There are many side effects of Accutane (also called isotretinoin) that can be unpleasant and even scary. These side effects are why many people won’t consider taking this medication, which is a shame because the benefits of Accutane outweigh its side effects. Accutane is an incredibly effective drug for treating acne, but it does come with potential downsides that you should be aware of before starting the treatment. What are these negative effects and how might they impact you? Let’s take a closer look at the various side effects of Accutane and what you can do about them.


Overview of Accutane Side Effects

There are five main side effects of Accutane that you should be aware of. These are dryness and irritation, hormonal changes and depression, hair loss, skin softening and discoloration, and vision problems.


Let’s go over each of these in more detail.


Dryness and irritation: Accutane can be quite drying to your skin, which can lead to redness, flaking, and increased itchiness. Unfortunately, these side effects are unavoidable, but they can be minimized by using a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, and a comfy pillowcase.


Hormonal changes and depression: Accutane reduces the amount of oil that your body naturally produces, which can lead to an imbalance in your hormones. This is why many people report mood swings with Accutane, and some even experience suicidal thoughts. While hormonal changes are a side effect of all acne treatments, the risk of depression and hormone disruption is higher with Accutane compared to other medications.


Hair loss: The most common side effect of Accutane is hair loss, especially at the temples and crown of the head. It’s important to know that shedding is normal, so don’t panic if you notice a few hairs on your pillowcase. You may also notice your nails becoming softer and more brittle while taking Accutane.


Skin softening and discoloration: Accutane can cause your skin to become much softer than normal, which can be both a positive and a negative. If you already have soft skin, this side effect won’t be a problem. But if you have naturally tough skin, you may find that your skin becomes too delicate to handle the daily wear and tear of life. This can be particularly troublesome for people with active lifestyles or those who enjoy sports.

Vision problems: Many people notice vision changes while taking Accutane. The most common symptom is dry eyes, which can lead to irritation and stinging. Dry eyes can be managed with artificial tears, but it’s important to be aware that Accutane can also cause long-term vision changes such as a permanent shift in your field of vision. Let’s talk about two specific vision side effects of Accutane: blurred vision and yellowing of the eyes. Blurred vision is a common complaint while taking Accutane, and it’s caused by dry eyes. This side effect can be minimized by regularly using artificial tears, but it’s not something that goes away completely. Yellowing of the eyes is something that happens to many people taking Accutane. The discoloration is caused by a buildup of a certain pigment in your eyes. This is a normal side effect that goes away when you stop taking Accutane.


Limiting Foods and Nutrients

Accutane can cause fat and muscle loss, which is why many people experience weight loss while taking the drug. This drop in weight is usually temporary because your body will rebuild its lost tissue once you stop taking the medication. Accutane can also lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as B vitamins and iron. If you’re prescribed Accutane, your doctor will likely recommend supplementing these nutrients to avoid deficiencies.


Other Side Effects of Accutane

There are a few other less common side effects of Accutane that are worth mentioning. These are joint pain, increased blood pressure, and mood swings. Joint pain: Accutane can have a negative impact on the cartilage in your joints, which is why many people notice joint pain while taking the drug. This side effect can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Increased blood pressure: Accutane can cause your blood pressure to increase, which is why your doctor might want to regularly monitor your blood pressure while taking the drug. Mood swings: Many people experience mood swings while taking Accutane. This side effect can be difficult for people to deal with, but it usually isn’t severe enough to warrant stopping the medication.


Is Accutane Worth the Risk?

As you can see, Accutane comes with a lot of potential side effects. Some of these side effects are mild, while others can be more serious. Fortunately, most people tolerate Accutane well and experience few negative effects during treatment. But if you do experience unpleasant side effects, they will likely go away once you stop taking the drug. While acne can be a frustrating condition to live with, it’s important to remember that the treatment isn’t actually the goal. The goal is to have healthier, clearer skin, which you can’t achieve if you stop taking your acne medication before it’s worked its magic. Plus, you’ll be left with the acne you had before, as well as the side effects you experienced when taking the medication.


How to Manage Accutane Side Effects

If you decide that Accutane is the right acne treatment for you, there are a few things you can do to minimize side effects. Start by being patient. Accutane takes a long time to work, and it may take several months before you start to notice a difference. It’s also important to remember that acne is a process, and it takes time for your skin to heal. You can’t expect results overnight. Communicate with your doctor: Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re experiencing negative side effects. Your doctor is there to help, and they may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different acne medication. Be careful not to stop taking Accutane too soon: The treatment period lasts for at least 16 weeks, and you should wait at least one month before you start seeing results. If your acne doesn’t improve after 16 weeks, you may want to consider seeing a dermatologist for other treatment options.


Final Thoughts

There are many myths surrounding Accutane, but the truth is that it’s an effective drug for treating severe acne. However, it does come with potential side effects, so it’s important to be aware of the issues before starting treatment. If you do experience negative effects, they will likely go away once you stop taking the medication. The important thing to remember is that Accutane won’t eradicate your acne overnight. It takes time to work, and the results can vary from person to person.