Accutane. I was wanting to know if I can take accutane for my acne even if I am ?

Question

taking lexapro for severe depression. I know accutane can cause depression as a side effect.

Answer 1

Yes, you can, but you need to consult with your physician(s) about this combination and be sure to coordinate your care if you are receiving these prescriptions from different doctors.  I will provide a link where a study was done in 2005 documenting that acne patients treated with acne reported *less* depression and better mood than those treated with other acne treatments.  (Accutane is so much more effective than other treatments that it really cannot be compared to anything else.)  

Also, many patients have reported improve self-image and improved mood after completion of Accutane therapy because their acne was damaging their self-esteem and self-confidence.  If your skin is affecting your outlook, mood, or your desire to socialize, then it deserves medical attention.  Good luck!

From WebMD:  Accutane May Not Increase Depression

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-t...

Answer 2

You'll need your psychiastrst's and Dermatologist's advice regarding how the drugs coincide, but, and please, I really don't want to be responsible for your death here, so take this sorta lightly, BUT, the amount of people who do suffer severe suicidal depression as a side effect of Accutane is so negligable that it is only incorporated because the statistics were barely high enough. Most of the suicides are considered to be fair probabilities with or without the push of Accutane. That's what my doc told me anyway, because I am somewhat deopressed, and it definitely took a turn for some time after I'd been on Accutane for over 3 months.

Answer 3

You should ask your medical doctor about this. But if I were you, I would rather treat the depression than worry about clear skin.

Answer 4

You need to ask your doctor about that.  This is not the best place to get such specific medical advice.