Isotretinoin and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• taz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "Everyone is different, whilst it is a good idea to do the research, don’t let it stop you. My mum put it off for a while because I’m a teenager, and she was worried about the whole “depression” side of things - yet again, everyone reacts differently to the drug. So just some reassurance to parents out there: acne is depressing in itself, giving your kid the chance to be able to have good skin, personally I think is the best thing to do! Has worked insanely well!"

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "I was on this medicine, Accutane, for a bit but had to stop right before I got my second blood test for it. I had a nonstop terrible headache the entire time I was on it; my skin was so dry, and my mental health went straight down the drain. My mental health wasn't at its worst when I started taking it, but it wasn't at its greatest either; so it could be different for someone who has excellent mental health. During the time I was on it, I was super depressed and angry all the time without even realizing it. I kept snapping at everyone, which is pretty out of the norm since I usually keep those emotions to myself. I stopped taking it because I literally thought I would die from the head pain or because of how badly it affected my mental health. My skin got worse during the time I was on it."

• los...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

For Rosacea "I tried a lot before, and nothing works like doxycycline, Rozex gel, Elidel cream, Zata cream, and lymecycline. But nothing works for my rosacea, so isotretinoin is my last hope. I'm on isotretinoin for only 7 days. The doctor gave me 30 mg, and he said my skin is really very, very, very oily. But I can tell you that I'm depressed because my rosacea has become worse: the swelling, itching, and redness. I read here that the rosacea will become worse at the beginning, so I will try to be patient. I will post again if I am contented using it. I hope it becomes better."

• jen...
• December 18, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took Roaccutane 9 years ago at the age of 30. Although I didn't have cystic acne, I had had persistent facial acne since the age of 12, and nothing helped. Initially, the drug helped a lot, with the major side effect being severely chapped lips and dry skin. After several months of treatment, my dose was increased. Within days, I was depressed and miserable, with crying spells. It took me a while to put 2 and 2 together and consider the medicine as a likely cause. I dropped the dose down again and I quickly improved. However, I feel the damage was done and I gradually became more and more depressed and ultimately was taken off the medicine. For the past 9 years, I have suffered from depression and anorexia nervosa."

• Emm...
• February 20, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "Overall, I used the drug for 10 months. In 3/2016, my doctor tried me on a low dose for my weight, which was 40 mg, and I only lasted for 3 weeks. The drug gave me anger management issues. More alarming was that by the end of the 3 weeks, I was depressed - life wasn't worth it. It took several days after I stopped it for that to go away. The drug made me very paranoid. I took myself off of it and then went back on Accutane 10 mg in June and worked up to 60 mg by January. I stayed on it another month on 40 mg before ending the drug. Accutane helped my acne significantly, but I bled when I pooped, had trouble with bowel movements, slept excessively, threw up constantly, was paranoid and angry. Not sure it was worth it."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I was on Claravis for 5 months for my moderate acne that only got worse with age (I am 26). It worked wonders. I have been off the medicine for 3 months - not one pimple and even the old scars cleared up. One downside, though, was that I started getting depressed and anxious, especially during the last month, so I stopped taking it. The depression went away, but I have trouble speaking in public forums and in interviews now. I know, kind of ironic to have less self-esteem now, even with the perfect skin. Just watch out for those signs, they could be dangerous if not controlled or even acknowledged. Overall, I am still happy I took the medicine."

• Kmc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've been on Accutane for 3 months now. I've had persistent acne since I was in middle school, and nothing has worked besides this. Right now, I'll get occasional acne, but it's clear for the most part. My whole body has gotten dry because of it and is often very uncomfortable. But the worst side effect is these mood swings and depression Accutane has caused me. It has really affected my relationship, and I cannot help it. I'm on 40 mg, but it was worse when I was on 60. Even though this is a difficult side effect, I am amazed at how clear my face is so far."

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "This drug definitely works. Covered in acne before starting the medicine, it only took 4 months, and I am now acne-free. But although it worked very well, many of the side effects are awful. Dry skin is bearable, but as an athlete, the joint pains made playing my sports very difficult. But worst of all was the depression. After about the first month, the depression hit, and I rarely went a day without considering suicide for the next 3 months. It may work, but if you are going to use this medicine, be aware of some of the devastating side effects."

• per...
• March 1, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started taking this in the summer of 2016, and it worked very well at removing my severe acne after about 6 months. But during this time, I started feeling very low and anxious, and it gave me depression and anxiety, and I had to leave university because of this. It worked wonders on my skin, despite not completing the full course, but I would truly, truly urge anyone to be very aware of this drug's side effects and to stop taking it if they begin to feel similar to how I did."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Acne "The drug isotretinoin works, but bad side effects. No major issues on 10 mg a day, but when it was upped to 30 mg a day, the problems arose. The dryness of the lips is not a major issue, a decent lip balm addressed that. But the persistent headaches and the effect on moods was terrible. Ended up having suicidal thoughts. And this happened after 1 month on 10 mg and 2 weeks on 30 mg. Be aware that persistent headaches and depressed moods are not normal - watch the side effects."

• Cam...
• September 10, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am starting my 4th month, and it is worth it. It got rid of all my back/chest acne, but I still have some on my face. It has helped a lot, but the side effects suck. I'm playing football, and sometimes I have the desire to do nothing. Sometimes I don't feel good for no reason, like depression. Also, the chapped lips get me mad because everyone asks why I am putting chapstick on 24/7. If you are going on this, beware of side effects, but in the end, it will be worth it."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane is a miracle worker! Although it's such a hassle to get the medication, what with the restrictions and blood tests and questions, it is completely worth it. I did experience some of the common side effects, those being extremely dry everything, and the occasional headache... and depression. But beyond that, it is worth it to no end. I also would suggest not drinking while on Accutane. If you plan on drinking, drink in moderation. The first time I drank on Accutane, the next day my face broke out and I got a rash on my arms."

• Dic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "Yeah, this thing is rubbish. First of all, it can give you depression (which I had before taking this, and it made it worse). Also, my acne is still fondly growing on my face, and I'm pretty sure it made it worse. I'm starting to get small zits, but also very big cysts that are developing under the skin. It's like you could do a mountain bike race on my face. I also have acne on my chest and back, so all Accutane is doing is drying my lips instead of doing the thing it's supposed to."

• RJS...
• September 20, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "After spending more than a small fortune for years on products and medication prescribed by my dermatologist that did nothing, I demanded Accutane. I told him I was no longer going to the dentist or the hair stylist, etc. because I was too embarrassed and wanted something that was going to work. He said it had too many side effects, including depression, to which I replied, no, THIS (pointing to my face) causes depression. FINALLY, he agreed to give me the script. I still can't believe how well it worked-the excess oil was gone and my face was so clear. The only side effect was dry lips. But my acne returned the same as before within a few months of being off of it. Wish I could get a lifetime script for it-it's the only thing that ever helped."

• Gin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2022

Isotretinoin for Acne "This medicine did wonders for my acne. However, this result was nowhere near worth the mental anguish I went through with the side effects. Horrible night terrors, depression, and several antidepressant medications after I completed the medication. It all around changed my personality. No one under the age of 18 should be legally able to decide if they are ready to face these very real and serious side effects."

• Apo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Acne "I've never written a review before, I always felt others would do it instead, but in this case, I needed to because Accutane saved my life. I was very reluctant to take it, I'd read about the depression, the suicides, and all the other grim side effects, so instead, I tried all kinds of antibiotics and medications, none of which worked. By the point that I had exhausted all other options and eventually started Accutane, I had severe acne across my back, chest, and face, including large cysts on my neck, and I was in a very dark place. After 1 month, I was getting noticeably fewer spots, and by the time I'd completed the 6 months of treatment, I hadn't had new spots for weeks. While being treated, I did suffer badly from headaches, joint pain, and dryness, however, it was absolutely worth it, as if it was not for Accutane, I'm not sure I would still be around to write this review. I 100% recommend it if you have severe acne, and despite the bad press about Accutane, it saves lives. Acne that takes them."

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

For Acne "This drug has changed my life. I’ve had acne for 8 years. My skin was extremely sensitive to pretty much everything. It’s been 2 months I’ve been on prescription for this drug, and my skin is improving unbelievably well. I have literally no acne on my face, just spots. Just a suggestion: eat ghee or olive oil while taking this medicine, and it’ll calm the side effects. Also, personally, I have not experienced patchy skin, hair loss, or depression, just really badly dry lips."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started my treatment early 2009 and continued with it through October of that year. At first, I didn't see much improvement, complaining to my dermatologist for the first few months. What I did notice was the extremely dry skin, awful chapped lips, patches of what looked like eczema but wasn't, muscle pain, bloody noses, a tendency to bruise and bleed more easily, severe loss of appetite, and depression. Also, major sensitivity to all forms of light, especially sun, vision change, and fatigue. When starting my medication, both my gynecologist and optometrist advised against it. It was towards the end of my treatment when I started seeing results. My skin was flawless for about a year. After being off of it for 11 months, my acne is back."

• Cai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2018

For Acne "So I’ve just recently started getting bad acne about 8 months ago, and I’m 22. I tried topical treatments, creams, etc. Nothing seemed to work, so I went to the doctor, and he prescribed me with Accutane 40 mg a day (I’m between 115-120 lbs). My skin and lips became very, very dry, but that’s a common side effect. After a while, I started to get tired and would take a nap every day for about 3-4 hours, lost all my energy, and then started getting a sore back, especially on the right side, and my body felt weak and brittle. My back hurts all the time now while taking these meds. Then, after that, I started feeling a little depressed, but that didn’t last very long. I’m still on the fence about sticking it out because I am seeing results, but it makes my body feel weak."

• Acc...
• July 5, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "When I was 10 years old, I was on every acne medicine available over the counter and prescription, nothing worked. My doctor then prescribed Accutane as a last resort, and I have not had acne since, and I am 38 years old now. I use Proactiv twice daily, and my skin is great. I would only use Accutane as a last resort due to the side effects. Looking back at that time, I did have depression as a side effect, but at that age, you do not know how to verbalize those kinds of feelings, so be extra careful with children. Thanks, Accutane!"

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane cleared my acne up after nothing else could, but some of the side effects were almost unbearable. It made me very tired, and about the fifth month I was on it, it started making me very depressed. I lost about 15 lbs and just looked sickly most of the time. I would recommend this medicine if nothing else has worked for you."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started using this medication... You cannot drink, need two methods of birth control, lips chap badly, skin gets dry and gets rashes, trouble going to the restroom, severe mood swings, always feeling sleepy and tired, started feeling depressed and suicidal. That's the possible downside... I started taking it about two years ago. My treatment only lasted about 4-5 months, had to cut my treatment short because of depression. It worked wonders on my skin. My skin was really REALLY BAD, BUT my dermatologist told me that if ever I were to get 3-4 pimples at the same time, to consult him ASAP. My skin had been absolutely clear for a year... a couple of months ago, I began to notice bad acne reappearing."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started using this medication... You cannot drink, need two methods of birth control, lips chap badly, skin gets dry and gets rashes, trouble going to the restroom, severe mood swings, always feeling sleepy and tired, started feeling depressed and suicidal. That's the possible downside... I started taking it about two years ago. My treatment only lasted about 4-5 months, had to cut my treatment short because of depression. It worked wonders on my skin. My skin was really REALLY BAD, BUT my dermatologist told me that if ever I were to get 3-4 pimples at the same time, to consult him ASAP. My skin had been absolutely clear for a year... a couple of months ago, I began to notice bad acne reappearing."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I have been using Amnesteem for 5 months now, and I am about to turn 17. I have had many side effects, but the results are so far good. Before I started taking Amnesteem, I had a lot of acne, mostly on my face and back, all of my face has cleared up, but my back is not yet finished. Most of the side effects I had were itchy skin, depression, chapped lips, and feverish chills, but nothing that I couldn't handle. My skin has been greatly affected by this medicine, but in a good way. Lately, I have been experiencing a sore throat, but it is most likely not from the medicine. Even though I only have one more month of my Amnesteem left to go, I hope that it's the easiest one."

• G M...
• January 20, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane changed my life. I am 24 and have had acne since age 11, first on my back and then in high school it spread all over my face. It was debilitating, and people looked at my skin rather than me. I felt terrible and invisible. Accutane works by preventing your oil glands from producing oil. My face was dry, but people started looking at me for me! My skin cleared right up, and I have literally had only minor problems since. My boyfriend also went on Accutane and had a different experience altogether. He was very depressed, had hallucinations, etc. He's also the type that needs to turn the lights off for two hours before bed, and if he drinks coffee at 3 pm, he'll stay up until 1 am because of it. His body is very sensitive, and yet his sisters had a great experience with the drug. Two years later, he still thinks his life is changed because of the two weeks he spent on Accutane. I know I would take depression and anxiety any day over how crappy I felt with my acne."