the medications could. He says there are no contra-indications for taking isotretinoin and venlafaxine. What do you think? Thanks, Eloise.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I agree with your doctor.  It's not clear that Roaccutane (Accutane in the US) actually causes depression, but since you've already had two courses of the drug, I don't see why you should be concerned about depression now, since it didn't happen before.  I will add that you may relapse after a third course too, but as you get older and closer to the end of acne--yes, there is an end to acne--your odds of staying clear get better.  Also, it doesn't sound as though you have lots of better alternatives.  Again, I see no problem with your taking the drug again, if you and your doctor agree.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[loiloi]

Thanks for your comment. I am an otherwise beautiful girl and want to be a beautician but can't because of my acne. I hope your girls aren't affected like you were, my son is 8 and has acne already and it breaks my heart. I have written lots of replies in the acne forum if anyone would like to read them, as i want to help as many other people as possible. Love loiloi x

[Bo33]

I have had cystic acne since I was 14 years old. I took two rounds of Accutane. Which as you put did adversely affect my life.. However you have to beware of the potential side effects. I had hair down to my lower back. Which by taking the second I can say it truly has changed in grade and texture. I can truly understand how you feel. I have two girls now 34 years old and on my second marriage. I hope that they dont ever experience.what I still go thru I too recently have relapsed again to the point where I can now count every 3 months coinciding with my period.. I get then in all odd areas. But I refuse to do it again.. although they are not as bad as when I was younger.  It has made just as depressed trust me. If its what makes you happy. Then go for it but you do need to watch your health. Your lipid profile should be done consistently and bp cholesterol checked as well..  Keep the faith and let me know how it works out...