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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Advisable To Consume Alcohol While On Accutane?

I am going to be taking Accutane. Is it ill-advised to drink alcohol while on this medication? Also, my birth mother is diagnosed with schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. I have seen some things on line that say one should not take the drug if there is a family history of mental illness. I did not mention it to my dermatologist at the time we made this decision. Should I contact him with this information before I start the drug?
posted on Sat, 11 Jul 2015
Twitter Sat, 4 Jul 2020 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 14 Jul 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Accutane (Isotretinoin) helps in preventing extensive scarring in patients with severe acne. Studies have shown that Accutane can increase homocysteine level which may contribute to psychiatric side effects. So, I recommend you discuss this side effect with your dermatologist for sure taking into the family history described by you.

Also, do not drink alcohol while on Accutane. The combination can cause fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting. I also recommend that you check your food and medicine labels and make sure they don't contain alcohol.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ahmad Nazzal, General & Family Physician
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Is It Advisable To Consume Alcohol While On Accutane?

Hi, Accutane (Isotretinoin) helps in preventing extensive scarring in patients with severe acne. Studies have shown that Accutane can increase homocysteine level which may contribute to psychiatric side effects. So, I recommend you discuss this side effect with your dermatologist for sure taking into the family history described by you. Also, do not drink alcohol while on Accutane. The combination can cause fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting. I also recommend that you check your food and medicine labels and make sure they don t contain alcohol. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ahmad Nazzal, General & Family Physician