51 replies to this topic

[Sima]

Any pictures worth posting? It's been a month. Is there a dramatic difference?

[TamaDrummer]

Any pictures worth posting? It's been a month. Is there a dramatic difference?

I don't think so, I believe my red marks still look the same. I'll do an update though.

Day 64
So I'm in the beginning of my third month, where many people start seeing dramatic improvements, and I'm breaking out unusually badly. Nothing cystic, just a lot of zits. I've woken up to a new 1-2 for the past three days, and it's disheartening. The actives are short-lived, but I don't understand why this is happening all of a sudden.

In terms of side effects, the lips suck. I have a girlfriend, and I would never kiss her without chapstick or aquaphor on, because of how bad they are. But a big chapsticky kiss isn't too fun. I can't ever escape them. The corners of my mouth are often cracked, making it difficult to smile, and my lips are always bloody and chapped. Three more months to go. The interior of my nose is very dry and bloody as well. It's really annoying at times, but nothing I can't handle. I just better start seeing improvements soon.

[TamaDrummer]

Day 71
So I stopped breaking out again, and now my face is clear. This has been a trend for me during my course; I'll break out for a few days and then get clear for a week or so but only before I break out again and it starts all over. So I'm hoping I can start staying clear. Also, I want to get the lasting effect of the medication, so I'm gonna look for a dosage bump to 80 mg next month. The side effects are the same as they have been. That's all.

[JordanTL]

Good luck sir, just started accutane today and I'll definitely be following your log

[TamaDrummer]

Good luck sir, just started accutane today and I'll definitely be following your log

Thanks, good luck with yours

Day 78
Well it's been a pretty consistent ride here. Breaking out, clearing up, breaking out, etc. I'm currently in the clearing up process, but that will probably change in the next few days. I've read that most people see the biggest improvement in month 3, but I honestly saw more last month. I'm going to hopefully get my full 80 mg dose Thursday at my derm appointment. Has this been the case for anyone else? It's frustrating that I still can't stay clear.

[TamaDrummer]

Day 85
I didn't get my dosage upped because apparently I'm responding very well to the medication and it wouldn't be necessary. My face is doing well, the breakouts are finally slowing. My red marks even appear to be ever-so-slightly fading. It's nice not worrying about acne.

By the way, all action/psychological film lovers must see "Drive". It's kick-ass. True movie art.

[liajonxd]

I'm on my first day of claravis. been reading your posts.....I hope everything works out. I'm glad your break outs are not severe though. I'd rather go through small whiteheads than a bunch of cysts.

[TamaDrummer]

liajonxd, on 21 September 2011 - 12:00 AM, said:

I'm on my first day of claravis. been reading your posts.....I hope everything works out. I'm glad your break outs are not severe though. I'd rather go through small whiteheads than a bunch of cysts.

Yeah, I complain too much. I've only had 3-4 cysts during my entire course on Accutane, so the treatment is definitely causing improvement

Day 92:
On month 4 now. Facial acne has cleared up very nicely. I can't tell how you how amazing it is to not worry about my acne. My red marks are still very much apparent and have seen little improvement, but I'm hoping that they will fade quicker after my course is over. Side effects are still bothersome, specifically the constant chapped lips. It can get pretty disgusting. But I'm happy, and I hope I can keep a clear face for a fair bit of time after my treatment.

[TamaDrummer]

Day 103:
I haven't been updating much lately because there isn't really much to say. I hardly get any acne anymore, and it's incredible. This is an amazing drug.

[TamaDrummer]

Day 120
So I'm starting month 5 today. Time really does fly when you're on this medication. I can't even really remember what it's like to have such bad acne problems; acne and I have been really separated. I probably get less activity now than anyone I know, and I usually go a week without getting a single "pimple". Any acne that I do get doesn't resemble any type of acne that I had before, they're usually so small they're unnoticeable and they dry up within a day. My mood seems to be taking a hit, though, but maybe that's the depressing climate/season change. My lips are disgusting, my back gets sore easily, and it's sometimes a struggle to get myself to eat (appetite loss), but man oh man is it worth it. If anyone is still reading this and is on the drug, make sure you see it through until the end.

[TamaDrummer]

I think this would be day 144? It's definitely been a while.

I think it's safe to say that my facial acne woes are gone. The last activity I had was some tiny little thing on my forehead like 3 weeks ago. Honestly I dont even think about acne anymore. I'm gonna push for a 80 mg dose for my last month coming up, because I really want this to last. Also, DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Some side effects seem to be drawn out when you get dehydrated, and others are alleviated like dry lips. Good luck everyone.

[TamaDrummer]

Sorry for not updating, but I have been done with Accutane since Christmas Eve...

The last month was tough, my dosage was upped to 80 mg per day and the dry weather really exacerbated the side effects. But, that last month I had not one facial pimple. My bodily acne has always been mild, and diminished during my course, but never totally disappeared. Looking back, I do believe I experienced some bouts of depression (though fleeting), and some joint pain. Of course, the most notable side effects were the chronically dried lips, skin, and nose.

I got my lips back about 3 and a half weeks after my course ended. I forgot how nice it is to go a full day and only apply chapstick once or twice. All the other side effects have seemingly vanished. I feel great, basically.

Acne-wise, I went from having a moderately severe case to essentially none, in less then 4 months. I can't express to you guys how amazing it feels. Before, I fretted and worried about my acne on an hourly basis. I think my girlfriend is quite a looker, and thankfully she was very understanding during the time, but I stressed about my appearance around her. Now, acne never crosses my mind unless I see a Proactiv commercial, or someone else with a pimpled-face. Accutane was a miracle drug for me, and my only regret is not starting it sooner. Sure, the months on it were tough, but they went fast, and the end result was so much more than worth it.

A month and a half off the medication, and I have only gotten the smallest of facial blemishes (like seriously non-existent for all intensive purposes). But it definitely hasn't worsened any bit since being on my course. I am using Retin-A for maintenance (I broke out in tiny flesh-like bumps all over my cheeks, and my dermatologist told me it happens after Accutane from the sudden lack of exfoliation), which helps me preserve my smooth skin and clear complexion. I have some faint red marks leftover from before my course, and the Retin-A is slowly but surely fading them.

My experience with Accutane was incredible. I would almost go as far as describing it being life-changing. If you are tired of your moderately severe/severe acne worries, and are willing to risk some months of discomfort, you should definitely consider the medication. I believe it is only for the stronger minded individuals, as emotions can run untamed during the course, and some may even experience episodes of depression, but really, it is so nice to have good skin.