Accutane and acne. Two very different words which are now synonymous for trouble. What exactly is Accutane? How does it work and what exactly are the risks involved? Great questions which everyone should be asking themselves when deciding which acne treatment is best to use personally.
Accutane was developed by the pharmaceutical maker Hoffman-La Roche and came on the scene with FDA approval back in 1982. It wasn’t even a year later that the first reports of attempted suicide by those taking Accutane surfaced. In 1984 the first reported suicide associate with the drug made national news. The acne medication is also know as Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret. This acne medicine is quite simply a form of vitamin A. Although the actual mechanisms of exactly how this drug works is not well known, it does appear to limit the amount of oil produced and actually shrinks the sebaceous glands themselves. This helps speed up the renewal action of your skin.
The hot debate over Accutane and depression has been known now for over 25 years. There have been numerous studies on both sides of the fence as to whether depression does occur when taking this medication. It appears that recent research has provided an answer as to why Accutane does cause depression and even aggressive behavior. Studies indicate that the use of Accutane reduces the levels of serotonin in the brain thereby bringing on these undesirable side effects. Researchers from both Bath University in Great Britain and the University of Texas in Austin have revealed their findings on a battery of tests conducted on mice. They found the mice behaving in a similar manner to depression as those of their human counterparts. After monitoring the effects that Accutane had on cells cultured in a lab, researchers say there appears to be a disruption in the way serotonin relays signals to neurons in the brain. Acting as a chemical messenger, serotonin relays nerve signals between different cells and cells that cause the blood vessels to constrict. Low levels of serotonin in the brain can be mood altering which can lead to depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
The FDA required La Roche to include in it’s packaging suicide warnings after mounting evidence forced their hand in 1999. Various reports indicate that La Roche new serious problems existed long before that but made the decision not to include warnings until directed by the FDA.
Further research indicates that depression and psychological disorders are not the only worry with this drug. It is known that this medication in known to potentially cause severe birth defects in unborn children whose mothers take it for one reason or another. Even as little as one dose can cause defects in the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, brain and skull of the child. Because of this danger this drug is only available under the Ipledge special program. Woman of child bearing age must agree in writing to be using at least 2 approved methods of birth control and to undergo regular pregnancy testing before, during and after taking this drug. Only women who have had total hysterectomies or have been in menopause for at least one year are exempt from the child bearing age rules.
Other sides effects are actually to numerous to list in this short article but it is essential that you be aware that this drug also presents problems with weakening of the bones. You must be careful if you are participating in aggressive sporting activities. Do not donate blood for at least 30 after taking Accutane as this may contaminate the blood supply to pregnant women. Avoid any laser treatments or dermabrasion while taking this drug. It may induce scarring. There are many more side effects that could be potentially hazardous.
In general, Accutane is usually only prescribed in severe cases of acne only after other methods have failed. There are many people who have used this drug successfully without many of the known side effects. You may be one who can take this and have a good outcome in your fight against acne. Making yourself aware of the possible side effects empowers you to take action if you suspect any negative reactions. As always, thoroughly discuss your past medical history with your physician before taking any medications. Visit my website for more on this drug and other medications that I review regularly. You can win the war of suppression of acne by knowing all the different avenues available to you.
Copyright: 2008 Acne Medicine Man All Rights Reserved
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