Accutane...?

[Je33ica]

I just got back from the doctor's office and he has- after noticing my face has been scaring and gettting worse- put me on accutane.

Actually, I need to get another pregnancy test in 3 days and a week from then I'll start the 5 month medication (with one a month blood tests to test my body and make sure I'm not pregnant :P ).

Has anyone ever been on accutane? Or do you know someone who has been on it? I know it's the miracle pill for acne but I've tried SOO many things that have claimed to clear up skin (every single over the counter medication, Pro-Active, prescription topical gel, antibiotics-minocyline) and they did nothing.

I want this to work!!!! I want clear skin more than anything!!!

[Howie]

Because I do not have the edaquite time to properley find out about acutane please don't take my words as fact. But I thought this was the drig that was accused of causing many suicides among teens. No? ----anybody help me out on this one?

[jacobo]

i know nothing. :( i used to use tertacycline or something like that... it worked just dandy.

[nightowl]

i heard side effects could be depression, bloody noises....uh and other stuff. that's all i know..i use pro-active(sometimes) and my skin's fine. you might want to look up this acutane on google or something.

[Je33ica]

I did a little research and found that it can cause aches/pains, nose bleeds, and dry skin. My doctor told me that it can lead to depression/suicidal thoughts and birth defects to pregnant women.

But at this point I'll try anything, I really hope it helps me :help:

[Truthbearer]

I use some deal called Delacine T, which I feel is pretty good. Anyway, good luck with the accutane Jessica, I hope it works well for you...

[CT]

why are you using this for again? O_o

[Truthbearer]

Originally posted by Je33icaLy88
for acne

[CT]

oh ok i see.

[Scwigglie]

How old are you, Jess? Is this the type of acne that clears up with adulthood? I'm guessing no, otherwise you wouldn't use medication.. eh, sorry, I'm curious yet have no advice to offer. :(

[Je33ica]

Scwigglie, I'm 16. I've had acne since I was 12, but it's been getting worse year by year, especially in the last year. I'm usually a patient person but I've had enough of this!

BTW, thanks Truthbearer for wishing me luck. I really need it :P

[LewisM]

Hey Jess,

I had a really bad problem about a year ago. After progressively moving up in strength with prescription drugs, which didn't do much, I was put on Ro-accutane for 9 months (I think it was nine months, maybe 6).

I'm not sure if there is a difference between Ro-Accutane and accutane, but I can tell you about RoAccutane.

Let me tell you; Roaccutane IS the miracle drug. There is no question about that.

The real issue is side-effects. I don't believe one thing from people who say that it causes depression. Often you'll find that sports stars/pop idols will claim this, thinking they know more than medical proffessionals.

I had a real hard time with dry skin (esp. lips) but that can be fixed with chap sticks and whatnot. I battled with dry skin, sometimes found that cuts/scabs/tears(which can happen v. easily on RoAcc) wouldn't heal properly, and sometimes caused an unsightly scab for an unusually long time. I also sunburnt easily, but I really thinkg it's worth it for the results :)

I also found that without extensive warm-up and warm-down exercises that I had real stiff muscles/joints after exercising.


VERDICT:
Really, the warnings from the doctors led to an anticlimax for me. Yes - Ro-accutane is an extremely strong drug and so the side-effects that exist can be harsh. However, personally I thought it was worth it to continue. Btw, birth defects are very probable (if currently pregnant) and though I highly doubt the Depression warnings, if you feel unduely depressed (everyone with acne feels a somewhat depressed), go off the drug for a lil while. My life is so much better these days :D. This has been kind of embarassing to talk about, so I hope you find this info useful.

Lew

[BirdMan]

I used to take Accutane about 2 years ago and although there are said to be so many side efffects I experienced none whatsoever. And it cleared my acne up and to this day my skin remains clear. And I never had "intentions of hurting myself" as the doctors would say. Oh yea and one of the bad things about it is they have to take your blood every two weeks in the morning before you eat which isn't fun especially if you don't like needles but I dont mind them so it wasn't that bad for me. But if you don't like needles its not gonna be very fun for you.

[Je33ica]

LewisM- Thanks for your testimony! Yeah, accutane and ro-accutane contain the same ingredient: isotretinoin. But actually I'm on Amnesteem (a cheaper generic brand), which also has the same ingredent.

BirdMan- Thanks for your imput, I have to get my blood drawn every 4 weeks (not 2 weeks like you did :? )- in fact I just got my blood drawn today, and I'm not scared of needles... (it just hurts a little when they puchter it in)

UPDATE:

week one- stomach aches and muscule pains from HELL!!!!!!!!!!!! :evil: :mad: :pissed: It was at the point where I seriously considered discontinuing the meds, because the pain was just unbearable :blue: :morecrying: .

week two- the aches and pains gradually went away, and luckly (today) they are completely gone (thank you GOD!!). My cheeks and nose aren't as red anymore, I hope it continues to work!

[AcidBasick]

I don't believe one thing from people who say that it causes depression. Often you'll find that sports stars/pop idols will claim this, thinking they know more than medical proffessionals.
[/b]

My brother took Accutane for a few months.

Actually, he did have depression and sucidial tendencies. Nothing that he would act upon, I suppose, because one would most likely need to be predispositioned to suicide beforehand. Overall, he is a very rational person and I don't think he would even consider it if he were not on that drug. The effects are most likely varied throughout. While you might not experience it, someone else might become severely depressed.

There's also a history of depression in my family, so it's not unlikely that the Accutane would simply excite the problem.

So yes, you can become more severely depressed and suicidal on Accutane. It has been documented.

The plus - it cleared his acne and he hasn't had any for about two or three years.