How to Cope With the Side Effects of Accutane

Accutane is a prescription drug that is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other methods of treatment. The drawback for the medication is that it can cause severe side effects. Only those with scarring acne or infectious cystic or nodular acne should use it, and then only after trying other treatment options.

Instructions

1. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater while taking Accutane. The drug increases sensitivity to sunlight and you'll burn easily if you don't use protection.

2. Work out more often to increase neurotransmissions and hormonal production, to alleviate the lowered libido, an inability to concentrate, restlessness and social phobia some people experience while taking Accutane.

3. Change your diet. Increase the amount or protein, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc that you consume to offset side effects such as joint problems and dry skin.

4. Take a Selective Serotonine Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) if your symptoms do not respond to lifestyle changes. SSRIs have no proven persistent side effects, and many people report seeing an improvement in the Accutane side effects within 1 week of beginning the SSRI.

5. Talk to your doctor about the side effects if you can't find relief. He might prescribe drugs to raise your testosterone if you're a man. He also may prescribe a dopamine agonist or a MAO-inhibitor. Attend your monthly blood tests so that your doctor can monitor the level of red and white cells, liver toxicity and cholesterol level. Your doctor may take you off the medication if the blood tests indicate any dangerous side effects.

Tips & Warnings

• Accutane should not be taken by women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or who have unprotected sexual relations. Fetal death, malformation and serious side effects may occur. Use two forms of birth control while taking Accutane.

• Accutane can harm your liver. To minimize liver damage, don't consume alcohol while taking the drug.

• Accutane causes temporary thinning of the skin. Do not undergo facials, peels, waxing or scrub your skin too hard while taking this medication.