Association Between Isotretinoin and Depression
Isotretinoin is an oral medication used to treat severe acne.
While effective, the actual mechanism of action of the drug is poorly understood.
Isotretinoin is known to causesevere side effectsin some people.
JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images
However, current evidence is challenging that idea.
Despite some statistical evidence of a link, a growing number of experts question whether isotretinoin actually causes depression.
Of the 1,087 people treated with isotretinoin, only 3.77% developed depression.
Even so, some researchers suggest that isotretinoin may not be the actual cause of depression.
If you are prescribed isotretinoin, it is usually because your acne is severe.
As a precaution, the FDA still advises consumers to be aware of the potential for depression.
Roche Laboratories.Accutane (isotretinoin) capsules.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Study indicates isotretinoin is not an independent risk factor for depression.
2019 Jan 21;9(1):e021549.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021549
Huang YC, Cheng YC.
“Isotretinoin Treatment for Acne and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
“Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
2016 Mar; pii: S0190-9622(16)31289-0.
Wolverton SE, Harper JC.
“Important controversies associated with isotretinoin therapy for acne.”
Am J Clin Dermatol.
2013 Apr; 14(2):71-6.
