1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Dermatology
Heather Brannon, MD
Dermatology Blog

By Heather Brannon, MD, About.com Guide to Dermatology

New Study Shows Possible Mechanism for Link between Accutane and Depression

Monday November 12, 2007
Scientists reported in a recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology and Medicine that they may have found a reason that Accutane (isotretinoin) increases the likelihood of depression.

Accutane is a medication that is used to treat severe acne and acne scarring. It has many side effects and depression was added to that list several years ago amid much controversy. Researchers have recently discovered that Accutane may cause depression by lowering serotonin levels. In the brain serotonin is believed to help regulate aggression, worrying, mood, and sleep.

Comments

November 13, 2007 at 7:19 am
(1) acnezine says:

Even though Accutane is a common medication for acne, I am not surprised that it can cause side effects. Just like any medication, Accutane is not an exception when it comes to safe use.

January 8, 2008 at 6:59 pm
(2) Acne Medicine Man says:

Excellent little report. I hadn’t heard anything on this subject for several years and have had many questions regarding this. Happy to have found some recent relevent information.

Leave a Comment

Line and paragraph breaks are automatic. Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title="">, <b>, <i>, <strike>

Explore Dermatology
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Dermatology

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.