Quote from: Mr.X on March 05, 2015, 01:56:47 AM
Accutane is a last resort and only used when other means have shown ineffective. I had to try two courses of antibiotics and injections directly into the cysts before I was given accutane. But my dermo was rather easy once the decision was made. No need for birth control and he didn't check mental issues. But if you are prone to depression, accutane may not be for you. It has a list of nasty side effects, including depression and suicidal thoughts. My brother became severely depressed because of the stuff. Also, I think it made my TSH (the thyroid gland) levels higher. After I stopped accutane, they went back to normal.

This is a great response.  You really covered all the bases for nyrangers.

My own personal experience was the same when I took it back in the 1990's.  Had to try a bunch of other meds first.  Had to sign something saying I wouldn't get pregnant, my dermatologist told me I was supposed to be on birth control, but said she knew I only dated women, so she was ok without me using anything.

My individual hairs became thinner.  Not the amount of hair, just the thickness of the strands.  The side effect is supposed to be losing chunks of hair, not the experience I had (at least back then, 20 years ago, it wasn't listed as a side effect and my doc had never heard of it).

I had acne during first puberty which persisted into my 20's. T gave me some severe acne by about month 8 that I tried to treat with various over the counter products and home remedies and nothing works. Once you have cystic acne you sort of have to go to the dermatologist. I got oral antibiotics, antibiotic lotion, and adapalene. The derm said I had to use them for 3 months before trying accutane but they ended up working so now I'm using the adapalene and lotion to maintain.

I did buy some vitamin E oil the other day to prep for top surgery and it's helping with the acne scars.

Quote from: nyrangers30 on March 04, 2015, 04:16:00 PM
To anyone who did accutane - did you have any trouble getting on it? I've heard its hard to get on especially if you have a history of mental health issues.

The doctor I saw prescribed me Accutane within 5 minutes of my appointment!  He wasn't all that professional tho. Didn't explain it much, didn't ask about any history regarding what I've already tried, didn't take a blood test. I didn't realise you had to be off Accutane for AT LEAST 6 months before getting surgery, so I had to push back my date at the time. Just be careful about that if you do choose to go on it! Accutane works well, my worst side effect is the dry lips 

Thanks for the help guys. I have a history of mental health problems so I don't think I'm a candidate for Accutane. Hopefully I'll be able to get to the dermatologist and find a treatment that works for me.