Anyone here taken Accutane?
 

or know someone who has? I'm starting it tomorrow...

Any experiences?

(heavy duty potentially risky acne medication, if anyone is wondering)

I heard it's a fucking bitch, but it works great. I was going to go on it, but I am not in the same state long enough to go back to the doctor for checkups. And I have a history of Depression, so that was another reason I couldn't. It sometimes causes severe depression, along with stiff joints, dry skin, etc.

Yeah, a history of depression would be a problem. My derm asked me so many times if I had one, and if I'd ever tried to hurt myself. Uhh no.

How old are you? I'm 22 and having to go through this. I wish it was a teen thing...

Yeah, I turned 22 a month ago. It sucks, but once you're done with it you'll never have to worry about any of that shit again.

I've been through the full cycle. All I have to say is that when I was 16, it was HELL. My face was literally so dry, I could watch the skin flake off when the wind blew. NO JOKE.

Girls in higschool knew me as "the guy with the dry face". What a way to be known in HS! Jesus christ it was humiliating. I had a tube of Blistex wherever I went, and my lips were always bleeding. I couldn't open my mouth without my lips cracking, and bleeding all over the place. You can't wash your face without it becoming wayyyy too dry and cracking / pealing all over the place. My face was so dry the corners of my mouth had chunks of dry skin that I had to pick off to look somewhat normal.

Anyway, you get the picture. Reality is actually worse than my discription, if you can believe it.

You are going to have to get regular blood tests while you are on it...so be sure to get them done. I would also suggest a water based mosturizer (rather than oil based) because you are probably going to need it.

Patients coming in for their bloodtests had remarkable results. The only down side is the extremely dry skin while you are on it, your face can sometimes get flaky, but it beats having the acne. You might also consider something to help with the dandruff also caused by the dry skin. It is all worth it in the end though. Good luck.

How man mg's a day were you taking during the hell times?

I can't remember, it's been 10 years. (damn time flies)