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Should I stop taking Accutane?

I've dealt with horrible acne for 8 years. Cystic, nodular, blackheads... every single type there is, over my back, shoulders, chest, and face. I've tried everything, even things from abroad & experimental... Nothing worked. A month and 6 days ago, I started taking Accutane. I did 20mg for the first month, & as soon as I switched to 40mg I started clearing up quickly. My back is scarred, with some blackheads and pimples under the skin... but it's better than it's been in years.

However... I seem to be getting every side effect from Accutane that is possible. Even the serious ones. I'm not properly depressed, but I'm sad and I cry a lot. I had anxiety disorder before taking this, and Accutane has made it a hundred times worse. I'm tired all the time. I'll sleep for 16 hours and still be knackered. I have no appetite, and food sickens me - yesterday all I ate was a granola bar and a few cups of water. I can't concentrate on anything, I get dizzy and lightheaded, and I get tired within an hour of being out of the house. I have had irritable bowel type symptoms, such as abdominal pain and irregular stool. A few times I've had ringing in my ears. I'm constantly overcome with fatigue and I feel so weak and sickly. I have back pain so bad that it reduces me to tears to change from a sitting to lying position, and I can't stand up straight. As well, my hair is falling out. I had luxurious, thick hair before... the one thing I liked about my appearance. Now it's shedding like mad. 80 strands fell out while sitting on the couch watching The Mighty Boosh last night. I don't want to be bald... I know for some it's temporary, but I seem to get the sh*ttest possible luck when it comes to EVERYTHING, so knowing me I'll be bald forever.

What am I supposed to do? I'm a 16 year old girl and this drug is killing me... But it's my last hope, and it's working incredibly. I'm so conflicted.

2 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    I have been on for about 2 months... works great I dont have any problems any more... I have a couple of incedents of not being able to go get my prescription refilled for a while.. no backsliding.. no worries.. but I did read online under a section regarding safe sex that the medication is out of you body in around 9 days

  • 9 years ago

    Yes, stop taking this drug immediately and notify your doctor of the side effects. You are being particularly hard-hit by them--the irritable bowel ones are the most dangerous, because Accutane can cause PERMANENT bowel problems that can lead to more severe complications. Get back to your physician, pharmacist or someone--NOW.

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