Is Accutane Addictive? How Dangerous Is It?

What is Accutane?

Accutane, the brand name for isotretinoin, is a medication used to treat severe nodular acne. It is typically reserved for people who have failed other therapies, treatments, and medications for acne. Accutane has been prescribed to over two million people to treat severe acne.¹

Accutane is available in 10, 20, and 40 milligram (mg) soft gel capsules taken orally. The dose is typically 0.5 to 1 mg daily per kilogram (kg) of your body weight. 

It is also important to take the drug with food to increase its absorption into the body. Doses are given twice daily over 15 to 20 weeks, and most people are in complete remission.⁵

How Does Accutane Work?

Accutane is a retinoid, similar to retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A), that helps treat many skin conditions. Accutane works by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and keratinization, preventing acne formation.⁵ 

Acne develops when sebaceous glands produce too much sebum in the skin, which consists of: 

• Oils
• Wax
• Cholesterol

Risks of Accutane

Accutane has mental and physical risks. Because of this, you’ll need to sign up for the iPLEDGE program to receive the medication. iPLEDGE is an online patient monitoring system created to help prevent fetal exposure to the drug.³

The risks of Accutane include:

Pregnancy Risk of Accutane

Accutane can cause severe birth defects. So you don’t take it if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You must meet several requirements to receive an Accutane prescription if you have reproductive potential.³

These include:

• Two methods of contraceptives used one month before, during, and after Accutane use
• Two pregnancy tests with negative test results

Each month of use, you must have a negative pregnancy test to continue receiving the prescription.

Birth Defects Caused by Accutane

Serious birth defects can occur if using Accutane while pregnant.

Documented cases include:³

• Skull abnormalities
• Eye abnormalities
• Central nervous system abnormalities

• Thymus gland abnormality
• Parathyroid hormone deficiencies
• Cardiovascular abnormalities

In some cases, these abnormalities have resulted in death and miscarriages. There is also an increased risk of premature birth.

Mental Risks of Accutane

Before beginning treatment, discuss any prior mental health history with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any mental health symptoms during therapy.

Accutane may cause:^5,7 

• Psychosis
• Depression 
• Suicide attempts & suicidal ideation in rare cases
• Aggressive or violent behaviors

Signs of depression to be aware of while taking Accutane include:^5,7

Side Effects of Accutane

Many side effects can occur while taking Accutane.

The more common and less severe include:⁵

• Skin rash
• Bone or joint pain or broken bones
• Dry lips, mouth, and skin
• Nosebleeds
• Redness, itching, or burning of the eyes

Sponsored

Online Therapy Can Help

Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:

• Professional and effective
• Affordable and convenient
• Personalized and discreet
• Easy to start

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Severe Side Effects of Accutane

More serious side effects that can occur while taking Accutane include:^5,7

Stomach Problems

Stomach problems and organ damage can occur from using Accutane. These include:^5,7

• Damage to the liver, pancreas, intestines, and esophagus
• Acute pancreatitis
• Severe abdominal pain
• Chills 
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation

Vision and Hearing Problems

Accutane may affect your ability to see in the dark. It may also cause dry eyes, making wearing contacts difficult. 

You may experience ringing in your ears and worse hearing. If this happens, contact your doctor.

Blood Sugar and Lipid Problems

Accutane can affect sugar and lipid levels in your blood. The drug might affect you more if you have diabetes. During therapy, doctors will need to monitor your blood sugar levels, fats, and cholesterol. 

Allergic Reactions

If you’re allergic to food dyes, talk to your doctor. You may react negatively to the drug if you’re allergic to its components. 

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you develop:^5,7

• A swollen face
• Hives
• Breathing difficulties

Skin Sensitivity

It’s important to wear sunscreen regularly to ensure Accutane is working properly. During the first two to three weeks of treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to damage from: 

• The sun
• Wind
• Cold weather

Avoid exposing your skin to the sun by wearing protective clothing and hats.

Drug Interactions

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition in which the pressure around your brain increases. This can occur if you take Accutane with the antibiotic tetracycline.

Speak with your doctor if you develop these symptoms:^5,7

• Headache
• Papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances

It can also interact with other drugs and change how the medication works. This includes:⁷

• Vitamin A
• Low-dose progesterone-only birth control pills (mini-pills) preparations
• Combination of St. John’s Wort and birth control
• Phenytoin
• Steroid medications taken by mouth or as an injection

Alcohol Interaction

You should avoid drinking or minimize your alcohol intake while taking Accutane. This is because there's a risk of damage to your liver, and your cholesterol levels will increase.⁶

Sponsored

Get Professional Help

BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Is Accutane Addictive?

Accutane is not known to be addictive, nor does it have any recognized potential for abuse. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and alternate options that may be available.²

Summary

Accutane, the brand name for isotretinoin, is a medication used to treat severe nodular acne. It’s typically used to treat severe acne for people who have tried other medications but failed. 

Accutane has mental and physical risks, most notably the potential birth defects for pregnant women. It can also interact with other drugs and alcohol, which can weaken its effects or cause organ damage.

Accutane has side effects that range from mild to severe. Fortunately, the drug is not addictive.

Sponsored

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started