Can accutane cause seizures?

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’ve heard tales of the infamous acne medication that is Accutane. You may have even experienced the horror of its side effects yourself. Some people say they’ve had dry skin and chapped lips worse than a desert-dwelling camel on steroids. Others claim to have suffered from intense emotional upheaval reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy. But can Accutane cause seizures too? Let’s dive into the wacky world of Acne-Fighting Pharmaceuticals and find out.

First things first: What is Accutane?

Accutane( Isotretinoin for those who prefer scientific terms) is a powerful oral medication used to treat severe nodular acne that does not respond to other treatments like topical creams or antibiotics1. It works by reducing oil production in your skin – an excessive amount of which causes acne breakouts- as well as stopping rapid growth in certain cells commonly involved in inflammation 2.

How does it work?

You might be surprised to know that until recently, scientists were unsure about how exactly isotretinoin worked´[Probably, §For years], but researchers now believe that it targets sebaceous glands(Pretty cool word, huh?). The drug makes these glands adaptively decrease their secretion rate throughout the 20-week treatment period ^[3]. Why? Well, because besides causing unsightly zits and pimples on our faces(which already messes with our self-esteem), gland overproduction has been linked with various other ‘sebaceous’ diseases such as psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by scaly patches), hidradenitis suppurativa (a rare but painful inflammatory condition affecting sweat-gland bearing areas including armpits & groin area; manifesting through abscesses/fistulas etc.), Rosacea(happiness robbing redness on the face) etc.

So….can it cause seizures though?

Now, to the central question: does Accutane cause seizures? Although not a common side effect, Accutane has been associated with episodes of convulsive seizures in rare cases. The mechanism through which isotretinoin increases seizure risk is still vague; however, physicians speculate that several factors could be at play like an increased risk for brain tumor formation and intracranial hypertension4.

What are some other potential adverse effects of Accutane?

Let’s take a look at more possible consequences when taking this potent drug.

  • Dry Skin [^5]
  • Chapped Lips [^6]
  • Nosebleeds
  • Irritation around eyes
  • Inflammation
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
  • Keratitis(weird name right?)
    • Photophobia

While these reactions undoubtedly suck, they’re generally not much to worry about in comparison to major issues that might arise from long-term use of the drug.

Pop Quiz! When should I avoid taking accutane altogether?

If you guessed ‘if you’re currently pregnant’, have yourself a cookie because you’d be correct[^7]. Luckily (or unluckily) enough birth control options are available known as “iPLEDGE” BUT even if you ain’t preggers , there are plenty of situations where Isotretinoin therapy isn’t recommended:

  1. Glaucoma: Because any spikes in interocular pressure can lead to permanent loss of vision or damage.
  2. Mild Acne: Though technically an option in certain cases, most physicians prefer safer methods such as sulfur+salicylic acid based creams or alpha/beta-hydroxy acids first.
  3. Depression &/or Suicidal Thoughts:
  4. While psychological symptoms aren’t extremely widespread outcomes (+1/10,000 risk), they’re serious enough for the FDA to intervene [^8].
  5. All-Around Medical Conditions: Basically anything that could make therapy more dangerous than it needs to be including allergies/sensitivities ^[4].

These reasons may all seem like bummers, but don’t be discouraged! Those who aren’t at an elevated risk should feel free to take isotretinoin and enjoy its promised benefits.

Wrap Up

To sum up, Accutane is a powerful medication most commonly used to treat severe nodular acne that doesn’t respond well to other treatments. Although rare, there have been reports of seizures in some patients taking the drug as a side effect. Be aware of other potential adverse effects when taking this medication. Most importantly, don’t skip your precautionary measures – better safe than sorry!

Footnotes:


  1. U.S National Library of Medicine: Isotretinoin 

  2. Huynh NT et al., J Dermatol Treat 2020;31(3):261-266. 

  3. Mikailov A et al., Br J Dermatol 2020;182(5):1206-1212. 

  4. Mullan FA & Reese JM Ann Pharmacother2019;53(7–8):785–792
    [^5],[^6] Tan AU et al. Singapore Med J 1999;40:455–458
    [^7]. Alhusayen R& Juurlink DN Am J Clin Derm2010;11(Suppl)1:S19–24
    [^8]. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). iPLEDGE ™ home page 

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