What are the risks of taking high-dosage Accutane?

[Deleted member 5927]

Here's the deal.

I live in a very poor family and my parents don't care about me and I have no friends and I'm covered in acne. I am extremely depressed day to day, pretty much suicidal as soon as I wake up. I can greatly improved my quality of life by entering the military, and I will be joining the air force in the next coming months.

I am already sworn into the US Air Force and signed a 4 year contract.

I will be taking accutane without the knowledge of my recruiter before hand though, as my acne is absolutely brutal and I have huge, noticable pores, and very, extremely oily skin. Yes I am subhuman.

So the question is, what are the risks of running high dosage accutane? I will be taking 30mg from my dermatologist, as he thought it was necessary, but I lied to him and told him I would stick around for the full 6 month course of accutane. I also had already ordered some from expressPCT, about 7 boxes of 20mg worth coming in the next 2 weeks.

So I will take either low dose or high dose and I have about 2-4 months before I leave, I don't actually know how long I have.

I honestly don't give a fuck if I get back pain I just need to cure this acne, it's casting me deep into depression even farther than I already am.

Please help.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

I've read alot of medical accutane studies, probaly more than anyone on this forum. From what I've read, both low and high dosage accutane will treat the acne in the same amount of time, although the high dosage has a less chance of remission. Running high dosage guarantees worse side effects. I recall one study that read 1.0mg/kg has a 33% chance of hairloss, whereas <.5mg/kg has very little chance of hairloss, among other side effects.

I'd honestly recommend you stick with the low dose, especially since you won't be able to complete the treatment before your bootcamp. Just take the 30mg a day so you won't be oily during bootcamp, then resume or restart treatment after the bootcamp tbh.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

I want to add that taking a high dosage before bootcamp is not smart, the joint pain/sun sensitivity associated with high dosage would not be smart

 

[jordanbarrettisgod]

first 2 months it gets worse b4 it gets better
3rd month+ it should start to clear and it cleared pretty fast 4 me

side effects for me was extreme dry skin
i got rashes over my body more than joint pain
also my hair was falling out a good amount but once i buzzed it it wasn’t as drastic
nose bleeds as well
just make sure to always wear sunscreen even if laying around and use a heavy moisturizer day and night
NEVER drink alcohol especially if u aren’t getting blood tests done bc u can really fuck up ur body
all i can think of atm

 

[Deleted member 5927]

I've read alot of medical accutane studies, probaly more than anyone on this forum. From what I've read, both low and high dosage accutane will treat the acne in the same amount of time, although the high dosage has a less chance of remission. Running high dosage guarantees worse side effects. I recall one study that read 1.0mg/kg has a 33% chance of hairloss, whereas <.5mg/kg has very little chance of hairloss, among other side effects.

I'd honestly recommend you stick with the low dose, especially since you won't be able to complete the treatment before your bootcamp. Just take the 30mg a day so you won't be oily during bootcamp, then resume or restart treatment after the bootcamp tbh.

Lifefuel

Thanks bro, and yes bootcamp/basic training lasts like 2 months then at tech school I can continue it. I won't take my special indian shit I'll keep that for afterwards and just take the prescription stuff from my derm. Hopefully everything works out. Also I need to STOP taking it like 2-3 weeks before I leave just so I don't have super dry lips during the physical before I leave. I could get disqualified right then and there if I am. Also I'm going to be in the sun in Texas during bootcamp so hopefully I don't fry too badly. I'm half asian though so I really don't burn at all normally. Hopefully it's the same on accutane.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

And for future notice, completely ditch the derm. Just self prescribe it, the derm is useless and they will likely know less about the drug than you (just read studies on it).

 

[Deleted member 5927]

And for future notice, completely ditch the derm. Just self prescribe it, the derm is useless and they will likely know less about the drug than you (just read studies on it).

Yes I just went to him once again just to get me accutane faster because I was in a frenzy getting SUPER anxiety just because of my acne. That's why I went to him, I was thinking I could get accutane the next day and speed the process up. But he told me it would take like a month to get it and it's already been like 2 weeks so it looks like both my indian expressPCT shit and my derm accutane are both gonna take the same amount of time.

At least I know I'm going to get it, that's what's keeping me motivated and not suicidal atm.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

Yes I just went to him once again just to get me accutane faster because I was in a frenzy getting SUPER anxiety just because of my acne. That's why I went to him, I was thinking I could get accutane the next day and speed the process up. But he told me it would take like a month to get it and it's already been like 2 weeks so it looks like both my indian expressPCT shit and my derm accutane are both gonna take the same amount of time.

At least I know I'm going to get it, that's what's keeping me motivated and not suicidal atm.

I wish I was insecure about my acne to begin with, accutane would have been serious lifefuel. Obviously it is much better to not have acne but I wish my parents would have used the money to order a bimax for me

Not to mention I'm getting moderate hair loss from this drug, but it will defilently be worth it for you no doubt

 

[Deleted member 5927]

I wish I was insecure about my acne to begin with, accutane would have been serious lifefuel. Obviously it is much better to not have acne but I wish my parents would have used the money to order a bimax for me

Not to mention I'm getting moderate hair loss from this drug, but it will defilently be worth it for you no doubt

You got any idea how long the side effects last after you take it? That way I know when to quit taking it.

Honestly I don't give a fuck about ruining my collagen (from the sun while having accutane still Imy system) my skin is already raped with tons of scarring, large pores, and my collagen is zero so it doesn't matter anymore. I just need clear skin, of course I don't want to do more damage than necessary but I kinda need both accutane and a job so I'm going to have to sacrifice something here.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

You got any idea how long the side effects last after you take it? That way I know when to quit taking it.

Honestly I don't give a fuck about ruining my collagen (from the sun while having accutane still Imy system) my skin is already raped with tons of scarring, large pores, and my collagen is zero so it doesn't matter anymore. I just need clear skin, of course I don't want to do more damage than necessary but I kinda need both accutane and a job so I'm going to have to sacrifice something here.

Hairloss occurs month 3-4 due to hair cycle resest, and it lasts about 2 months after treatment. As for most other side effects, they go away immidiatly after treatment. Most of the suicides from accutane are actually because people get erectile dysfunction from this drug, so watch out for that. That's why it's better to stick to 30mg a day so these side effects don't happen as often. I've been doing 15mg a day just so my hair isn't rapidly falling

 

[Deleted member 5927]

Hairloss occurs month 3-4 due to hair cycle resest, and it lasts about 2 months after treatment. As for most other side effects, they go away immidiatly after treatment. Most of the suicides from accutane are actually because people get erectile dysfunction from this drug, so watch out for that. That's why it's better to stick to 30mg a day so these side effects don't happen as often. I've been doing 15mg a day just so my hair isn't rapidly falling

JFL

Damn bro you are a fucking library of information. THANK you bro, I appreciate your help greatly. You have no idea how much this information impacts my life man.

 

[Fear]

Judging just from the picture, your acne isn't horrible, like pizza face-tier.
Yes, it's not great, but there are much, much worse cases treated with Accutane.
Based on that, I doubt there'd be good reason to exceed 20mg/day in your case.

I've used 10mg/day for 6 years to stave off blackheads and maintain perfect-quality skin.
Before that, I was on a derm-prescribed 40mg/day regimen for 5 months to treat acne similar to yours.
In either case, I never experienced hair loss or erectile dysfunction. The latter especially makes no sense.
Use sunscreen, and moisturize morning and night, and you'll be fine.
Supplementing with triglyceride-form omega-3s is beneficial too, for your skin, and at higher Accutane doses, for your joints.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

JFL

Damn bro you are a fucking library of information. THANK you bro, I appreciate your help greatly. You have no idea how much this information impacts my life man.

Do you happen to know what brand of isotretinoin your derm prescribed you? Try to get on Zenatane if at all possible, it gives less side effects than the other ones (from personal experience)

 

[Deleted member 7173]

Judging just from the picture, your acne isn't horrible, like pizza face-tier.
Yes, it's not great, but there are much, much worse cases treated with Accutane.
Based on that, I doubt there'd be good reason to exceed 20mg/day in your case.

I've used 10mg/day for 6 years to stave off blackheads and maintain perfect-quality skin.
Before that, I was on a derm-prescribed 40mg/day regimen for 5 months to treat acne similar to yours.
In either case, I never experienced hair loss or erectile dysfunction. The latter especially makes no sense.
Use sunscreen, and moisturize morning and night, and you'll be fine.
Supplementing with triglyceride-form omega-3s is beneficial too, for your skin, and at higher Accutane doses, for your joints.

Are you still running 10mg a day? I am thinking of running a dosage similar to that for the rest of my life, also. Have you got any hairloss form running 10mg a day?

 

[Deleted member 5927]

Do you happen to know what brand of isotretinoin your derm prescribed you? Try to get on Zenatane if at all possible, it gives less side effects than the other ones (from personal experience)

I don't bro I haven't gotten it from the pharmacy yet I have been waiting like 2 weeks suffering I have called them 2x now to just approve my mf paperwork so I can get a prescription pickup

 

[Deleted member 5927]

Judging just from the picture, your acne isn't horrible, like pizza face-tier.
Yes, it's not great, but there are much, much worse cases treated with Accutane.
Based on that, I doubt there'd be good reason to exceed 20mg/day in your case.

I've used 10mg/day for 6 years to stave off blackheads and maintain perfect-quality skin.
Before that, I was on a derm-prescribed 40mg/day regimen for 5 months to treat acne similar to yours.
In either case, I never experienced hair loss or erectile dysfunction. The latter especially makes no sense.
Use sunscreen, and moisturize morning and night, and you'll be fine.
Supplementing with triglyceride-form omega-3s is beneficial too, for your skin, and at higher Accutane doses, for your joints.

appreciated bro. I use moisturizer every morning and night and cleanse 2x a day as well. I also have plenty of different kinds of supplements. I have cod oil and fish oil both so I'll take them whilst on accutane. I already know I need to take niacin too I took accutane 2 years ago (30mg, 5months) and it rose my triglyceride levels.

 

[Fear]

Are you still running 10mg a day? I am thinking of running a dosage similar to that for the rest of my life, also. Have you got any hairloss form running 10mg a day?

Yes, I am currently running it and likely will be for the rest of my life. I've experienced no hair loss or other unexpected side effects, aside from strangers at the workplace thinking I am a college-aged intern instead of an actual employee. I recently saw a dermatologist for an unrelated issue and the prep nurse thought I was in high school, almost half my age. Nothing compares to low-dose Accutane's power to grant a perfect, youthful, and glowing complexion.

appreciated bro. I use moisturizer every morning and night and cleanse 2x a day as well. I also have plenty of different kinds of supplements. I have cod oil and fish oil both so I'll take them whilst on accutane. I already know I need to take niacin too I took accutane 2 years ago (30mg, 5months) and it rose my triglyceride levels.

Just make sure the cleansing doesn't involve exfoliation. Moisturizer, toner, sunscreen should be enough.

If by cod oil you mean cod liver oil, don't take that while on Accutane. Too high in vitamin A.

Taking triglyceride-form omega-3 fish oil will take care of your levels, you won't need niacin.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

Yes, I am currently running it and likely will be for the rest of my life. I've experienced no hair loss or other unexpected side effects, aside from strangers at the workplace thinking I am a college-aged intern instead of an actual employee. I recently saw a dermatologist for an unrelated issue and the prep nurse thought I was in high school. Nothing compares to low-dose Accutane's power to grant a perfect, youthful, and glowing complexion.

You can probably run an even lower dosage, I've read that 2mg a day is suitable to maintain your skin. I will likely do 5mg a day.

But if 10mg is working with minimal side effects than I'm sure it's fine. Also, skin mogging acneCels is pure lifefuel, I love it

 

[Deleted member 5927]

Yes, I am currently running it and likely will be for the rest of my life. I've experienced no hair loss or other unexpected side effects, aside from strangers at the workplace thinking I am a college-aged intern instead of an actual employee. I recently saw a dermatologist for an unrelated issue and the prep nurse thought I was in high school, almost half my age. Nothing compares to low-dose Accutane's power to grant a perfect, youthful, and glowing complexion.



Just make sure the cleansing doesn't involve exfoliation. Moisturizer, toner, sunscreen should be enough.

If by cod oil you mean cod liver oil, don't take that while on Accutane. Too high in vitamin A.

Taking triglyceride-form omega-3 fish oil will take care of your levels, you won't need niacin.

APPRECIATED BRO!!!

Also where have you been getting 10mg a day from? Expresspct for the last 6 years? Holy kek bro

 

[OOGABOOGA]

I’ve got no back pain and no sides other than dryness on 60 mg rn

 

[Deleted member 5927]

I’ve got no back pain and no sides other than dryness on 60 mg rn

How long did it take to clear bro

 

[OOGABOOGA]

How long did it take to clear bro

Not clear yet but getting there. Month 5

 

[Deleted member 5927]

Not clear yet but getting there. Month 5

Have you been going in the sun and shit, asking bc I kinda need to, I work for a living outside.

 

[Deleted member 7173]

Have you been going in the sun and shit, asking bc I kinda need to, I work for a living outside.

I just read that low T gives males very oily skin. And Low T also gives males increased height. This is something I'm going to test tomorrow.

Also, how tall were you at each age? Just curious becuase I keep getting taller even at 18

 

[Deleted member 5927]

I just read that low T gives males very oily skin. And Low T also gives males increased height. This is something I'm going to test tomorrow.

Also, how tall were you at each age? Just curious becuase I keep getting taller even at 18

I was always even at age 7 towering over everyone. At 12-13 I was 6'0" by 16 I was 6'2". At 19 I've slowed down at 6'3.5"

Sad tbh if I have low T, but it makes sense

 

[Deleted member 7747]

Hmm I wouldn't recommend going against your doctors advice bro and altering your dosages yourself. Accutane is a powerful drug, and the side effects can be brutal. Increasing the dose does not increase the efficacy of the drug, and you doctor would have prescribed you an appropriate dose in accordance to your height, weight, age, and previous acne treatments and medications.

Accutane reduces oil production and shrinks oil glands, but it is your body's immune system that is responsible for healing acne wounds and clearing up your skin. Think of this process like if you were to burn yourself - acne is a flame, and Accutane is water. If your skin was in direct contact with a flame, adding water will stop the flame and immediately cease any further damage to your skin. But it is your body's own immune system of plasma cell regeneration that is responsible for healing the wound and growing new skin back. Putting more water on your burn would not accelerate this process, the same way that taking higher unnecessary doses of Accutane will help fasten your skin to become more clearer. Does that make sense?

When I increased my dosage, the side effects exacerbated. I would get random nose bleeds at school, dry and cracked lips, and skin that was hypersensitive to heat. And i'm concerned that if you are already having depressive episodes, this medication - and especially when taken at a high dose - may exacerbate these feelings even more. Be careful.

But besides that, it's probably been one of the best things that I've done for my skin. Seven years after finishing treatment, my lips are still dry and chapped to this day. But I would rather spend a few seconds applying lip balm if that means I don't have to have another pimple on my face for the rest of my life. It was a life saver.

 

[Deleted member 5927]

Hmm I wouldn't recommend going against your doctors advice bro and altering your dosages yourself. Accutane is a powerful drug, and the side effects can be brutal. Increasing the dose does not increase the efficacy of the drug, and you doctor would have prescribed you an appropriate dose in accordance to your height, weight, age, and previous acne treatments and medications.

Accutane reduces oil production and shrinks oil glands, but it is your body's immune system that is responsible for healing acne wounds and clearing up your skin. Think of this process like if you were to burn yourself - acne is a flame, and Accutane is water. If your skin was in direct contact with a flame, adding water will stop the flame and immediately cease any further damage to your skin. But it is your body's own immune system of plasma cell regeneration that is responsible for healing the wound and growing new skin back. Putting more water on your burn would not accelerate this process, the same way that taking higher unnecessary doses of Accutane will help fasten your skin to become more clearer. Does that make sense?

When I increased my dosage, the side effects exacerbated. I would get random nose bleeds at school, dry and cracked lips, and skin that was hypersensitive to heat. And i'm concerned that if you are already having depressive episodes, this medication - and especially when taken at a high dose - may exacerbate these feelings even more. Be careful.

But besides that, it's probably been one of the best things that I've done for my skin. Seven years after finishing treatment, my lips are still dry and chapped to this day. But I would rather spend a few seconds applying lip balm if that means I don't have to have another pimple on my face for the rest of my life. It was a life saver.

ok appreciated the long ass essay bro.

if your theory is legit then i will listen and just take low dose.

my acne is terrible though and yeah i don't want random nose bleeds

even at 30mg a day i had nose bleeds but the acne came back 2 years later it's bad now i need it again

 

[Deleted member 7747]

ok appreciated the long ass essay bro.

if your theory is legit then i will listen and just take low dose.

my acne is terrible though and yeah i don't want random nose bleeds

even at 30mg a day i had nose bleeds but the acne came back 2 years later it's bad now i need it again

No problem bro, just listen to your doctor. The shit thing with medication, especially Accutane, is that it's all experimental and anecdotal - you don't know how your body will respond, so you just have to take it day by day.

You'll be fine little man. Your skin is only going to get better from this point onwards. Everything will be okay.