I'm Luca and I'm now 18 years old and studying my A levels at college.

I was first prescribed accutane back when I was 15 and suffered from severe severe acne all over my face. Giant, painful pimples that left pretty nasty scars, obviously so bad that I felt only a prescribed drug would help me out.

First trial of accutane was for 9 months on their strongest dose. I was explained all the sides etc but didn't look into them too much as even your basic paracetamol has endless lists of possible sides. Nevertheless, the basic dry lips, dry skin etc came about but after two months it made my acne unbearably worse. It caused inflamed spots to break out all over my cheeks and jawline, so much so that I looked like Id been repeatedly stung by a group of wasps. I was sent into a spiral of depression and constantly thought about taking my own life, but I knew Id never come to that. Anger was also another huge problem, it made me lose my temper with almost anyone for no reason. Alongside these major problems came swelling and bleeding gums, massive digestive problems (diagnosed just recently as Coeliac Disease and IBS) and it has also left me with a vitamin D deficiency and an iron deficiency.

After the 9 months, my acne totally cleared. I felt like a new person and I was more confident than Id ever been, but after 2-3 months, the acne returned and my confidence was shattered once more.

By the time I was 17, I decided that regardless of my previous side effects and spirals of depression that Id rather take accutane once more and hope it cleared my skin for good. Yet again, maximum dose, 9 month period. Depression hit me like a train once more, alongside the anger. And the same happened. 3 months of perfect skin, to then return back to acne. And even worse it has left me with crippling anxiety which has absolutely ruined my life, alongsidethe aforementioned Coeliac and IBS. However, my acne has improved compared to before and I am wondering if another accutane stint would be worth it. After all, it's hit me as hard as it possibly could have and I really want nothing more than all of my acne to be gone. It's crushingto be having to worry about acne like this every day for the past 5 years of my life and I am desperate for a solution.

Any suggestions or helpful tips would be deeply appreciated as I really have surpassed my last resort.