Disclaimer: The following post is purely my experience using Accutane and is in no way an endorsement or professional medical advice. I am not affiliated with Accutane in any commerical or professional capacity. Please talk to your doctor should you have questions/concerns about Accutane.
As a way to track this journey of sorts I am going to be chronicling my experience as I try to get rid of this freakin' acne.
1. Skin Drying: I do not exaggerate when I say that not 24 hours after taking my first pill my lips started to chap. I combatted the stinging dryness by proactively and almost obsessively applying lip gloss. My doctor said that chap stick isn't as effective because when you drag the chap stick over your lips to apply it can cause the skin to tear. So thankfully my lips haven't cracked because of the gloss but wow, they are tight and dry. My face is starting to feel tighter after washing it and it kinda stings if I don't moisturize it. But other than that it is ok. I also have making sure to stay hydrated and I think that is helping.
2. Drowsiness: This level at which this medication has zapped my energy has taken me by surprise. Usually, I wake up easily and only get tired towards the end of the day. I would never drink coffee because I just wouldn't need it. Since taking Accutane I have become so tired all the darn time! I find myself yawning with a frequency that rivals Frank, daydreaming about crawling into bed at night and sneaking in a nap or two during the day. I have even had two cups of coffee. I neeeever drink coffee, but I was desperate!
3. Weird-ass dreams!
I know, I know, the title of this section is ghetto as all get out but I truly can't find a more appropriate way to put it. Usually I remember about 30% of my dreams and for the most part they are pretty average dreams about stuff that actually happens in real life. Since starting Accutane I have had some of the weirdest/most stressful dreams ever. Just some of the dreams include having, ahem, a "lady doctor visit" in the waiting room in front of other patients, being chased by thugs and almost falling out of a window that was 25 stories up! I mean holy panic attack right?!
4. Acne getting worse before it gets better
So far (and I say this with the extreame hope that I am not jinxing anything here) but my break outs haven't been any worse than normal. There have been patches of break outs here and there but much to my chagrin that is normal for my skin these days.
So far that is experience with the Accutane, I hope it is helpful for someone out there :)
6 comments:
keep us updated on the progress!
Thanks for giving us an update, I have been wondering how accutane is working for you... I am having a big problem w/ acne and am currently using birth control and 2 different meds that my derm prescribed. We are giving it another month and then will probably look at going on Accutane, which freaks me out... but if it works, it will be worth it. I have heard that there is a side effect of depression, though, which concerns me. I guess I will cross that bridge if/when I get to it.
I hope it works wonders for you! Dealing with acne is just awful. :(
My friends who used Accutane in college used Aquaphor on their lips. They swore by it! You can get it at any drug store if the gloss stops working. Good luck!
Here's a page that lists Accutane's dangerous side effects, both external and internal, as well other brand names for it and why lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Accutane. http://www.best-mens-skin-care.com/Accutane-side-effects.html
I had all those same experiences! I'm having flashbacks! And YES on Aquaphor it is your best friend. I still use it as "lip gloss" and I've been off Accutane for 7 years. I did it twice once in college and again at 24 years old....the second time wasn't really necessary but I have been exceptionally clear since then. I had back and chest acne which was completely clear after Accutane. I have the occasional pimple still on ky face but no big deal. I would do it again in a heart beat. I had no negative side effects and have had 2 healthy children since then.
OH PLEASE, Oh please, be informed of the possible side effect of Krone's disease!! It is a bowel disorder than CAN result from the use of Accutane. Do good research on it and in-tune to your bowels!! Krone's Disease is a VERY debilitating disorder that will never go away.
Post a Comment