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I was a meraber on here a couple years ago and I found it helpful so I thought I would come back. I have had minor to moderate acne since puberty...I am now 28. The acne I have had in my 20's is a lot worse than anything when I was younger. At this point it is basically all on my chin. I went to the derm a year ago, tried some topical stuff, and then doxytricycline. The antibiotic pill probably would have worked but I get yeast infections all the time so taking an antibiotic is not an option. So I continued to suffer with my chin acne. I just went to the derm this past week and she gave me a topical regimine to follow but then did suggest accutane as a possibilty. She said that since I have been dealing with acne for so long and that accutane is the only thing that could possibly cure it, I may want to consider taking it. Then she gave me the accutane book and all the information about it. I had know idea this drug was so serious. I don't think I could ever risk putting something that potent, and risky into my system. I also would have a hard time having to go get pregnancy and blood tests every month, not to mention a bunch of other complicating things. But...it could really make my acne go away? I just keep thinking about that...not having acne? For now, I filled the topical perscriptions she gave me and I am using them. But I can't stop thinking about possibly getting rid of my acne completely with a pill! Also, does anyone know that if I took a vitamin A supplement would that help the acne at all? Thank you to anyone who has read and any thoughts, suggestions, or advice would be greatly appreciated!:confused:
 
Well, before you go and say "no" to Accutane, hear me out. I am a former Accutane user and was on it for about 8 months. I totally agree with you though because when my derm gave me the Accutane booklet, I totally freaked out: once a month blood tests (I thought "no way!"), a chance not being able to get pregnant easily (well, I was 17 at the time so that wasn't a big deal to me AT THE TIME, 2-3 yrs later i'm still not ready for kiRAB, but I realize you are 28 so maybe the time is approaching for you), also, the so called "serious" side effects (that totally knocked me off of my chair - my mother was worried also - attempt suicide etc..). So believe me, I felt the same way when I read the booklet. Let me start with the blood tests. It really isn't all that bad. You get really used to the fact of having your blood taken every month. Unless you are petrified of needles, the blood work every month is no big deal. Now, the pregnancy issue, I'm really not an expert on this so for me to give you advice on it would be wrong. The best advice I can give you about it though is to talk to your derm about it. Now, the "badddd/scary" side effects. Even though it is a possibility of experiencing these, it rarely happens. I can tell you from personal experience of being on this pill that the WORST side effect I had was a bad mood swing here and there. Also, expect your lips to get really dry. At least mine did - I got some of that Burts Bees Wax lip stuff for the daytime and for the night, I applied a perscription lotion-type thing for my lips. It really helped, I wish I knew the exact name of it. Another thing, I noticed myself being more tired than usual. It was hard for me also because I went to school full time and I had to keep up with my studies. I'm proud to say I got through everything and graduated with honors but I had a lottt of sick days lol.

Let's see, what else can I tell you....I'm sure your doctor will recommend a small dosage and then she'll work your way up to a higher one. At least that is what my doctor did.

If you have any more questions please feel free to post them, I'm more than happy to try to answer your questions. Good luck and keep us posted! :)
 
Thanks so much for responding! I already have two young children and we are not planning on having anymore but our form of birth control is only a condom. I can't do birth control pills because they mess with my mind...which brings me to another point...I am on Zoloft and I am afraid when you said the occasional mood swing, that it could be worse than that for someone like me. I could get over the fact of the monthly blood tests, it is really just the pregnancy and psychological stuff that scares me. How quick did it work for you? Are you clear now? Would you go on it again?
 
For me, it took a while for it to work into my system and thus, see results. I don't remeraber exactly how long it took for me to actually see my skin clear up but I do remeber it took a while. My skin stayed clear for the longest time ever! Now, about 2 1/2 yrs later I'm thinking of going on it again as my face is not as clear as I would like it to be. I actually made an app't to see my derm and then cancelled it b/c the wait was 3 months!!! I need to see if I can get into another derm b/c 3 months is just ridiculous!

I didn't realize you were on other medication. That could change things entirely (but I'm not 100% sure either, i'm not a doctor). You really need to talk to your doctor and let her know everything you are on, it may not influence being on Accutane but you never know. Do you know what I mean?
 
yeah, I know what you mean...my dr knows everything I am on and she still suggested accutane so it must be okay. But I can't help but think that someone who is on an anti depressant or has had "depression/anxiety like" problems is more likely to have psychological side effects. As I said, that is why that makes me nervous. And even though we are not planning on having anymore children things could still happen because our birth contol methoRAB are not always the safest. I guess it is just something I am really going to have think about. Thanks again for your responses!
 
Np, I'm glad I could help (somewhat). I do agree with you on the anti-depressants though. But then again, it could all depend on how high of a dosage you go on. Wait to talk with your doctor, she knows best!

Have a nice day.

P.s you could always go on a small dosage for a while, see how your body reacts to it and then decide from there whether you want to continue or not. You're not bound to a contract to continue using it. Also, do you have health coverage? I ask because Accutane is quite expensive. If not, well the only thing I can suggest is the generic brand of Accutane. I don't know much about it (or even the exact name for that matter) I've just seen people briefly talk about it on the boarRAB. That could also be an option for you, I'm just not sure how it compares to the real thing. (It MAY be called "roaccutane" or something like that..if you just ask another question I'm SURE someone will be able to better inform you on it).

P.P.s I just re-read your last post and this thought came to my head. Have you ever thought that the anti-depressants that you are on are what caused your birth control pills to "mess" with your mind? Anti-depressants are a very touchy pill, if you're don't need to be on them 100% get rid of them. That is just my opinion though because I've seen what my grandmother went through while she was on them for a short period of time.
 
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