Accutane And Ptsd

[Hansgrohe]

I wan't sure where to put this. Today my mom is going to sign us up for new healthcare. Not only am I going to see a therapist that may help me with PTSD, but I'm also considering getting a prescription of Accutane.

I have really bad genetic acne. It's not so bad on my face but my upper body is full of it, and even before that my face had a lot of bad pimples. It's not "normal" teen acne that isn't super-bad, but rather just awful, inflamed, and really red and noticeable acne that's super embarrassing. I've been quite resistant to turn to Accutane, but I've pretty much tried everything, and yeah, I have reached last resort.
I've tried-
Topicals - Were effective a while ago, not so much now. It only "prevents" breakouts, and I have no idea if it's effective anymore.
Antibiotics - Only useful against some infected cysts. Otherwise, not much.
-Supplements - Not really effective.
-Cheap Home Remedies (lemon, baking soda) - Somewhat effective but definitely not a long term solution.
-Diet - Actually somewhat effective, but it got to a point where I could only eat so few foods, and my family REALLY wasn't supportive at all with my decision to cut out so many foods, and their incompetence here shined. Not a guarantee either.

So yes, I've been practically everywhere. My parents both had really bad acne as teens, so this is very much genetic. In addition, my brother still has acne at age 24 (though he has an awful diet and stressful lifestyle), and my sister still has some pimples at 21. I'm really scared this may never go away, and it's only helped fuel the flames. Not to mention I have a really awesome face and body that gets ruined by my awful, awful genetics.

Does anyone here have experience with taking accutane and any possible mental side-effects, as well as getting a prescription? I've heard of a lot of side effects, but I'm thinking given how bad enough acne affects my life, it seems completely worth it. IMO, PTSD acne, and everything else thrown in are not a good mix at all.

 

[Deleted member 28812]

My guy got really bad depression from an anti-acne medication... but I forgot the name. I am not sure if it was this one. Should I ask him for you?

Anyway I don't think acne is that bad. I hardly notice...

I had bad acne as a teenager and felt bad for it. So I know how that feels but actually it does not really matter to other people. My husband is a grown-up man and still has acne but I don't think anybody apart from him really cares. I know I don't. Doesn't matter to me. He is handsome - acne or no.

 

[Hansgrohe]

Perhaps your husband doesn't have very noticeable acne. I mean, he is an adult (then again, my brother has VERY noticeable acne, and it's not a pretty sight). Believe me, it's probably a LOT different.

Overall, I'm a very self-conscious person, so I kinda freak out over these kinds of things. Personally, I'd really rather not have it. Oh, and I should also mention the pain that it gives with the inflammation, and the fact that they're pretty sensitive to sunlight. Not worth having it in my opinion. I don't think I'll ever grow to "accept it", especially when everyone I see doesn't have it so bad.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Can I ask you about your diet? Have you eliminated gluten in the past for an extended period of time? Corn? These two are my major enemies and make my skin break out in horrible cysts. I know it is a pain in the arse but prevention is a million times better than trying to run interference after the fact. I'm in my 30's now and all doctors ever wanted to do was throw drugs or hormones at me. Nobody ever said I may have food sensitivities. It wasn't until a year and a half ago that I inadvertently went on a gluten/corn free diet and my skin cleared up. I know you said the diet thing is a pain, but you're almost an adult now and will be graduating soon, and once that happens, you'll be able to control your diet better. So yes, I've had bad acne issues since I started puberty, and yes, those proactive commercials where a celebrity freaks out about ONE pimple make me want to throw something at the TV because they're being shallow twats. OMG ONE PIMPLE! My life is OVER! Sorry, end of rant.

 

[Upside Down Eagle]

I also have hereditary acné, I inherited it from my mother (thaaanks again!). They used to be of the same kind you describe.
I'm 27 now and I can tell you that with age it does get better, in my case they have retreated into mainly blackheads (which is also annoying but harder to see). It started retreating between 22-25.

I can't say I would support your option to drug it away. I must admit it has driven me crazy too, because just like you, I have a pretty awesome face (and body) :hilarious:. There were plenty of occasions I was afraid my freaking white-with-red face was going to drive men away. But other people seemed to have higher esteem of me than I did. It's your choice, but knowing of all these side effects I'd keep "clean".

The doc once also told me to go see a dermatologist for treatment. Maybe you can ask one for advice.

 

[Hansgrohe]

Can I ask you about your diet? Have you eliminated gluten in the past for an extended period of time? Corn? These two are my major enemies and make my skin break out in horrible cysts

I understand your rant (I hate those people), but let it be known my acne is a lot closer to your's, with cysts.

Yes, I have gone gluten free (though not corn-free; in fact, some corn products are one of the few foods I can eat that my skin doesn't hate), and honestly I plan to keep it that way. However, the results aren't too much to get encouraged about (seriously, freakishly bad genetic acne from hell). Yes, I'll be an adult, and yeah, I really will keep a good care of my diet (I'll stay away from food that I'm sensitive too). I'm just kinda impatient, and I'm really not confident it'll help too much.

Honestly though, the depression, stigma, and the feeling of hopelessness isn't worth it for me. I feel comfortable in my decision, and I see it more as a double edged sword. Either I stay with it or I go through the issues the drugs bring for longer term results.

 

[KwanYingirl]

Have you ever considered Chinese medicine? Between the needle therapy. They often give you herbs to cleanse and purify the blood (in Cinese medicine , blood is more than the red stuff flowing through our arteries ) Accutane is super tricky and causes psychiatric problems. In my business, I can't treat a person until they've been off Accutane for FIVE years. That's some powerful drug there. There are options to help you that don't pose severe side effects

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'm glad you've experimented with changing your diet. I have no experience with Accutane, so I don't have any advice on that front. It may have to be something you try and see if it affects you? I know that as bad as my acne has been, that it could have been a lot worse. I'm fortunate in that I don't have a lot of scarring, and what little I do have I can easily cover up. Accutane is a pretty serious drug, but if you've tried everything else and nothing really works, then maybe you should give it a try?

PS It sucks how much society judges us by how we look! Ok, I think I've ranted enough in one thread so I'll stop while I'm ahead, LOL

 

[Hansgrohe]

Actually, Accutane probably isn't likely. My main problem is my upper body acne. My face is fine.

I think I'm just gonna let it clear up, adjust the diet (I talked about this), and maybe use some product.

 

[sun seeker]

I took it in my 20s. I had very persistent, embarrassing acne that did nothing for my already existing social anxiety, so I can understand your impatience to get rid of it.

It worked, for a while. I don't recall any side effects. (You have to be sure not to get pregnant while taking it - not a problem for you!)

The thing is though, it came back. It's been long enough I couldn't say how long it took, but it wasn't a long-term solution.

One concern I would have is, since Accutane is based on high-dose Vitamin A, that it might cause an imbalance in your levels of Vitamin D since they work together. Vitamin D is crucial for the immune system and all sorts of other things. On looking quickly on Google I see some articles on Accutane and Vitamin D - some recommend supplementing with Vitamin D while on Accutane and some don't. You might want to do some research before deciding. By the way, the second website that came up for me, with a title "Beneficial supplements while on Accutane" had a virus which my antivirus program fortunately deflected when I clicked on it, so watch out for that one!

I'll tell you what finally did work for my acne. Burdock root. I found a source of the organic root, dried (you could harvest it, but it would be a lot of work to get that much) and made a very strong tea by simmering a large handful in a pot of water for about 15 minutes, letting it sit for at least an hour, straining and drinking. It has a pleasant, slightly sweet nutty flavour. Do this once a day for as long as feels right. After about a month my acne was 90% better and has stayed gone except a slight flare once in a while. Worked for me!

 

[Hansgrohe]

And now I've returned to the forum. Sorry for my absence, internet bill wasn't payed on time but now isn't a problem for the time being.

I should mention my face (and body) has been clearing DRAMATICALLY since I've really made more of an effort. Literally, I've stopped breaking out, and I'm seeing my work. I could be clear by February.

One thing that has been an absolute GODSEND would be sourdough bread; the lack of gluten in it (and the fact that it's healthier than other forms of bread) has really helped me a lot. I'm able to eat bread without breaking out due to a gluten sensitivity.