57 replies to this topic

[Skribby]

I am thankful that Accutane has gotten rid of my acne and kept me clear for about 5 months now after accutane. Although the oil has come back, I am not breaking out at all.

I am now however, dealing with a bigger problem:

I've got Claustrophobia, Agoraphobia, and I guess you can also say social anxiety now. Accutane has really stuffed up my head. I started having all these symptoms about 2 weeks before I finished accutane, and continue to suffer even after 5-6 months now.

I can't finish high school because of this..

Because of this, I can't even go to school and finish high school. I'm 16 years old, and dropped out after year 10.

The reason I can't go back to school is agoraphobia. Fear of crowds, that I blame on accutane since anxiety is one of the side effects. I can't last too long in a classroom, especially if it's squashed up and it's hard to get out. I just feel like my mouth is dry, I find it really hard to swallow, I feel like I'm suffocating, and I just get really anxious thinking of "If I start to feel sick, how am I supposed to get out? It's so squashy", etc. These symptoms are just so bad that I just have to get out. After getting out, I feel alot better. My heart stops beating fast, and I can breathe better.

Basically, those symptoms I explained above, I experience them in alot of situations, mainly social settings and crowded environments, for example, I can definitely see myself not lasting in a concert.

I have anxiety when I'm travelling too, especially before I get on transport, eg. train, airplane, car, etc.

There's alot more to it than just that, but that's all I feel like typing.

Anyone know what I can do??

This has never happened to me before accutane. I would have no problem in classroom environments, assemblies, concerts, etc. those types of settings that now make me feel anxious.

I am getting help from a Psychologist, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I am taking Saint John's Wart, a nerve calmer, but haven't noticed any effect.


Is anyone facing something similar? If so, maybe we can talk through PM or something.

Any advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I just want to be normal again.

[acne_battle]

Switch to a psychiatrist so you can get wellbutrin xl. Ive been on it for a month and I love it

[~ Dee]

How long have you been seeing the psychologist?
I'm confused why you are taking St. John's Wort? Seems you could try something prescribed for some of your more severe symptoms...
I was going to suggest getting your GED ASAP if you haven't already. The longer you're out of school, the more of a pain in the ass it is.
I've never experienced real claustrophobia. The anxiety, & fear of social situations I do recognize. Mine was not caused by accutane. Once again, I would maybe see about a prescription for that.
I left home at seventeen, so though I managed to avoid school, I couldn't avoid life. I had to get out there and work to survive... I managed though it was hell for years.. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I think it's good that you are talking about your issues.
Best of luck to you.

[effu]

I am thankful that Accutane has gotten rid of my acne and kept me clear for about 5 months now after accutane. Although the oil has come back, I am not breaking out at all.

I am now however, dealing with a bigger problem:

I've got Claustrophobia, Agoraphobia, and I guess you can also say social anxiety now. Accutane has really stuffed up my head. I started having all these symptoms about 2 weeks before I finished accutane, and continue to suffer even after 5-6 months now.

I can't finish high school because of this..

Because of this, I can't even go to school and finish high school. I'm 16 years old, and dropped out after year 10.

The reason I can't go back to school is agoraphobia. Fear of crowds, that I blame on accutane since anxiety is one of the side effects. I can't last too long in a classroom, especially if it's squashed up and it's hard to get out. I just feel like my mouth is dry, I find it really hard to swallow, I feel like I'm suffocating, and I just get really anxious thinking of "If I start to feel sick, how am I supposed to get out? It's so squashy", etc. These symptoms are just so bad that I just have to get out. After getting out, I feel alot better. My heart stops beating fast, and I can breathe better.

Basically, those symptoms I explained above, I experience them in alot of situations, mainly social settings and crowded environments, for example, I can definitely see myself not lasting in a concert.

I have anxiety when I'm travelling too, especially before I get on transport, eg. train, airplane, car, etc.

There's alot more to it than just that, but that's all I feel like typing.

Anyone know what I can do??

This has never happened to me before accutane. I would have no problem in classroom environments, assemblies, concerts, etc. those types of settings that now make me feel anxious.

I am getting help from a Psychologist, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I am taking Saint John's Wart, a nerve calmer, but haven't noticed any effect.


Is anyone facing something similar? If so, maybe we can talk through PM or something.

Any advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I just want to be normal again.

u need to get on some "paxil".....at least for a while.....it'll definitely take the edge off, and u can start to wean off of it in a year or so......ur anxiety may be temporary
get to a psychiatrist

[TwistAndShOut]

Im sorry for the way you feel. I know how you feel, and all other cliches. (but cliches are only cliches cos they're true!!)
But how do you know you got like this cos of accutane? Maybe it just gave you something to blame it on. Anxiety ISNT one of the side effects of accutance. A side effect of acne sure, but not accuatane.

[Komori91]

Does your school have an independent studies program? My school has it, it's a program where you're basically homeschooling yourself. You meet a counselor once a week to pick up hw and take tests. You're home basically 6 days a week and on the one day you go to school it's only to meet with the counselor to take tests and pick up the next homeworks. Ask your GLC if your school has a program like that.
I'm in the program myself, however i'm in it becuase of my discomfort with acne. If you join the program you're not quiting high school, you'll still be in high school. and best thing of all is when you're better you can go back! Back to your high school. Please it's probably not too late for you to join this program if your school has it. i'm 17 i joined independent studies when i was 16 becuase of acne( yes it's a stupid reason to leave all my friends but it's just how i am ) . i live in California.

[Skribby]

Im sorry for the way you feel. I know how you feel, and all other cliches. (but cliches are only cliches cos they're true!!)
But how do you know you got like this cos of accutane? Maybe it just gave you something to blame it on. Anxiety ISNT one of the side effects of accutance. A side effect of acne sure, but not accuatane.

It said anxiety was one of the side effects in the booklet that came with Roaccutane.

Does your school have an independent studies program? My school has it, it's a program where you're basically homeschooling yourself. You meet a counselor once a week to pick up hw and take tests. You're home basically 6 days a week and on the one day you go to school it's only to meet with the counselor to take tests and pick up the next homeworks. Ask your GLC if your school has a program like that.
I'm in the program myself, however i'm in it becuase of my discomfort with acne. If you join the program you're not quiting high school, you'll still be in high school. and best thing of all is when you're better you can go back! Back to your high school. Please it's probably not too late for you to join this program if your school has it. i'm 17 i joined independent studies when i was 16 becuase of acne( yes it's a stupid reason to leave all my friends but it's just how i am ) . i live in California.

Unfortunately, no. It sounds something I'd really want to be apart of though, but yeah, we don't have it here.



Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Hmm, the only reason I haven't gone to a Psychiatrist is because my Psychologist doesn't think I need one, lol. I think he thinks my symptoms aren't "severe" enough to warrant seeing a Psychiatrist.

Anyways, thanks again, I'll have to find another way to see a Psychiatrist and will definitely ask about these drugs you guys are recommending.

[vimes]

that is a broad generalization you are making, but i guess it is easier to shirk responsibility onto a drug. if you are seeing a psychologist because accutane has given you agoraphobia (haha, no) then you are either 1) wrong, because you should be seeing a psychiatrist, 2) there are other issues you have that the psychologist realizes and is trying to help you with, or 3) you have not even talked to your psych about accutane 'causing' your social anxieties.

either way, you cannot self-diagnose the cause of your issues based on a leaflet you read (which you are, by the way, seriously misinformed about).

[Skribby]

Well, I really have nothing else to say other than; I was perfectly normal BEFORE accutane. No anxiety whatsoever, other than anxiety while doing speeches, etc. but who doesn't?

To be completely honest, I am not sure what else to assume, other than my anxiety most likely coming from accutane.

I was perfectly normal with no anxiety BEFORE going on the accutane course, but during, and after the accutane course, this is how I'm feeling (anxiety, etc.), so what else am I left to assume??

I hope you can see where I'm coming from. I didn't really mean to bash Accutane. I guess I went a bit overboard with the title of the topic, "Accutane ruined my life, kind of". I guess I'll change it now. To be honest though, I'm not looking to bash accutane, I'm looking for a solution and help with my problem.


If you don't think Accutane caused it, then why don't you tell me what YOU think caused it?

[gregga]

Well, I really have nothing else to say other than; I was perfectly normal BEFORE accutane. No anxiety whatsoever, other than anxiety while doing speeches, etc. but who doesn't?

To be completely honest, I am not sure what else to assume, other than my anxiety most likely coming from accutane.

I was perfectly normal with no anxiety BEFORE going on the accutane course, but during, and after the accutane course, this is how I'm feeling (anxiety, etc.), so what else am I left to assume??

I hope you can see where I'm coming from. I didn't really mean to bash Accutane. I guess I went a bit overboard with the title of the topic, "Accutane ruined my life, kind of". I guess I'll change it now. To be honest though, I'm not looking to bash accutane, I'm looking for a solution and help with my problem.


If you don't think Accutane caused it, then why don't you tell me what YOU think caused it?

Hi there Skribby,

I started taking accutane 2 weeks ago. Until now I have never experienced any mental problems, but the past 5 days I have developed some pretty bad anxiety problems.
I have tension headaches, my muscles are so tense all the time - especially in my jaw. I also have horrible panicky spells where I think I'm going crazy and everything is too much to handle.

Saw my doctor about it who said that it was in all probability the accutane and that I should stop taking it right away.

Now that I've been off it a few days I think I'm getting a little better, but I still worry that the effects could be permanent, and I feel dizzy all the time.

To the person above who said that anxiety is not a side effect of accutane - thats a load of crap.

Just because most people are fine, doesn't mean accutane can't trigger mental problems in some people who take it. The fact is no one understands exactly what accutane does to people's brains. However, most sites that list its side effects do include anxiety on the list.

I hope you recover Skibby.
I also hope that dermatologists start to draw more attention to the possible psychological effects of this drug so people know the risk they are taking.

[Skribby]

Thanks for that. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this.

[lamarr1986]

To the poster who said accutane can't caused anxiety, get a clue.... that is all i have to say to him.

And to Skribby, i hope you get better my friend, i'm sure with the proper care you can get back to normal.

Good luck.

[granolagurl]

yeah I'm am also dealing with anxiety issues now. I have clear skin, but feel terrible. I'd take acne over anxiety any day.

[gregga]

yeah I'm am also dealing with anxiety issues now. I have clear skin, but feel terrible. I'd take acne over anxiety any day.

Hey what are your symptoms?
My panicky spells have pretty much gone away now that its been a week since i stopped taking it.

I still feel very tense though, and dizzy most of the time (both classic anxiety symptoms).

I'm hoping this is something that will fade away over time as my body gets back to normal..

[willow569]

Although it seems to be relatively rare, there does seem to be some evidence that accutane can lead to later psychiatric symptomotology. One study that is on medscape:


Affective psychosis following Accutane (isotretinoin) treatment.
Information from Industry
Assess clinically focused product information on Medscape.
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Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2005; 20(1):39-41 (ISSN: 0268-1315)
Barak Y; Wohl Y; Greenberg Y; Bar Dayan Y; Friedman T; Shoval G; Knobler HY
Mental Health Department, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. mdybarak@netvision.net.il

Isotretinoin (Accutane) ranks in the top 10 of the US Food and Drug Administration's database of drugs associated with reports of depression and suicide attempts. However, this association is still controversial because up to 5.6% of patients with moderate acne may have pre-existing suicidal ideations, improvement of acne often reduces associated depression, and isotretinoin users are reportedly no more likely than those taking antibiotics for acne to have depression or commit suicide. We describe a series of cases of manic psychosis that developed in a 1-year period (2003) in association with isotretinoin treatment and resulted in suicidality and progression to long-standing psychosis. Cases were drawn from 500 soldiers who had been evaluated in a military specialists dermatology clinic for severe acne. Data were summarized from medical records of five severe acne patients treated by isotretinion during their compulsory military service. Data from their draft board examinations and service records, as well as repeated clinical assessments by certified psychiatrists at the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Mental Health Department clinic, were evaluated. Five young adults developed manic psychosis within a mean of 7.6 months of exposure to isotretinoin. In three cases, this was accompanied by a suicide attempt, and in three cases, psychosis lasted for longer than 6 months. Either a personal history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, neurological insult or family history of a major psychiatric illness were present in all cases. The present case-series is suggestive of an increase in the likelihood of an association between exposure to isotretinion and manic psychosis. Associated risk factors were both family and personal history of psychiatric morbidity. Further studies are needed to establish our findings.

[granolagurl]

yeah I'm am also dealing with anxiety issues now. I have clear skin, but feel terrible. I'd take acne over anxiety any day.

Hey what are your symptoms?
My panicky spells have pretty much gone away now that its been a week since i stopped taking it.

I still feel very tense though, and dizzy most of the time (both classic anxiety symptoms).

I'm hoping this is something that will fade away over time as my body gets back to normal..

I havn't really had any panick attacks per say but I also feel very tense and dizzy for much of the day. I also have ocd like symptoms (but only of the "o" kind) I'm hoping this will fade as well....

[Knopper67]

I'm 16 and I suffer from agoraphobia too. And believe me, it's not because of the accutane.

It hasn't stopped me from going to school (I'm in an "Alternate" program) but I have trouble with other things, like social interaction. I have lots of trouble making friends, even getting a girlfriend (never had one). I get depressed over it sometimes, but I try not to let it control my life. I've had it for about 4 years, and It's gotten slightly worse.

I still go outside, but mostly at night because no one else is out. I'm not seeing a psychiatrist or any doctor about it for that matter, because all they do is prescribe drugs that will fuck you up even more.

My advice to you is to not use any drugs for it. All they do is make it worse. Just try to ween yourself out of it. Even just a few moments of interaction a day can make a big difference.

Hope I helped.

[donnatkb]

I am thankful that Accutane has gotten rid of my acne and kept me clear for about 5 months now after accutane. Although the oil has come back, I am not breaking out at all.

I am now however, dealing with a bigger problem:

I've got Claustrophobia, Agoraphobia, and I guess you can also say social anxiety now. Accutane has really stuffed up my head. I started having all these symptoms about 2 weeks before I finished accutane, and continue to suffer even after 5-6 months now.

I can't finish high school because of this..

Because of this, I can't even go to school and finish high school. I'm 16 years old, and dropped out after year 10.

The reason I can't go back to school is agoraphobia. Fear of crowds, that I blame on accutane since anxiety is one of the side effects. I can't last too long in a classroom, especially if it's squashed up and it's hard to get out. I just feel like my mouth is dry, I find it really hard to swallow, I feel like I'm suffocating, and I just get really anxious thinking of "If I start to feel sick, how am I supposed to get out? It's so squashy", etc. These symptoms are just so bad that I just have to get out. After getting out, I feel alot better. My heart stops beating fast, and I can breathe better.

Basically, those symptoms I explained above, I experience them in alot of situations, mainly social settings and crowded environments, for example, I can definitely see myself not lasting in a concert.

I have anxiety when I'm travelling too, especially before I get on transport, eg. train, airplane, car, etc.

There's alot more to it than just that, but that's all I feel like typing.

Anyone know what I can do??

This has never happened to me before accutane. I would have no problem in classroom environments, assemblies, concerts, etc. those types of settings that now make me feel anxious.

I am getting help from a Psychologist, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I am taking Saint John's Wart, a nerve calmer, but haven't noticed any effect.


Is anyone facing something similar? If so, maybe we can talk through PM or something.

Any advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I just want to be normal again.

I suffered from Really Really Bad anxiety attacks as a result from Accutane. My psychiatrist gave me Lexapro and my anxiety is almost gone now. I have been off the accutane for about 2 1/2 months now. I haven't had an anxiety attack in almost a month

[donnatkb]

Im sorry for the way you feel. I know how you feel, and all other cliches. (but cliches are only cliches cos they're true!!)
But how do you know you got like this cos of accutane? Maybe it just gave you something to blame it on. Anxiety ISNT one of the side effects of accutance. A side effect of acne sure, but not accuatane.

anxiety IS an effect of accutane. please see link below. Please don't post up information that isn't well researched.

http://biopsychiatry.com/serotonin/isotretinoin.html

or read the article here.

Depression Reflects A Genetic Trait:
Serotonin Study
New research has found that a drug used to treat severe forms of acne reduces the availability of the chemical serotonin, low levels of which have been linked to aggression and clinical depression.

In a study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, scientists reveal a potential mechanism that might link the drug Roaccutane (Accutane in the US) to reported cases of depression in some patients taking the medication.

The researchers had previously reported that the drug caused depressive behaviour in mice but, until now, the mechanism by which this might happen was unknown.

Using cells cultured in a laboratory, scientists from the University of Bath (UK) and University of Texas at Austin (USA) were able to monitor the effect of the drug on the chemistry of the cells that produce serotonin.

They found that the cells significantly increased production of proteins and cell metabolites that are known to reduce the availability of serotonin.

This, says scientists, could disrupt the process by which serotonin relays signals between neurons in the brain and may be the cause of depression-related behaviour.

“Serotonin is an important chemical that relays signals from nerve cells to other cells in the body,” said Dr Sarah Bailey from the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology at the University of Bath.

“In the brain it is thought to play an important role in the regulation of a range of behaviours, such as aggression, anger and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, as well as bipolar and anxiety disorders.

“Many medications aimed at treating depression seek to increase levels of serotonin to help overcome these problems," continued Dr Bailey. “Our findings suggest that Roaccutane might disrupt the way serotonin is produced and made available to the cells.

“This could result in problems associated with low levels of serotonin, which might include depression. We are currently looking into this mechanism in more detail.”

[Sun-ah-san]

K shoot me down for all its worth but I strongly say: It's all in your head!

Accutane didnt give you this fear you did. You were told of the side effects and knew what "could" happen etc etc. Small instances occurred in which "justified" the fear more and more. Perhaps, your using Accutane as an excuse, a crutch, to blame it on for your social problems etc. Im a humanist believer and I say that only you can solve this problem. No medication can give you confidence. Do not take the BS cuz then your just digging a deeper hole and you have to live on meds for the rest of your life.

So throw away the dam crutches of medication and blame and believe in yourself.

Just take a moment and think about who you are and your true potential.

Remember, it's all in your head.

Heck, people get Agrophobia and claustrophobia for a wide variety of reasons. Hereditary, childhood experience, etc. I'll bet its not the Accutane but its just you.

If you have a problem its up to You to fix it.

Be strong and dont let these BS psyches and pharmacists take your money and milk ya. Cuz sadly that is like being on life support cuz you cant live without em and you tend to NEED them.

Instead, talk to your closest friend, a lover, a mother, father, brother, or sister. What you need is a knight in shining armor to help you escape from your distress.