I had a horrible experience with it, and ultimately stopped before completing a full dose....my doctor never suggested low dose all the way, wish they had, every time we upped the dose I had a horrible flare, horrible, prednisone, horrible and other side effects too

so for some of us there are no other options, and low dose should be offered....but if you tolerate it then going faster to get it over with is an option

so see how you do, try to up the dose, if you flare then drop it down and stay low, if you don't then stay at 40

it's such a unique thing, accutane effects us all in different ways...you just have to figure out what's right for you- never mind what that doctor says, YOU set the pace based on YOUR reactions

My derm wants me to be on 80mg a day but I'm still a little skeptical.

I weight 75kg so maybe I should be taking 80mg a day but I tried. It was the was worst 5 days of my life, could barley move my mouth, my skin was beyond dry. It was dead! Lol

So I decided to make a big boy decision and lower my dose to 40mg a day for the first month (which helped A TON with side effects). After telling her about this, she was pretty angry with me. She said she is considering adding a 7th month because the 40mg did "nothing" for me.

According to all the studies I've been reading, lower dosage (0.5mg per kg) is equally as effective long term as higher doseage (1mg-2mg per kg).

If you can handle higher dose without side effects, I say go for it! But if you are like the rest of us, low dose is the way to go!!

I'm a BIG fan of the longer treatment/lower dose regimen. This is known as the European method and I so wish all derms were doing it 15 years ago when I had my first course.

I had several cysts develop and STAY for months and I didn't know it until years later, but I got major scarring from that.

Your skin is so fragile and difficult to heal when taking Accutane, that's probably the worst time for a breakout!

If a doctor offers you a lower dose for an extended time, say YES!

It's amazing. Your skin looks better every day but you forget you're on it.

The end result is the same. They've studied it extensively. It just requires a few more blood tests and dr visits.

Google Accutane European method or model. You'll get lots of info to help you make your decision.

Hi

I agree w legomom

as far as lower dose for longer duration being just as effective and more tolerable

It seems US Dr arent getting educated on this type of treatment (a new approach)

My derm agreed to low dose than gave me a script for 40mg daily (at 130 pounds)

I am on 60mg now (2 mnth in) and honestly I have NO additional side effects going from 40mg to 60mg except dry hands that are fixed with good ol vaseline

My derm wants me on 80mg but im going to refuse

I am willing to stay on tane at 60mg for an additional mnth or 2 and have the required b/w etc

GOOD LUCK

Kim