everyone is different. Ive heard stories of people clearing up after one month, and others not seeing clear skin until after 6 months. Maybe because you were on a lower dose for a while, your skin is still adjusting to the medication. You may need to just give it more time. For most people though, Accutane is not an overnight miracle. I just started my 3rd month of treatment (60mg for the first month, 80mg second month, still at 80mg now) and My skin cleared up immediately on 60mg. When i moved up to 80mg, my skin really purged and i broke out terribly. Now I'm almost 100% clear. For most people it gets worse before it gets better. I will say I have the same side effects as you. Awful dry lips, eczema and itchy skin, redness, body aches, etc. but for me its worth it to stick it out if I have a chance of getting rid of my acne for good. Don't lose hope, and don't be afraid to talk to your doc about your concerns!

hi there!! so i myself can not say i have acne for more than seven months..it is more of an infection only on my right cheek.. and being 16 with this on my face and other places as well is not fun..you are a real survivor..having acne for 5 years sounds really hard and painful..i know how having acne makes you feel uncomfortable,sick even ugly and different..but we must always realize that there are people who have to deal with much worse situations..for instance i have read stories here for people who dealt with acne for over ten years..one guy had it for 21years!! My own best friend has acne since she was 9..like for the past 7 years..and i know it sucks!! My doctor also put me on isotretinoin..it's not long since i started ,about 2 weeks.It seems to be working really good on my face although i have other issues,apart from my face..i  started with 20mg and the side effects appeared almost immidietly..My lips are SO dry..and i have  constant headaches..These of course are nothing compared to some people who get depressed and have suicidal tendencies..so i guess we are pretty normal.Your breakout could be due to the fact that your dose was increased..that i have heard that happens a lot because your body tries to accept the change..also most people on accutane have breakouts once they start the therapy..for  the same reasons.If your doctor says the medication does not affect you badly then you shouldn't worry,a regular course on accutane is 6 months but you should know that most patients use it for like a year and if you have scars or spots that is somewhat the time needed..I hope i helped you and remember being more stressed or anxious makes the situation worse..today acne can always be treated so if you get to a point that you feel nothing is gonna help you remember you should always love yourself and be patient and of course you should also listen to your doctors instructions..ooh and never i repeat never pick at your skin(believe me picking used to be my expertise)byee!!