13 replies to this topic

[JohnM]

I have tried many a treatment for my moderate-severe acne. My acne is not cystic, but very persistent and non-responsive to most medications. I was on Tetracycline for a year, which worked pretty darn good, untill i built resistance to it, then I went on Doxycycline, which hasn't produced nearly as favorable results. It basically just keeps my acne at some level of control. I have tried Proactive which didn't do squat, I have tried dieting, I have tried many different regimens, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and nothing has worked. So basically i have to decide (almost on Doxy for a year, slowly building resistance) whether its time to try Accutane or to try yet another antibiotic. I have heard that it is not wise to do endless treatments of antibiotics, and is better to just do a course of Accutane. I have always been extremely consciencous of my health, I take care of myself very well... and have always had an aversion to taking harsh medication... so Accutane scares me very much. But my life has been changed so much by the onset of much more severe acne two years ago.. and I haven't had much happiness since then. Its fucking up my life.. I'm trying to deal with it the best I can but its ruining me emotionally, and I can't imagine this depression is good for my body either. I need some input/advice.. any would be greatly appreciated
P.S. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me about their experience with Accutane.. I have been researching alot about whether it really does physically cause depression and mood swings.. the information is very skewd and contraverisal.. and its confusing the hell outa me

[Whatsitgonnabe]

Go on accutane that's a good decisions....

[derricks4]

I wouldn't recommend it. I don't think it's worth the risk seeing the side effects.

[maddy001]

Just go on accutane, it will help a lot. Depression is not common with accutane users and even if you are on it, any signs of depression presented should be refered to the doctor who will stop medication immediately. Sometimes I even wonder whether depression is from the acne itself or the medication. Most of the time is the acne.

In terms of the side effects, most of them are reversible once you finish the course. I'm about 1 month and 12 days into accutane and I haven't seen any bad side effects yet. Those that I had were dry lips and some dry skin that seemed to have disappaered now plus eyebags. I can live with that now that my face is clear. I didn't have the intital breakout either.

Try accutane, it may be the best thing you have taken after those antibiotics.

[beautiful.life]

If you've tried everything, it's time to go on Accutane. It'll really help, and don't be worried about it. There are side effects, but to me it's such a small price to pay. I don't think it will mess with your health or anything, and it won't be harmful to you. It's supposed to be a great medicine, and I would go for it. I'm over a month through my course, and I'm hoping for some great results. Good luck to you!

[lmn]

I am about 2-3 weeks into my treatment and for me it's definitely worth it. I think I have had like 7 or so spots in these 3 weeks and thats with a initial break out, usually I would get 3-10 a day. My side affects have been dry lips (this is annoying but definitely not worthy of not taking tane), small nose bleeds (who really cares it's gone in a few mins), dry skin (nothing I'm not used to), and the urge to drink a lot of water.
Good luck with any treatments you decide on.

[Tripp]

I've been on Accutane less than a week, and overall my skin has already completely cleared up, even the red marks, too!

I haven't really had any side effects yet -- not sure how long it takes for them to kick in -- and I can't wait to watch my skin continue to get better!

I would say, go for it!

Be well,

Tripp

[r0ck_staar]

you sound like me when I was deciding if I should go on accutane!! at first I decided not to, and than my complexion just kept getting worse and I was afraid of scarring, and I just wish I had started sooner. It took literally more than 3 months from the time I saw my first doctor about it, to the time I was able to take my first pill. There's usually a wait for the dermatologist, and with testing and stuff if your a girl. So I've been on it for 40 days now, and no side effects besides mildly dry skin and lips, which I had before anyways. my skin is slowly getting better, so I think it'll work. good luck on making your decision!

[KITTIEKAZ]

Hi ppl i'm thinking about going on accutance, i was planning onto , be4 i feel with arthertis due 2 other tabs for spots,

could the gurls tell me what is it like 2 put make-up on? does it make ya skin to dry that u can't wear any?? thats the only thing that worries me, i willnot walk outo fh te house without make-up on !!! i 'm kinda thinking about the other side effects but then again ive got arthertis and lups now, coz i wnated 2 get rid of my spots , so what hell throw everythink you have got at me life!!!!!! i will av clear skin , still kidna thinking abut it can people give me sum advice n how they are gonig etc

[Azrael]

P.S. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me about their experience with Accutane.. I have been researching alot about whether it really does physically cause depression and mood swings.. the information is very skewd and contraverisal.. and its confusing the hell outa me

Have you read thru these 2 message board sections?

http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?showforum=36

http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?showforum=46

I think dealing with persistent acne makes more people depressed than going on Isotretinoin (accutane) does.
I do have bad mood swings, but nothing to do with isotretinoin!

[Yvette2]

Hi there -

If you've tried other med's/topicals and they aren't really working.... then do Accutane. Accutane has worked wonders for me - I'm in month 4 now. My skin is smoother, clearer, and pores cleaner. I had mild acne and love the results so far. Regarding makeup, I wear makeup everyday, Laura Mercier tinted moisteriser. Your face will be drier after a few weeks on Accutane, so use gentle cleansers and good moisteriser. Your makeup should be oil free or non- acnegenic, and you wouldn't want a matte one as it may emphasize dryness. My makeup looks fine and in fact stays on all day since Accutane suppresses oil...

Good luck in your decision.

Yvette

[Gilfish1984]

I have tried many a treatment for my moderate-severe acne. My acne is not cystic, but very persistent and non-responsive to most medications. I was on Tetracycline for a year, which worked pretty darn good, untill i built resistance to it, then I went on Doxycycline, which hasn't produced nearly as favorable results. It basically just keeps my acne at some level of control. I have tried Proactive which didn't do squat, I have tried dieting, I have tried many different regimens, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and nothing has worked. So basically i have to decide (almost on Doxy for a year, slowly building resistance) whether its time to try Accutane or to try yet another antibiotic. I have heard that it is not wise to do endless treatments of antibiotics, and is better to just do a course of Accutane. I have always been extremely consciencous of my health, I take care of myself very well... and have always had an aversion to taking harsh medication... so Accutane scares me very much. But my life has been changed so much by the onset of much more severe acne two years ago.. and I haven't had much happiness since then. Its fucking up my life.. I'm trying to deal with it the best I can but its ruining me emotionally, and I can't imagine this depression is good for my body either. I need some input/advice.. any would be greatly appreciated
P.S. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me about their experience with Accutane.. I have been researching alot about whether it really does physically cause depression and mood swings.. the information is very skewd and contraverisal.. and its confusing the hell outa me

I feel like I'm reading about myself- only I stopped antibiotics because I developed an allergic reaction to them... I finally gave in and started accutane a week ago. My acne also is not that bad, not cystic, just the terribly annoying kind that does not respond to topicals, peels, or laser treatments. My question for you is whether or not you have tried chemical peels or PPX/PDT (laser treatments)? Those do work for some people, but they are pretty pricey and in the end did absolutely nothing for me. After a week of accutane I will tell you that I've already seen a reduction in oily and my forehead seems a bit smoother. I will also tell you that my eyes are dry as is my nose and my body feels a bit achey today. It is absolutely bearable and if you like I can give you the names of some fabulous products that I have already discovered. If you are feeling at all like me, then these side effects will be totally worth it in the end if my face actually clears up. I am generally a very confident person, but when my face breaks out I hate looking in the mirror and I want to hide in my house all day- NOT GOOD! In the end, you have to decide how badly you want clear skin...GOOD LUCK and let me know if you'd like more info.

[Stephen926]

Look, I only had moderator acne. And I just said ok I have seen my brothers go through it all trying everything, and really nothing worked.

Go on accutane, I would do it all over again if I had the chance.

[simply.tiffanyxoxo]

If I were in your situation I would take the leap, as long as Im sure I could afford the blood tests and such. And theres also theres this powder that came out called skinb5 that supposedly regulates your oil glands.