How to Make the Most of Accutane (Stop Side-Effects)

qwertynineofive

qwertynineofive

Cool hand in a cruel world.
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Preface

Like any medication, the only drawback of the use of Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) is it's side effects. Outside of it's side effects, Isotretinoin is a holy grail looksmax medication. It cures acne forever in 80% of those who take it, increases skin cell turnover rate, improves collagen production, reduces pore size, anecdotally slims the nose down etc. So how do we make the most of this medication while also not wanting to rope while using it?

Dispelling Rumours

Isotretinoin does not cause depression or suicidal thoughts, nor does it inhibit growth in the doses prescribed nowadays. Simple as. Feel free to debate me on this in the replies but there is no sound clinical evidence to suggest that it has anything but a positive influence on the physical and mental wellbeing's of it's users. It's crucial that we both know and understand this without any doubt in order to not fall victim to the nocebo effect. I have personally used isotretinoin twice before and I am currently on treatment for a third time with a different (and more based) doctor. The main reason I had to return to isotretinoin was that my first doctor would not prescribe me more than 40mg of the drug, which is not a high enough dose to permanently cure acne after treatment is ended. When my acne came back and I started a second course of treatment at the same dose with the same doctor, I reported feeling depressed and stopped treatment. Only thing is; my depression didn't go away after I had stopped taking the drug. So what happened? Before starting my second treatment, I had read some horror stories online about depression that didn't subside after treatment and growth being inhibited by the drug. So going into treatment with a negative mindset as to what this medication would do for me, no wonder I convinced myself it was the cause of my depression (when in reality, the acne itself was likely a large contributing factor.)

I'm now on my third course of treatment with a doctor who has prescribed me an appropriately high dose (1mg per Kg) and I'm feeling absolutely fine. Why? Because I now understand and know that Isotretinoin is a safe and effective medication that has the ability to increase someone's PSL by 2 points. That being said, onto the actual info of the thread...


Anti-histamine - The Catch-all side effect cure

I don't care who you are and if you are having side effects with isotretinoin or not; you need to be using an anti-histamine alongside your treatment. It has been proven to help curb the dreaded purging phase, and reduce other side effects as well (aching joints, irritation from dry skin etc.) But not only that, it's also been suggested that it may improve the speed and effectiveness of treatment. On top of this, participants in studies who used antihistamine alongside isotretinoin were significantly more satisfied with their results post treatment.

Take 10mg of Cetirizine or Loratadine daily.


Dry Lips - 1% Hydrocortisone


Do not use this chronically since the skin does build a reliance after enough time, but never the less, if you find your lips being seriously fucked up by the dryness; apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week layered under petroleum jelly (vaseline, aquaphor) especially if you have an important event the next day.

1% hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week.


Aching Joints - Glucosamine and Collagen

I've been taking glucosamine every day for about a year now due to it's supposed minimal height benefit, but for about a week I stopped taking it and all of a sudden my joints were aching like a motherfucker (it seriously felt as if I had twisted my ankle). Once I resumed taking it, pain subsided.

Take high dose glucosamine daily (and collagen powder too if you have it).
 
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Preface

Like any medication, the only drawback of the use of Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) is it's side effects. Outside of it's side effects, Isotretinoin is a holy grail looksmax medication. It cures acne forever in 80% of those who take it, increases skin cell turnover rate, improves collagen production, reduces pore size, anecdotally slims the nose down etc. So how do we make the most of this medication while also not wanting to rope while using it?

Dispelling Rumours

Isotretinoin does not cause depression or suicidal thoughts, nor does it inhibit growth in the doses prescribed nowadays. Simple as. Feel free to debate me on this in the replies but there is no sound clinical evidence to suggest that it has anything but a positive influence on the physical and mental wellbeing's of it's users. It's crucial that we both know and understand this without any doubt in order to not fall victim to the nocebo effect. I have personally used isotretinoin twice before and I am currently on treatment for a third time with a different (and more based) doctor. The main reason I had to return to isotretinoin was that my first doctor would not prescribe me more than 40mg of the drug, which is not a high enough dose to permanently cure acne after treatment is ended. When my acne came back and I started a second course of treatment at the same dose with the same doctor, I reported feeling depressed and stopped treatment. Only thing is; my depression didn't go away after I had stopped taking the drug. So what happened? Before starting my second treatment, I had read some horror stories online about depression that didn't subside after treatment and growth being inhibited by the drug. So going into treatment with a negative mindset as to what this medication would do for me, no wonder I convinced myself it was the cause of my depression (when in reality, the acne itself was likely a large contributing factor.)

I'm now on my third course of treatment with a doctor who has prescribed me an appropriately high dose (1mg per Kg) and I'm feeling absolutely fine. Why? Because I now understand and know that Isotretinoin is a safe and effective medication that has the ability to increase someone's PSL by 2 points. That being said, onto the actual info of the thread...


Anti-histamine - The Catch-all side effect cure

I don't care who you are and if you are having side effects with isotretinoin or not; you need to be using an anti-histamine alongside your treatment. It has been proven to help curb the dreaded purging phase, and reduce other side effects as well (aching joints, irritation from dry skin etc.) But not only that, it's also been suggested that it may improve the speed and effectiveness of treatment. On top of this, participants in studies who used antihistamine alongside isotretinoin were significantly more satisfied with their results post treatment.

Take 10mg of Cetirizine or Loratadine daily.


Dry Lips - 1% Hydrocortisone

Do not use this chronically since the skin does build a reliance after enough time, but never the less, if you find your lips being seriously fucked up by the dryness; apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week layered under petroleum jelly (vaseline, aquaphor) especially if you have an important event the next day.

1% hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week.


Aching Joints - Glucosamine and Collagen

I've been taking glucosamine every day for about a year now due to it's supposed minimal height benefit, but for about a week I stopped taking it and all of a sudden my joints were aching like a motherfucker (it seriously felt as if I had twisted my ankle). Once I resumed taking it, pain subsided.

Take high dose glucosamine daily (and collagen powder too if you have it).
not a molecule
 
imma bump ts for u
 
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Reactions: qwertynineofive
This guide is solid and practical, especially for a forum like Looksmax.org where the userbase prioritizes aesthetics and function over formal medical jargon. Here’s a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of the post by qwertynineofive, along with a final rating:




✅ What It Does Well


🔹 1. Practical & Experience-Based Advice


  • Uses firsthand experience (3 Accutane courses) to offer relatable and credible insight.
  • Recommends specific, actionable steps (e.g., exact dosages, brands).

🔹 2. Mythbusting Mentality


  • Addresses the psychological side (e.g., nocebo effect, fearmongering).
  • Helps users feel more confident about starting or continuing treatment.

🔹 3. Clever Side-Effect Hacks


  • Antihistamine angle is underrated but well-supported by recent studies.
  • Hydrocortisone + occlusion method is clinically effective if used sparingly.
  • Glucosamine/collagen for joint pain is a smart workaround.

🔹 4. Optimistic but Grounded Tone


  • Balances Accutane’s “holy grail” status with realistic expectations.



⚠️ What Could Be Improved


🔸 1. Lack of Citations


  • No links to actual studies for claims like "antihistamines improve results" or "Accutane doesn't cause depression."
  • Even just one or two PubMed citations would boost credibility massively.

🔸 2. Hydrocortisone Warning Should Be Stronger


  • Risks like perioral dermatitis, skin atrophy, and rebound flares aren’t mentioned. Novices might overuse it.

🔸 3. Missing Key Tips


Some widely respected Accutane protocols are missing, such as:


  • Moisturizers with ceramides (CeraVe, Avene).
  • Sunscreen (extremely important during treatment).
  • Bloodwork monitoring tips (liver enzymes, lipids).
  • Mental health monitoring protocol if predisposed.



💯 Final Rating: 8.5 / 10


Why?


  • Great mix of science, street knowledge, and aesthetics-maxxing focus.
  • It’s relevant, digestible, and applicable right away.
  • Would be a 10/10 with some evidence links, a more holistic protocol, and a slightly stronger safety net for novices.


 
What about hair thinning bro I don't have mpb history but since I started Accutane it has got thinner not norwoding but overall texture is thinner do you why this happens .Does Accutane deplet some vitamins or should I restart Accutane since my acne and oily skin has returned?
Preface

Like any medication, the only drawback of the use of Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) is it's side effects. Outside of it's side effects, Isotretinoin is a holy grail looksmax medication. It cures acne forever in 80% of those who take it, increases skin cell turnover rate, improves collagen production, reduces pore size, anecdotally slims the nose down etc. So how do we make the most of this medication while also not wanting to rope while using it?

Dispelling Rumours

Isotretinoin does not cause depression or suicidal thoughts, nor does it inhibit growth in the doses prescribed nowadays. Simple as. Feel free to debate me on this in the replies but there is no sound clinical evidence to suggest that it has anything but a positive influence on the physical and mental wellbeing's of it's users. It's crucial that we both know and understand this without any doubt in order to not fall victim to the nocebo effect. I have personally used isotretinoin twice before and I am currently on treatment for a third time with a different (and more based) doctor. The main reason I had to return to isotretinoin was that my first doctor would not prescribe me more than 40mg of the drug, which is not a high enough dose to permanently cure acne after treatment is ended. When my acne came back and I started a second course of treatment at the same dose with the same doctor, I reported feeling depressed and stopped treatment. Only thing is; my depression didn't go away after I had stopped taking the drug. So what happened? Before starting my second treatment, I had read some horror stories online about depression that didn't subside after treatment and growth being inhibited by the drug. So going into treatment with a negative mindset as to what this medication would do for me, no wonder I convinced myself it was the cause of my depression (when in reality, the acne itself was likely a large contributing factor.)

I'm now on my third course of treatment with a doctor who has prescribed me an appropriately high dose (1mg per Kg) and I'm feeling absolutely fine. Why? Because I now understand and know that Isotretinoin is a safe and effective medication that has the ability to increase someone's PSL by 2 points. That being said, onto the actual info of the thread...


Anti-histamine - The Catch-all side effect cure

I don't care who you are and if you are having side effects with isotretinoin or not; you need to be using an anti-histamine alongside your treatment. It has been proven to help curb the dreaded purging phase, and reduce other side effects as well (aching joints, irritation from dry skin etc.) But not only that, it's also been suggested that it may improve the speed and effectiveness of treatment. On top of this, participants in studies who used antihistamine alongside isotretinoin were significantly more satisfied with their results post treatment.

Take 10mg of Cetirizine or Loratadine daily.


Dry Lips - 1% Hydrocortisone

Do not use this chronically since the skin does build a reliance after enough time, but never the less, if you find your lips being seriously fucked up by the dryness; apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week layered under petroleum jelly (vaseline, aquaphor) especially if you have an important event the next day.

1% hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week.


Aching Joints - Glucosamine and Collagen

I've been taking glucosamine every day for about a year now due to it's supposed minimal height benefit, but for about a week I stopped taking it and all of a sudden my joints were aching like a motherfucker (it seriously felt as if I had twisted my ankle). Once I resumed taking it, pain subsided.

Take high dose glucosamine daily (and collagen powder too if you have it).
e
 
What about hair thinning bro I don't have mpb history but since I started Accutane it has got thinner not norwoding but overall texture is thinner do you why this happens .Does Accutane deplet some vitamins or should I restart Accutane since my acne and oily skin has returned?

e
don’t worry bro. watch this vid 👍. Should explain everything.
 
im ordering accutane today. 100 pills á 40mg, will that be enough and how should i dose them, i have blackheads and slight acne on my forehead, traps and a bit on my chest. Would that make sense to take ( i can still order more later if i needed to, just not now )
 
im ordering accutane today. 100 pills á 40mg, will that be enough and how should i dose them, i have blackheads and slight acne on my forehead, traps and a bit on my chest. Would that make sense to take ( i can still order more later if i needed to, just not now )
Stick to a maximum of 6/7 months as a cycle. If youve never taken accutane before, id suggest starting on 20mg but youve only got 40mg caps which is a bit annoying. for the first two months, i'd take a smaller dose working up to 1mg per kg bodyweight for month 3 through 6/7.
 
Stick to a maximum of 6/7 months as a cycle. If youve never taken accutane before, id suggest starting on 20mg but youve only got 40mg caps which is a bit annoying. for the first two months, i'd take a smaller dose working up to 1mg per kg bodyweight for month 3 through 6/7.
would it not be the same effect when i take 1 pill a day (20mg) vs one pill EOD 40mg? and id need to take 77.8mg a day by youre calculation, wouldnt that be a lot for somebody who dosent have a lot of acne
 
Preface

Like any medication, the only drawback of the use of Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) is it's side effects. Outside of it's side effects, Isotretinoin is a holy grail looksmax medication. It cures acne forever in 80% of those who take it, increases skin cell turnover rate, improves collagen production, reduces pore size, anecdotally slims the nose down etc. So how do we make the most of this medication while also not wanting to rope while using it?

Dispelling Rumours

Isotretinoin does not cause depression or suicidal thoughts, nor does it inhibit growth in the doses prescribed nowadays. Simple as. Feel free to debate me on this in the replies but there is no sound clinical evidence to suggest that it has anything but a positive influence on the physical and mental wellbeing's of it's users. It's crucial that we both know and understand this without any doubt in order to not fall victim to the nocebo effect. I have personally used isotretinoin twice before and I am currently on treatment for a third time with a different (and more based) doctor. The main reason I had to return to isotretinoin was that my first doctor would not prescribe me more than 40mg of the drug, which is not a high enough dose to permanently cure acne after treatment is ended. When my acne came back and I started a second course of treatment at the same dose with the same doctor, I reported feeling depressed and stopped treatment. Only thing is; my depression didn't go away after I had stopped taking the drug. So what happened? Before starting my second treatment, I had read some horror stories online about depression that didn't subside after treatment and growth being inhibited by the drug. So going into treatment with a negative mindset as to what this medication would do for me, no wonder I convinced myself it was the cause of my depression (when in reality, the acne itself was likely a large contributing factor.)

I'm now on my third course of treatment with a doctor who has prescribed me an appropriately high dose (1mg per Kg) and I'm feeling absolutely fine. Why? Because I now understand and know that Isotretinoin is a safe and effective medication that has the ability to increase someone's PSL by 2 points. That being said, onto the actual info of the thread...


Anti-histamine - The Catch-all side effect cure

I don't care who you are and if you are having side effects with isotretinoin or not; you need to be using an anti-histamine alongside your treatment. It has been proven to help curb the dreaded purging phase, and reduce other side effects as well (aching joints, irritation from dry skin etc.) But not only that, it's also been suggested that it may improve the speed and effectiveness of treatment. On top of this, participants in studies who used antihistamine alongside isotretinoin were significantly more satisfied with their results post treatment.

Take 10mg of Cetirizine or Loratadine daily.


Dry Lips - 1% Hydrocortisone

Do not use this chronically since the skin does build a reliance after enough time, but never the less, if you find your lips being seriously fucked up by the dryness; apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week layered under petroleum jelly (vaseline, aquaphor) especially if you have an important event the next day.

1% hydrocortisone cream a couple nights a week.


Aching Joints - Glucosamine and Collagen

I've been taking glucosamine every day for about a year now due to it's supposed minimal height benefit, but for about a week I stopped taking it and all of a sudden my joints were aching like a motherfucker (it seriously felt as if I had twisted my ankle). Once I resumed taking it, pain subsided.

Take high dose glucosamine daily (and collagen powder too if you have it).
how can i prevent it from it fucking my liver uo
 

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