Accutane

[packrat]

I know it's been talked about before, I did a search, but still wanted to ask some questions..

I've been on it 3 times, years ago in my early 20's. I'm 37 now and have been breaking out badly since 5th grade. A lot of the big under the skin painful ones. Accutane did help but obviously didn't "cure" me since I had to keep taking it. I've tried everything imaginable. I did the light thing that stings and kills the bacteria, and it worked, but for me it's something I would have to do once a week at the least and that's just too expensive. I tried some chemical peels and found some that worked, but they are horribly expensive-$300 EACH. When I did them, they were on "special" and they haven't had that special for about 2 years now.

I got a referral to a dermatologist in the city and her recommendation was Accutane. I'd actually thought it had been taken off the market a while back but apparently I was mistaken. I'm not sure if I want to take it or not. I'm concerned about the side effects for one..back when I took it those other times I never worried about side effects for any medication I took-I never had any w/anything, so never paid attention. Part of me wonders if some of the issues I developed and have now, are related to taking the Accutane. I started having panic attacks, almost to the point of passing out, I had problems driving at night, just anxious and upset a lot. They eventually went away, and in the last 12 years or so, I've only had 2 panic attacks when I used to have them almost daily before, depending on the circumstances.

It worries me that if the Accutane did bring it on, or...encourage it to happen I guess I could say, that it will happen again. And now, it's not just me, I have a husband and two kids..taking something that could cause depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts freaks me out. I know there's no guarantee that those things will happen...when I asked the dermatologist she said the medication could "lower the threshold" for things, like the migraines I get now and again, and for the anxiety.

When we were driving home, JD said he didn't want me to end up getting stressed and freaking out and divorcing him b/c the Accutane messed w/my head. I patted his hand and said "Don't worry honey, I won't freak out and divorce you, I pry would just kill you"...bwahahahaha

But..seriously...it does kind of wig me out a bit. I have 6 weeks before I have to start the Accutane if I'm going to, so I have time to decide. They do the chemical peels there, and she said sometimes they can get insurance to cover them..for now I'm going to start this new cream and antibiotic she's putting me on first, and do the peels, even if I have to pay for them myself, theirs are "only" $100 each.

Would you still take it? She said she's been prescribing it for 10 years and only stopped it twice b/c of mental issues-and one of those times was a mom who wanted it stopped b/c her 17 year old son "changed" by not making his bed every morning and he'd always done it before.

 

[LAJennifer]

I've never taken Accutane, but I know plenty of people who have. None of them had those horrible, mental side effects (just really dry skin). Did your doctor talk to you about trying Aldactone? Maybe you could try that first.

 

[Haven]

I took Accutane when I was in college. I had mild to moderate acne, I'd get one or two of those terrible big'uns that comes up under your skin and hurts to the touch. I understand how miserable those can be, I literally felt like I couldn't touch my chin because it was so sensitive.

Did your Dr. tell you how long it stays in your system? In case you have a negative reaction? I would be tempted to take it again if my acne came back, to be honest. I know it works, and I know how awful it feels to have painful acne.

ETA: I never had any side-effects when I was on the Accutane.

 

[lulu]

Lately I've read that it's been linked to inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis. I'd check that out.

 

[HollyS]

My sister has a variety of things wrong with her at this point, none of which seems to be helped by consulting medical professionals.

But, after years of using Accutane and other drugs for acne, and using steriod inhalers for asthma, and getting allergy shots to cut down on asthma issues, etc. - - well, she's an absolute mess. She has always eaten right, exercised, and taken good care of herself otherwise. There is no history of any chronic illnesses or cancers in our family. I have to wonder how much of her current difficulties may be due to prescribed medications taken for many years.

And, yes, Accutane will cause ulcers. Another of my sister's issues. Proceed with caution.

 

[justginger]

I was my dermatologist's "poster child" for Accutane. I took it when I was 14, and the course was approximately 5 months (hard to remember, exactly). I had TERRIBLE skin - not lots and lots of pimples, but the ones I had were those atrociously painful, deep, cystic ones. It was the same over and over...I'd get one, it would last forever, it would heal, and the next day I'd have a new one. It was embarrassing and painful.

We tried everything that was available at the time. Retin-A, ProActiv, etc. Nothing touched these pimples. Accutane was, for me, a Godsend. It began working almost immediately - I noticed a difference within three weeks. I had dry lips, but that was it - not even an issue wearing my contacts, didn't need eye drops. I had no issues with liver function decline (had bloods taken to monitor), suicidal thoughts, anxiety, etc. For me, it was a miracle drug and opened up a whole new level of happiness in my teenage life. I honestly can't put into words what a difference in made to me at a very socially sensitive time of life. I went the following years of high school with about one pimple a semester, and they were always ones that healed in a matter of 2-3 days.

The use of Accutane is much more carefully monitored now than it was when I went on it. I was told by my dermatologist that there would be a decent chance I would need a followup regimen approximately 10 years after my first treatment - it wasn't uncommon for people to re-experience some flareups as they entered their mid-20s. This did happen to me, and I consulted with a dermatologist here in Australia. He was very hesitant to prescribe it. It is a very, very closely controlled medication here, monitored by a national committee. He did relent in the end and gave me a prescription...which I didn't have filled. By the time I was actually able to be seen by him (specialist appointments here take months to get when they're elective like this), and got the script, my skin was already self-healing. I am now back to being as clear-skinned as I was throughout high school.

I think that it is something you should strongly consider doing. The benefits are astonishing, and so long as you are being carefully monitored by a health professional, I don't see why you wouldn't want to give it a shot. I do think there is some truth in the idea that if you EXPECT to have anxiety-based side effects, you will. When I was being treated in my teens, it was briefly mentioned to me that a few of the others on the medication had bouts of sadness, and to let my parents know if I felt 'off.' I didn't think twice about it. If it had been DRILLED into my head to expect to feel like crap, I suspect that I might have been hypersensitive to any normal mood swings, IYKWIM.

Of course any medication as strong as isotrentinoin is capable of causing a wide variety of side effects, some serious. It all depends on your exact chemical makeup, your metabolism, as to how you handle it. You can't base the potential of side effects for yourself on any other person (including myself!). All you can do is monitor yourself, without being so stressed that you create false issues.

Please let us know how you go. I hope you do it and it works out as well for you as it did for me.

 

[lknvrb4]

I have had acne since the 5th grade as well. I had one dose of Accutane in high school and it worked great. I was on birth control pills most of my adult life. After having my third child the pillls did not seem to be working right. My DH got snipped and I was off pills. I noticed that my skin became horrible again. Tried lots of over the counter stuff and finally last summer back to the dermatologist. We tried everything like you said but then I got to doing some research on acne and yes, I know it is hormonal but I think my body is overly hormonal. I had learned about testosterone blocking meds that can help control acne. I was relieved when my doc brought it up, he is such a wonderful man. I have been taking 75mg of spironolact twice a day for a few months and it is helping. I have been reading that a lot of dermatologists will not even go that route but mine did and I thank god he did, its nice to see good skin and so far no side effects for me. I would strongly suggest talking with your doc about this if you have not already tried this.

 

[packrat]

LAJennifer, I've never heard of Aldactone, I'll ask about it tho..I've not been to a dermatologist for..ohhh at least 10 years now so I'm sure there's a lot of new stuff. What she put me on for now is called Aczone. And an antibiotic to help reduce swelling but I don't recall what it was, and they didn't have either of those things at the pharmacy here so will get them today.

Haven, it stays in about a month or so..that's how long you have to wait afterward to give blood or only use 1 form of birth control.

That's what's getting me..I know it works-I've taken it three other times but the longest I was able to go w/out my skin going right back to normal was about 6 months or so afterward. And the first time I took it, w/in a WEEK my skin was starting to break out again..the dermatologist was amazed. If I remember correctly, you have to wait a certain length of time between courses and so that's what I did all three times, did them "back to back" as much as allowable.

Lulu, thanks, I'll look into that!

Holly, wow, that's something to think about.

This is the most powerful drug I've ever been on and other than thru the internet, I've never met anyone who has ever been on it, and I've never met anyone who had skin like mine, ever. I've seen people on tv in the acne product commercials with bad skin but that's as close as I've gotten. I never had a problem w/anxiety/panic/mental issues/anger before, and it's not something I "put two and two together" yesterday, it's been months/years since I first started to wonder. So when the derm brought it up yesterday it gave me pause. When I brought up my issues, she wasn't concerned about it in the slightest..but *I* am, b/c *if* that medication is the reason I started having those panic attacks etc..I don't want to go thru that again, especially not w/kids. They could be completely unrelated, maybe I would've had them anyway, I just don't know..but I ended up on medication to help control them and it took several years to get myself under control. But..maybe I'm just an anxious person anyway.

Justginger-Proactive wasn't even available when I started taking Accutane, that's how long it's been! I was..20 I think, my first round..so it's been 17 years.

lknvrb4, I took Spironolactone for a long while.

I couldn't even tell you all the things I've tried..Murad-twice, Proactive-twice, Skin Medica, Oobagi, Clenziderm, Cleosin, Tazorac, Minocycline, doxicycline, tetracycline, differin, azelex..and those are the ones just off the top of my head that I can remember. Lots of otc ones, stridex, clean and clear, neutrogena etc etc..

 

[rainydaze]

hi packrat! i have adult acne and it totally sucks. in my search for remedies i came across this site http://www.acne.org/.. have you seen it/tried it? i did for a while, and it worked great (i followed it precisely as indicated) but was drying me out big time. my acne, while still sucky, isn't quite as bad as yours sounds to be, and i did find this routine was too much for my skin (i was very crispy on it, lol!!). i have been trying something less intense and it's working (though not as well as the acne.org was). for now, i am happy with the compromise. if my acne were any worse, i'd have stuck with it. even so, it's a great resource and community of support, much like PS.

anyway, my point is that it occurred to me that it might be geared more for really severe cases. based on the testimonials & pics on this site, i think it might be worth a shot for you, especially if you can avoid accutane. i have serious doubts and reservations when it comes to any medications. i weigh the risks vs. benefits carefully, and accutane scares me. there's a lot of money to be made with pharmaceuticals, and as such i don't think the best interests of patients are always the priority. i know that sounds doom and gloom - but it's worth saying because you already suspect issues related to accutane and i don't want to see you dismiss them too easily!

good luck, i really hope you find your solution and peace with your skin!

 

[stepcutnut]

I feel for you Pack! Just curious if you tried an elimination diet to check for food allergies???

 

[Laila619]

I second rainydaze' acne.org suggestion. That is a great site with very helpful forums! I use the cleanser and it's awesome.

I used Accutane when I was 25 and I absolutely loved it. I did not have any side effects though, other than dry skin. That stuff is a godsend! If I had emotional/mental side effects, I might have been a little more hesitant.

 

[rubybeth]

I'm with rainy and Laila, check out acne.org. I have used their products for years and have been very pleased. I took at least 2 rounds of Accutane as a teenager/college student, and it turned my overly oily skin into quite dry skin and helped clear up my body acne 99%. The Acne.org products have made my dry/sensitive skin very manageable, and I live in MN so that's saying a lot. I LOVE the AHA+ lotion and the jojoba oil (I always mix the jojoba oil into the moisturizer at night... sooo soothing) and I do my best to baby my skin (no harsh exfoliation, etc.). Also, my younger sister always had good, normal, healthy skin in high school but developed more 'adult' type acne, and the Acne.org stuff has been her godsend, as well, so it really can work for all types.

 

[packrat]

Stepcutnut, nope I've never tried that..I can't think of anything that would cause it, that would be an allergen that I have on a regular basis, for this many years. 'Cept like..water. Eggs, nuts, grains, dairy..I don't eat any of those things on a consistent basis.

When I lived w/my gramma in Arizona and I tanned daily and took ortho tri cylen, after my third cycle of Accutane, my skin was as beautiful..poreless, smooth..when I moved back home it eventually started getting bad again. I actually could go around w/no makeup on and not feel one bit insecure in Az and back home for a while too. When I quit tanning and went off birth control, that's when it just went back to the way it was, slowly. I notice during the summer when I'm outside a lot, my skin will clear up quite a bit-not perfect but not like it is now either where I want to hide.

I called the insurance company and they'll pay for peels if I can show proof of topical and antibiotic therapies not working. Subject to deductible and all that jazz but still, that was good to hear. I'll use the topical and antibiotic that the new Derm put me on until they can get it cleared thru insurance, and then do the peels and see how it goes. If they don't work for whatever reason like they did before, then I'll see about trying Accutane one more time.

I bookmarked the acne.org site and will check it out, thanks! Just from the quick browsing I did, it seems like he advocates lots of benzoyl peroxide, and medications w/that have never worked for me..but I'll look some more.

I've thought about trying the oil cleansing method as well, but I'm not sure how effective it is for cystic/nodule acne.

 

[tuffyluvr]

I feel for you Pack! Just curious if you tried an elimination diet to check for food allergies???

+1! Eating dairy sugar and wheat make me break out. I get keritosis pilaris (rough, patchy goosebumpy skin) on the backs of my arms, flanks and thighs when I eat too much of those things.

 

[stepcutnut]

Pack-Just a suggestion since you haven't tried an elimination diet and you seem worried about putting these other chemicals into your body, maybe you should look into it and give it a try.

I was having similar issues and have found great relief with my skin issues(among other things) by removing the foods my body is extremely sensitive too. Gluten, soy, eggs, peanuts, corn and dairy are my triggers. Gluten, eggs and dairy being the worst for my skin irritation!

Good luck with what ever you decide, I also have had decent luck at home with REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask if I use it several times a week and leave it on for 20 min instead of the 10min stated in the directions and I have very sensitive skin.

 

[rubybeth]

I bookmarked the acne.org site and will check it out, thanks! Just from the quick browsing I did, it seems like he advocates lots of benzoyl peroxide, and medications w/that have never worked for me..but I'll look some more.

I've thought about trying the oil cleansing method as well, but I'm not sure how effective it is for cystic/nodule acne.

I was hesitant, too, because of bad/ineffective experiences with OTC benzoyl as a teenager, however, his formulation is strong enough but also not overly drying, and the amount plus layering with the moisturizer/jojoba is the key. I think you can buy a 'starter' kit that will last about 2 weeks. I just do the benzoyl at night (very dry skin, plus I don't want to accidentally bleach my clothes in the day) and it worked wonders.

 

[Laila619]

I bookmarked the acne.org site and will check it out, thanks! Just from the quick browsing I did, it seems like he advocates lots of benzoyl peroxide, and medications w/that have never worked for me..but I'll look some more.

I've thought about trying the oil cleansing method as well, but I'm not sure how effective it is for cystic/nodule acne.

I was hesitant, too, because of bad/ineffective experiences with OTC benzoyl as a teenager, however, his formulation is strong enough but also not overly drying, and the amount plus layering with the moisturizer/jojoba is the key. I think you can buy a 'starter' kit that will last about 2 weeks. I just do the benzoyl at night (very dry skin, plus I don't want to accidentally bleach my clothes in the day) and it worked wonders.

Plus the cleanser is a big part of it too, since it has a pH of 5, which is what healthy skin should be. A lot of soaps and cleansers have too high a pH.

 

[ericad]

Just wanted to post quickly to say that I've had acne for 20+ years and have tried everything! BP worked best for me in general, but I hate slathering chemicals on my skin day after day. After seeing what it does to my sheets and clothes, I don't want it on my face! Plus it dried out my skin and was very irritating.

Oil cleansing worked moderately well for me too, but over time I stopped seeing the good results I had in the beginning.

I tried changing my diet. I'm vegan now, and avoid chocolate, nuts, etc. No change at all.

But then I discovered my HOLY GRAIL! Sebamed's acne/clear face line. I use the foam cleanser and gel and my skin is about 90% cleared up, it's balanced and looks great. I was quite stunned when I started using it. It worked quickly and effectively and I just wanted to make the recommendation. It may not work as well for everyone, but I guess for me ph was the key! It's fairly cheap and I think worth a shot for anyone suffering with skin issues. I've now ordered the shampoo and body wash, and the kids line for my DD.

On the one hand I'm so grateful to have found it, but on the other I'm so frustrated that I suffered for 20+ years when a simple solution was the answer.

Oh, and I too was getting frequent painful cystic acne and the Sebamed cleared it up within days and they haven't returned! And the gel is utterly amazing. I've always had dry skin and was very doubtful that the gel would be effective, but within a few days my skin became totally soft, balanced and hydrated. The stuff is amazing!

 

[PumpkinPie]

I took Accutane in university and I suffered from the mental/emotional side effects.
It made me loopy - depressed, anxious, suicidal thoughts - the whole deal.
These effects are rare fortunately but they were pretty awful for me.

 

[soocool]

This may sound off the wall, but are you sure it is acne. My sister had bad acne as a teen and underwent uv treatments, sulfur, antibiotics (this was back in the 1970s) , but then she was pregnant and her skin cleared up miraculously and stayed so for a number of years. Then after her last kid was born (she was in her early 40s) her acne came back and nothing worked, until she changed doctors who specialized in treating rosacea patients and her skin looks great now compared to what is was. By the way, she did have bumps on her chest and upper back and the rosacea wasn't just on the face. (she was prescribed Metrogel I believe it is called, and also have a known list of triggers that she needs to be awarre of if she wants to avoid a flareup)

 

[4ever]

I'm pro accutane. I went on it when I was about 15 or 16 because I had lots of those really painful, deep under the skin zits and my face was just a mess.

My mum took me to a dermatologist and I went on it for about 14months or so. I did get side effects, mostly a lot of dryness but the worst was my feet; the skin on my feet became so delicate that shoes that just rubbed a teeny bit would now tear through my skin and leave massive blisters (I still have these issues now, just not so severe). I also got an massively painful infected toenail which the dermatologist said was a side effect. After that, my mum had me taken off it.

My skin wasn't perfect after but any pimpes I got were reasonably shallow and went away quickly. I'm in my early 20's now and my skin is great. I use a "continuous renewal serum" (basically a light chemical exfoliant) once or twice a day and take evening primrose oil and that seems to be the magic combo that keeps me more or less completely zit free.

I was a pretty badly depressed teen, but I just can't remember if that started pre or post accutane- possibly before. I would consider myself to be an anxious person now, but again, I can't say that that comes from taking the accutane.

For me, the side effects were bearable because the results really changed my life for the better.

 

[radiantquest]

I was on accutane in my early 20s. I cant remember how long I was on it, I want to say 6 months but Im not sure. I think I had mild emotional issues. I had trouble sleeping and weird dreams, but that is about it. I was happy to be a little tired to not have those break outs

I lost excess weight which pleased me greatly. I didn't get skinny just perfectly thin. My ENTIRE body did dry out though. I had to use aquaphor on my lips constantly and my skin did also really dry out. I used Eucerin and I was fine. I also had to invest in some KY cause even my lady areas had dried up. I had to go to the lab and get blood work and a pregnancy test every month. My dermatologist told me that accutane is potent Vitamin A and that essentially going on an accutane regiment is controlled Vitamin A poisoning.

For several years I never had another problem. I too had those really deep large pimples. I have recently (a year or so) been getting those tiny white head zit things around my special time of the month. I know that you aren't supposed to mess with them, but I squeeze right before a shower then put neosporin on it. I got to bed and in the morning the little zit is completely gone.

Just my experience and I would do it again in a second if I needed to.

 

[jeweln]

I have had adult acne all my life .recently my dermatologist said he is going to put me on Accutane ,he said it will dry all oil from my body ,while taking it my lips should be always chapped and my skin will be paper dry ! I was so scared that I never went to that doctor again .I did not want to look like that ,and I dont think my husband will be happy to see me like that !

instead I went on birth control pills for hormonal imbalance and my acne cleared in 3 months .

Accutane heals acne because it dries out the sebum (oil ) in all cells .but once you are off it ,your acne may come back .adult acne is caused by stress or air pollution or hormonal imbalance so if these factors are there again the acne will come back after a few months .so why put oneself at risk for taking Accutane ?

 

[April20]

I was on it twice- once when I was around 18 and again when I was 22. The first time I got severely dry skin, but never noticed any other side effects. The second time, I completely lost my appetite. And I mean completely. I took me about a month to realize it, but when I read the fine print, it was a known side effect. It came back gradually after I came off of it.

I do know that it can cause depression or some such similar things but I never experienced it personally.

 

[mrs taylor]

I took Accutane in university and I suffered from the mental/emotional side effects.
It made me loopy - depressed, anxious, suicidal thoughts - the whole deal.
These effects are rare fortunately but they were pretty awful for me.

I took it three times. It threw me into horrifying panic attacks, depression and a medically confirmed inflammatory bowel disease which is believed to be triggered by accutane. There is a class action law suit. And no, it didn't cure the problem. Would I do it again? Hell to the no.

(I later found a doctor who discovered the underlying issue and I've been acne free ever since.)

 

[Missy]

I took Accutane in university and I suffered from the mental/emotional side effects.
It made me loopy - depressed, anxious, suicidal thoughts - the whole deal.
These effects are rare fortunately but they were pretty awful for me.

I took it three times. It threw me into horrifying panic attacks, depression and a medically confirmed inflammatory bowel disease which is believed to be triggered by accutane. There is a class action law suit. And no, it didn't cure the problem. Would I do it again? Hell to the no.

(I later found a doctor who discovered the underlying issue and I've been acne free ever since.)

Mrs. Taylor, could you share with us what your underlying issue was? It might be helpful to some of the people here because perhaps it could be their problem too. Thanks!

 

[mrs taylor]

I had celiac disease and a low functioning thyroid as a result. Once I was off gluten and medicated for the thyroid the acne disappeared. It's been almost 8 years.

 

[Missy]

I had celiac disease and a low functioning thyroid as a result. Once I was off gluten and medicated for the thyroid the acne disappeared. It's been almost 8 years.

Thanks Mrs. Taylor! I'm glad you are doing so well now!!

 

[Amys Bling]

I had celiac disease and a low functioning thyroid as a result. Once I was off gluten and medicated for the thyroid the acne disappeared. It's been almost 8 years.

going gluten free has helped my complexion, and psoriasis tremendously! I discovered I had a mild wheat allergy and it contributed to these things.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I have a friend who is on it and really loves it. She said it is kinda a PITA b/c she has to go in every month to take a pregnancy test. I guess accutane causes birth defects? Anyways, it may be worth a try.