2 of 3

Write now Article Tools

One of my best friend's went through a tough time battling her acne. As depressed as she was from having acne, she had only so many options and was willing to take anything to get rid of it. Her doctor prescribed her with an oral isotretinoin called Accutane.

I think the major link between isotretinoin and depression is a chemical imbalance created by the levels of serotonin in your brain. Because the levels of serotonin exceed the normality due to several elements included in the isotretinoin, I think that the link between isotretinoin and depression is serotonin toxicity. Isotretinoin is a strong medication, hence why everyone who uses it, is prescribed the medication by a doctor.

My friend went through a minor depression using Accutane. She said she felt it needed to work and she was anxious for it to work, that if it didn't work, she wouldn't know what she would do. In fact, she felt very suicidal the first two weeks or so. She told me that she felt trapped inside of a box. Of course, she was depressed because of her acne, the only thing I could think was "What could make her more depressed?" When individuals are depressed (or sad) for many years due to extreme acne, when introduced to something that can help them, they feel naturally depressed because they have tried everything and in reality are close to giving up because they feel like they have lost. I remember her telling me on the phone that she wanted to kill herself and would, if this medicine (as in Accutane) didn't work.

Of course it worked and she is no longer in the state of depression. In fact, she's happier than ever right now. Isotretinoin is strong medication that is used to treat acne and although, with any strong medication, a variety of effects are attached whether negative or positive, the positive effects exceed the negative effects, as a result.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Afshar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The link between isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Accutane, Claravis, Isotrex...) and depression?
We want to hear your view. Write now!