A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I'm just wondering whether anyone reading this post has or knows or anyone who has taken Isotretinoin? It's an acne medication. It also goes under the name of Roaccutane, Isotane or Accutane.I believe this drug caused my sister's suicidal depression and anorexia. She completely changed as a person within a year of taking this drug, like it permanently altered her brain chemistry.I'd be interested to hear from people who have taken this drug and what their experiences were like.Thanks so much.
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female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (11 October 2011):
 Oh, I just remembered, my friend does know of a girl who became severely depressed after taking Isotretinoin.
The thing with mental problems is just that a lot of people become depressed because of other reasons as well, and unless you have hard evidence then everything is just wild guessing. I have a friend who got depressed after being in a relationship with an abusive man, she can never go off her medication for depression now. The affair with that man was sort of the last drop that made her brain crash. Other times depression can be passing because of some life incident.
You need to speak to the doctor about this. And consult with different doctors.
A
female
reader, chigirl +, writes (11 October 2011):
I've taken Isotretinoin, and also my best friend used to take it. We did not experience any mental problems. I spoke to my doctor about this affecting my mental health as depression runs in my family. I was taken in for a blood test to see if the medication affected my body. My test showed no abnormality or change.If there was suspicion of your sister being affected by the medication, were there any blood tests taken? I think it is impossible to prove this suggestion without there having been any blood tests. My doctor also told me that Isotretinoin does not affect your mental health, but that people have been recorded to be depressed while using Isotretinoin. However these people were depressed prior to taking the medication. Or so my doctor informed me, I specifically asked about this because of my family history and me being pre-disposed to mental problems. It is very likely that your sisters depression came from another source than the Isotretionoin. However I will add that I did feel a bit down at the beginning, the two first months, of taking the drug, however it didn't last, and I can not say that it was related to the drug since I did get a blood test done. However, there are side effects not written on the leaflet. I got a lower immune system while on the drug, and found myself with a cold more often. This was also the case with my friend.
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A
female
reader, angelDlite  +, writes (11 October 2011):
 Accutane side effects (copy and pasted from Accutane/Roaccutane side effects)
Hair loss Pressure within the skullNeurological symptoms Vision problems Nosebleed Hair overgrowth in women Severe allergy Inflammation of the lips Bleeding & inflammation
of the gums Rash(including eczema)Hives Nail abnormalities Rapid breakdown of
muscle tissue Overgrowth of bone Bone, tendon, and ligament calcification Joint pain Acute, long lasting arthritis Muscle pain Tendonitis Elevated liver enzymes Low back pain Alopecia Headaches Depression Reduced blood flow to
the brain Hearing impairment Yellowish deposits on
eyelids Dry skin Dry lips Dry mouth Increased sunburn
susceptibility Oozing, bleeding skin
bumps Abnormal blood tests Low blood platelet count Blood disease Low iron content in blood Arthritis Respiratory symptoms Low white blood cell count Inflamed pancreas Inflammatory bowel disease Abnormal menses (women)
nasty stuff! like all meds though, some people will get side effects, others won't but if your sister has been showing signs of suicidal depression, then this is a definite contraindication to her continuing this medication and should NOT BE IGNORED, ask her to see her doctor or dermatologist to try a different treatment
x
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