Isotretinoin and Depression: What Users Say

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2020

For Acne "I find that Accutane is one of the most life-changing experiences. Started to notice a huge difference in my skin on month 2. Treatment is very harsh with many side effects. Dry and thin skin, breakouts now and then, very dry eyes. I tried all types of Blistex lip balms, which did not help. Baseline Blue Seal works wonders on the lips and even on dry areas of the skin. I apply sunscreen every day with Nutraderm lotion to hydrate my skin. I also find that it really helps to have at least 3 liters of water every day. I'm currently in the middle of month 3 of treatment, and the past few weeks have been the hardest. Skin and lips are drier than ever, and there is a loss of hair. Some days depression kicks in, so it is important to keep your loved ones around you just to have some positivity. This treatment is quite costly, but it is all worth it in the end. A few months of side effects and paying the price for lifelong great skin and confidence."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2021

For Acne "I just wanted to come on here and let anyone that was thinking about taking this terrible prescription know what happened to my mother. She took it for 4-6 months in 2007-2008, and it devastated her body. Before, she was a healthy woman, after she fought skin lesions, sores, severe arthritis, carpal tunnel, severe stomach issues, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She had seen lots of doctors, and most told her it was all in her head or something of the sorts. After 12 years of battling severe pain, mentally and physically, she took her own life a week ago. It may not happen to everyone, but I just wanted to let everyone know what the possibility was."

• Kwh...
• February 28, 2014

For Acne "I'm just coming to the end of my fourth month on this medicine and it's worked a dream!! Before having this I cried every morning not wanting to go to school and every night before I went to sleep. I tried every single facial wash and tablet there was (prescribed and over the counter). Since being on the medicine, my life has turned around. I'm not afraid to take photos with family and friends and I only use light make-up. I'm not afraid to go out! I did have some side effects such as sickness, depression, nosebleeds, joint pain, dry skin, and chapped lips, however, the doctor dropped the dosage and now I'm back to my normal self! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2019

For Acne "Starting off, I just want to say that there is a lot of bad stigma around Accutane, and most of it is not true. Anyways, I was always very timid about Accutane, as were my parents, who were really against it. I'm sure if you're reading this, you've heard some horror stories about this medication. A point to consider is that Accutane most likely does not cause depression (unless you have a history of mental health issues) in most people. However, having cystic acne can be really hard on people. I felt no fluctuation in my mood, and it honestly changed my life. If you're reading this, you most likely have bad acne. It's important to consider all your options before trying this heavy-hitting drug. It should be used only as a last resort. Spending hundreds of dollars on BS face creams that don't work, it was really nice to find something that actually worked. Please consult with a professional and don't take advice from random people on the internet. See if it is right for you. Thanks!"

• my_...
• May 1, 2019

For Acne "There are many times I've used the word 'acne' as an enduring burden, but it's been something that I will never forget. It was 7th grade when it got bad, and I beat myself up that it was my fault I looked a certain way, that people blazingly stared at me, and that I wasn't enough for my peers or myself in my appearance. My mom then took me to the dermatologist, and although we went through many prescriptions, none seemed to provide the right solution, except finally, after 3 years, Accutane, the acne was done. I hope that whoever is reading right now first knows that YOU aren't alone and that it is necessary to have someone who can help you through it. Accutane has several side effects (one of them is depression); but, if you write a diary or just remember that YOU'RE beautiful in every single way and that this is temporary, then you will expect some CRAZY miracles. I'm glad I went through this because it has made powerful growth in my life. I wish the best to all of you on this journey!"

• Rex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2018

For Acne "I've had acne my whole life (age 29). Face was always oily, and I'd pop pimples all the time. Started Accutane in January. Face and lips started getting really dry. Eucerin lotion and Aquaphor worked very well, but needed to apply several times a day. Eczema on the top of my hands, wrists, and upper arms (small red bumps that I've never had before in my life), so more lotion was required. By the middle of the second month, my acne was gone. I had dry eyes that required artificial tears at least 8 times a day. After 3 months, my doctor told me I can discontinue taking it. It did not hold me back from being active and traveling through a few countries either. The side effects had disappeared except for a few small bumps only on my upper arms. It is November now. Still haven't seen a single pimple on my face! Had mild depression and anxiety, but I've also had a long history even before taking Accutane. Different people will have different results and side effects. Best of luck to everyone."

• Mal...
• December 16, 2019

For Acne "My back and abdomen acne became severe in the last year when I started receiving testosterone replacement therapy. After 6 months of Accutane treatment, my back and chest are 99% clear. From a cosmetic point of view, I am delighted. HOWEVER! Yes, I had dry lips, skin, and nostrils. Some days/weeks I would get incredibly low. I know we all get down at times, but this was a much lower, persistent feeling. In addition, I started getting massive lymph node swellings in my armpits, on my stomach. I had to go to the doctor on two separate occasions because of the size and pain of the swellings. My doctor noticed I was clearly depressed. She recommended coming off Accutane, but my stubbornness made me persist. I observed noticeable improvement in my skin after 3 months. It was probably only in the last month when I stopped getting acne completely. However, be careful of your mental health. The medication changed my personality, and I became very anxious, deeply depressed, and tired."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Acne "I’ve definitely heard of lots of people who love the medication Accutane as it’s worked wonders for their skin. Unfortunately, with my experience, all I got was the negative side effects, including dry red skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and the worst side effect of all was that I got super bad depression from the drug. Sadly, the medication also made my acne so much worse than it already was. After three months, my skin looked terrible, I have swings of depression, and my lips were always in pain. I decided to quit the medication and go back on doxycycline, a medication which I was previously on before Accutane. After making this switch, my skin and lips healed 100%, and my side effects were gone. Just thought I would write this review to let people know Accutane doesn’t work for all people. In certain cases, it can make your skin worse."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2013

For Acne "I had acne towards the end of middle school going into high school, and by my sophomore year, it was really a full-blown problem. My cheeks and my forehead and almost every part of my face were covered in acne. After trying antibiotics and creams for 2 years, I was recommended Accutane. The first 4 months, I did not see that much in results, but when the 5th month hit, it was intense. My face cleared up right away, and I looked like a completely different person! It was amazing. There were downsides, though, the depression that it causes is real. I have been off the medication now for 3 1/2 years, with my skin still looking great."

• Joh...
• September 25, 2019

For Acne "Do NOT take this unless you have very severe cystic acne. I was heavily pressured into taking this 6 months ago with moderate acne, and I can't stress enough how much I regret it. I was urged by a dermatologist to start this before my acne might get really bad. Instead of stopping it, though, I had 6 months of unfixably chapped lips, dry skin, severe depression, and exponentially worse acne. My entire face and neck would break out far worse than ever before. My acne is now severe, and every single pimple has stuck around as a scar. My face and neck are covered with scars, and after what has easily been the worst half a year of my entire life, I look 100 times worse. If you only have moderate acne (i.e., you get some breakouts, but it disappears over a relatively short period), then please avoid this. Do NOT allow a doctor to pressure you into this. It took me from somewhat bad to severely bad acne. You will have all of the negative side effects with none of the positive ones."

• Art...
• February 24, 2020

For Acne "I'm almost finished with my third month of Accutane. I started taking Accutane due to severe body acne (chest, back, neck, arms, etc.). I first attempted doxy and topical lotion, but it did not seem to help. Therefore, my dermatologist recommended Accutane. I started out at 40 mg in the first month and am now on 80 mg during my third month. The first month was not bad with side effects at all. I simply noticed dry lips and a bit more dryness on my body. Month two was not too bad either, some headaches, and more dryness on the lips and body. Month three is when some of the emotional instability kicked in. I have been experiencing some anxiety and depression, but it's been manageable. The irritation and more anger have been the worst emotional side effects. I've also noticed thinning of the skin, more easily injured, and more noticeable veins. Overall, I still believe taking Accutane has been worth it. Yes, the side effects suck, especially in winter, but I'm so glad my acne is gone."

• aut...
• February 13, 2019

For Acne "Before starting this medication, I had struggled with acne for years, had a history of depression in my teens, had no back pain or joint pain, and I had a full head of hair. Month 1: dry lips, and my acne got much worse. By month 3, the body/joint pain started. Month 5: I was taking Tylenol 4 times a day, every day for back pain, and every joint in my body was popping and crunching. Acne never fully cleared. Month 2 off of it, and my acne started coming back, and my hair started falling out. I'm 5 months off now. My hair is STILL falling out, and none of my doctors can tell me if/when it will stop or if it will grow back. My back still hurts, every joint in my body pops and is sore, and my knees and shoulders crunch with minimal movement. I haven't been myself in 8 months, always angry and depressed. If I had known in order to have mostly clear skin all I had to sacrifice was half the hair on my head, my personality, and my back and joints, I would not have done it."

• hiy...
• April 7, 2020

For Acne "I had bad skin from the age of around 10. By the time I was 12-13, I had full-blown acne and already had scarring all over my skin. I got prescribed a lot of treatments before Accutane, as I was so young. I was prescribed creams, the mini-pill, and a couple of other tablets, which did nothing for my skin. Any cream would burn my skin. My aunt suggested Accutane. I had a few side effects from the tablets, but not much result. But on month 4, I would say, I saw my skin start to clear up quite quickly, but my emotional state started to deteriorate. I suffered with mild anxiety and depression. Eight months later, my skin was amazing. I got constant compliments about how much better my skin was. I stopped the tablets in October, and unfortunately, my skin has started to go back to its old ways, so I’m disappointed about that. I think a longer treatment may have benefited me. I would definitely recommend this for anyone suffering like I was. It’s worth it :)"

• lll...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2018

For Acne "Isotretinoin (Claravis) changed my life. My only regret is not going on it sooner (I started at age 22). If you are on the fence, do it. The only side effects I had were dry lips, some back/tailbone pain, and some depression (though I think this was more so from the birth control). I wasted so much of my life hiding away because of my mild to moderate acne. Be patient, and this will work. It's better than being on antibiotics for long periods of time. I was on it for 4 months, and my skin keeps getting better after. It did not clear up my hyperpigmentation, but I know that will fade, and I can cover it up. Monthly blood work is so worth it to be able to wake up in the morning and not worry about pimples. Use Carmex lip balm (for me, way better than Aquaphor). And go out and live your life!!! If my acne comes back (praying it doesn't), I would be happy to take this again."

• ali...
• September 5, 2016

For Acne "It took me 15 years of horrible struggles with all types of acne. Cysts, whiteheads, blackheads - everything. My dermatologist had put me on antibiotics, which never worked. I got depressed and didn't even want anyone to see my face and lost a lot of confidence. Accutane has been the only thing that clears my skin and even made me feel younger."

• TDS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2020

For Acne "Took Accutane when I was 14. Pretty sure it stunted my growth by closing my growth plates as I stopped growing during my treatment. I still have permanent dry eyes and brain fog and severe depression now 8 years later. It's not worth the gamble, I didn't even have the choice, I was just a kid that followed doctor's orders. Please ask yourself why you would want to give yourself or your loved one an extreme retinoid overdose. It causes widespread damage to the body that is permanent."

• Anonymous
• May 1, 2009

For Acne "Loved this. Took it about a year ago, and it took about two months to really show results, and you only have to take it for about 6 months. I had acne on my face and back, which all cleared up. One side effect, though, was extreme dryness, which I dealt with. I also suffered from depression halfway through the treatment, which I dealt with as well. This was all a year ago. About 5 months ago, I had severe acne again as I began working in a greasy environment, so I was a mess again. I'm back on the pills, and it's working wonderfully. I'm halfway through and now have mild depression, but it's not so bad. The only thing I worry about is when I get off this if I'll break out again badly. Also, most people don't ever have to do a second round of this."

• Acc...
• August 13, 2015

For Acne "Please take time to read this. Accutane was 100% effective for me, but you really have to be prepared for it. I took Accutane for 8 months-40 mg, then 20 mg, then 10 mg. The reason I am mentioning this is that I noticed that people start at very high doses. So if you are worried (and I recommend), take it slow and start at a lower dose. Accutane has a lot of side effects (the severity depends on numerous factors, including dosage). My side effects included mood swings and dry skin (especially lips). I used to cry over the smallest things ever, and I got sad very easily. It got better with time, but please be well prepared. You really have to make priorities and ask yourself if it is worth it and if you are able to handle it. I chose Accutane :)"

• Ayz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2015

For Acne "I've started taking isotretinoin a few months ago, and I had moderate acne. It cured my acne completely, I do now have like 2 zits, but that's the first time since I started the medication. I have to admit, though, the side effects are terrible. It does dry your lips to the point that you can't smile or talk, but that wasn't it. Since I started the medication, I've been suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I'd spend hours crying my heart out once I'm on the pill. And also, I'd have the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness to the point where the only possible thing to do is actually kill myself. I'm still on isotretinoin, though, because I haven't finished my course. My depression is just getting worse."

• Ayz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2015

For Acne "I've started taking isotretinoin a few months ago, and I had moderate acne. It cured my acne completely, I do now have like 2 zits, but that's the first time since I started the medication. I have to admit, though, the side effects are terrible. It does dry your lips to the point that you can't smile or talk, but that wasn't it. Since I started the medication, I've been suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I'd spend hours crying my heart out once I'm on the pill. And also, I'd have the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness to the point where the only possible thing to do is actually kill myself. I'm still on isotretinoin, though, because I haven't finished my course. My depression is just getting worse."

• Max...
• March 26, 2009

For Acne "I was prescribed Accutane for mild to severe cystic acne on my face, back, and chest, and was literally clear within 2 weeks and even showed signs of healing of old scars on my face. I highly recommend this drug for those who have no psych issues, as it is believed that it can cause depression. Try it, it works."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2017

For Acne "I have been on Claravis 20 mg for 5 months. The flare-up has been so bad, my severe acne has never been so bad. For 5 months, I cry every time I look at my face in a mirror. I am depressed. I don't know if I should stop the treatment."

• Ljc...
• November 19, 2016

For Acne "I was on this drug for a little over 6 months, and boy, did it work wonders. I had always had bad acne, and nothing had seemed to work before: topical creams, birth control, other prescription pills. I had severely dry lips and skin, it sucked, but it was tolerable. The worst side effect I had from this drug was mood changes. My doctor decided to try to increase my dose, and boy, that was a mistake. I became depressed, suffered mood swings, and had some horrible, almost suicidal thoughts. If you have any mental illness, I would not recommend this drug. I had to undergo monthly blood and pregnancy tests as well. I am very happy with the results, but those were the worst 6 months of my life."

• Rev...
• March 17, 2008

For Acne "I would rate this medication a 4. It did clear my acne for about 9 years. I took it while I was in high school. I am a petite, small female and may have been prescribed too high a dose. I experienced thoughts of suicide (extremely out of character), depression, VERY dry skin, aggravated acne, and scarring that was much worse than I ever had. This medication should be prescribed VERY carefully and should be a LAST resort. Patients should be monitored closely while on this."

• Vic...
• November 4, 2019

For Acne "In high school, I had horrible, painful cystic acne. I took Accutane from the fall of 2015 to spring of 2016. While taking it, I experienced extreme dryness, chapped lips, joint pain, and had problems with my eyesight at night (the drug causes eye shape to change). When the course was completed, my skin was perfect. A few months after being off Accutane, I developed severe anxiety, had panic attacks every day, and depression. My skin stayed pretty much clear for three years, but now my cystic acne has come back, although not as bad as before. I don’t plan on doing another round of Accutane because the long-term side effects aren’t worth it. For those thinking about taking this, please know it's at a cost. I truly cannot see in dark or dimly lit rooms, I have no night vision. I know at least five other people who have taken this drug who have also experienced depression and anxiety after taking it. My mind is constantly in a fog, and I can’t memorize anything anymore."