How to survive accutane? Dealing with the side effects?

Question

I am about to go on accutane for moderate localized acne. Please don't tell me "DON'T" or horror stories.

What did you do to deal with the dryness? How dry did your skin get? And what is all the fuss about mood swings and even depression? Is it related to the drug or is it because of feeling bad about your acne?

I would also like you to tell me what dosage you were on. Thank you all for your help!!

Answer 1

I started Accutane my senior year of high school ( I don't remember the dosage). I do remember being extremely dry. I use to carry around baby oil gel to re-moisturize (especially my lips). I also use to carry around saline solution just in case, but I didn't notice much of a problem with my contacts. I don't remember having any major side effects like the depression, but I did experience some joint soreness from time to time (also one of its side effects). It takes a while for you to notice a difference, but it did help with my acne when I was on it.  

Answer 2

It sounds like you're already nervous about it.  I heared Accutane was for more severe acne, but I'm no expert.  There is a laser treatment you can get that warms and spreads the collagen in your face and helps with acne- perhaps you can research other anti-acne treatments if you're squeamish about Accutane.

Answer 3

I took Accutane when I was 16, my acne was really bad then, but Accutane actually helped me, it cleared my face significantly by the second to third week. It is, however, a very strong medication and there are many side effects that range from mild discomfort (dry skin, itchy/ red eyes, etc.) to liver failure and mood swings.

You can take care of the dryness by using a moisturizer, preferably with an SPF of at least 15, since Accutane makes you very sensitive to sunlight.

When you take a drug as strong as Accutane it can make you feel pretty crummy and down. I remember I felt that way and it sucked because it was at the end of my sophomore year and through my entire junior year. Some people are more prone to depression, teenagers are an example, with hormones, school, insecurities, popularity and all, it can really make you feel bad. But it did wonders for my face, and the good thing about it is you don't have to apply topical treatments like lotions or gels two or three time a day, you just take a pill. I don't remember the dosages but I do remember I started off with a light treatment and then progressed on to a moderate strength of Accutane. You also have to get bloodwork done every month, I think, to check your triglycerides, cholesterol, and a whole mess of stuff.

Hope this helps!