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Posted 11/3/2015 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi HW Family,
I started my Accutane last night. For those of you who don't know what it is, it's essentially a clinically approved overdose of Vitamin A to cure acne when all other methods have failed. I'm not the poster child for accutane as my breakouts aren't THAT bad, but at 23 after exhausting every other alternative from oral medication, to topical, to acupuncture and not having any relief, my dermatologist suggested it was time to just nip it in the bud and do it. I'm supposed to take one pill in the morning and one in the evening. The thing that scares me the most about accutane is the side effects. I can definitely expect extreme dryness ( I will have to apply aquafor or vaseline to my face and lips every day and night) and possibly some nose bleeds, but one of the side effects is an increase in anxiety & depression. Although I'm working closely with my doctor's to ensure that the slightest change in mood is looked at carefully, I'm still nervous. Last time I attempted Accutane was around this time last year and granted it was a rough time for my family and I, but it was also the height of my worst bout with anxiety.

I will also have to have monthly blood tests on Accutane to check my triglycerides and liver function as I guess it can effect the liver function in some people. Hopefully the blood tests will cure my white coat syndrome since I'll have to get them for the next six months while on the medication! Trying to see it glass half full ;).

Wishing you all an amazing week!
Posted 11/3/2015 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Blu's.

Sorry, I can't remember...did you cut your previous treatment short? What was your experience for the time you were on the Accutane?

Trying to keep in mind that you can give it another go...and see what your results are...knowing you have an out if you are uncomfortable in anyway may help.

Without anticipating any issues of course, yet knowing you can discontinue if you feel the need should be comforting.

Wishing you the best...keep us posted so we can keep you in support with this.:)

S.C.
Posted 11/3/2015 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
SC,
I cut it short just because I was tired of being dried out all the time. But I didn't give it a fair shot and once again I find myself frustrated with still breaking out. This time I am on a much higher dosage in hoping I won't have to be on it for the six months-- maybe just four. Fingers crossed
Posted 11/4/2015 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Wishing you the best of luck, Blu.
Posted 11/4/2015 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
yeah me too. many healing thoughts for a positive outcome.
Posted 11/4/2015 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Accutane twice - the most recent having finished about 4 months ago. This was also during a high stress/depression/anxiety time for me. In my case, the Accutane did not have any effect on my mental health. I was on meds and seeing my counselor the whole time anyway, but I didn't see my symptoms increase from the Accutane. Like you, I absolutely hate the dried out part but I just toughed through it and reminded myself that if I quit before it worked, it was pointless to have taken it at all and the previous 4 months or however long it had been, would have been a waste.

Good luck!
Posted 11/4/2015 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Blu

I hope this works well for you keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 11/6/2015 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Starting Fresh,
How long did it take to kick in? Thanks for sharing your experience!
Posted 11/6/2015 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, BM!

I took accutane in HS. I have no idea if I had increased anxiety, but I do remember the dryness! I hope it works well! Breakouts are such a pain!!
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