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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Klavot on March 17, 2007, at 8:21:03
Hi all
I believe there is some evidence that isotretinoin (Roaccutane) can cause depression. What about topical isotretinoin gel?
Klavot
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2007, at 9:35:48
In reply to Isotretinoin and depression, posted by Klavot on March 17, 2007, at 8:21:03
What's it for? Love Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on March 17, 2007, at 9:52:39
In reply to Re: Isotretinoin and depression » Klavot, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2007, at 9:35:48
Not sure. Is it absorbed into the bloodstream?
Linkadge
Posted by Klavot on March 17, 2007, at 12:10:30
In reply to Re: Isotretinoin and depression » Klavot, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2007, at 9:35:48
> What's it for? Love Phillipa
When I was younger I used topical isotretinoin for a while to treat acne. I'm just wondering if it might have contributed to my depression in the past.
Klavot
Posted by Klavot on March 17, 2007, at 12:20:39
In reply to Re: Isotretinoin and depression, posted by linkadge on March 17, 2007, at 9:52:39
> Not sure. Is it absorbed into the bloodstream?
>
> LinkadgeI'm not sure. The side-effects and contra-indications profile of topical isotretinoin is far more benign than that of oral isotretinoin, so presumably the blood absorption is not as great.
I see that oral isotretinoin is now *strictly* contra-indicated in pregnant women owing to the fact that it is a teratogen. In the US, only dermatologists may prescribe it, and only once the FDA has cleared it through their iPLEDGE system.
Klavot
Posted by Declan on March 18, 2007, at 3:28:05
In reply to Isotretinoin and depression, posted by Klavot on March 17, 2007, at 8:21:03
From the LEF protocol on acne.
Topical retinoids (e.g., Retin-A®, or tretinoin) are available as creams, gels, and solutions. Retinoids are naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that are chemically similar to vitamin A (retinol), which is necessary for skin growth, differentiation, and maintenance. Mild acne responds well to tretinoin, which acts on oil glands and reduces clogged pores. Further, long-term use of tretinoin increases collagen synthesis and the shedding of dead skin, and can produce a more even skin tone. Side effects include burning, stinging, itching, peeling, scaling, dryness, tightness, and reddened skin, sensations which are most noticeable with solutions and least with gels. Topical retinoids are sometimes used with antibiotics; combination therapy is faster acting and less irritating than single therapies (Weiss JS et al 2004).
The retinoid Tazorac® (tazarotene) is available in gel and cream and often used along with a topical antibiotic. It is more effective than tretinoin and Accutane® (isotretinoin) (Guenther LC 2003). Yet another topical medication is adapalene, a “designer” topical retinoid agent that acts rapidly, but has been found to be less effective than tazarotene in a comparison study (Webster GF et al 2002).
Posted by Ines on March 18, 2007, at 4:02:53
In reply to Isotretinoin and depression, posted by Klavot on March 17, 2007, at 8:21:03
Hello Klavot,
I took roaccutane whilst going through a terrible depression a few years back. There wasn't much choice, because I got a horrendous attack of acne that was leaving bad scars. I didn't notice any worsening of the depression with roaccutane, but then I was taking a low dose, only took it for 4 or 5 months, and was on an anti depressant at the same time. Also, the acne was so bad that it was contributing to me feeling even worse on top of the depression, and I was so relieved when it got better that I may have a somewhat biased opinion. I have heard of someone who became depressed whilst on roaccutane and thought the meds could have been the culprit.
Posted by Quintal on March 18, 2007, at 7:44:47
In reply to Re: Isotretinoin and depression, posted by Ines on March 18, 2007, at 4:02:53
I used a topical solution called Aknemycin Plus that contains tretinoin and erythromycin for a few years and was taking antidepressants all through that time, so it's hard to tell if it was affecting my mood. I don't think it's absorbed in amounts significant enough to cause systemic effects unless you're accidentally swallowing it somehow.
This is the end of the thread.
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