Dealing with acne is no small feat. The tiny bumps and cysts are often painful, leaving us itching to be rid of them—figuratively and literally.
Moreover, the mental effects such a problem has on us are significant. After all, it attacks the first thing we see in the morning in the mirror and the first thing anybody else sees: Our face.
That’s why, in severe cases, dermatologists often prescribe Accutane, also known as isotretinoin to help solve the issue. Nonetheless, because this substance changes your body’s hormones, understanding the risks is crucial, especially when alcohol is thrown into the mix.
So, before you decide to take Accutane, or if you’re already on it, take a look at how this potential interaction with alcohol could affect your overall health and well-being.
Table of Contents
What Is Accutane?
Do you know why you have acne? It could be because of hormones, diet, bacteria, or products. However, the most common cause of acne is too much sebum.
Sebum is an oily substance found in skin and hair, produced by your body to help lubricate it. With the help of dead skin cells, this substance can often clog your pores and lead to inflammation and breakouts.
That’s why Accutane is one of the best go-to acne treatments for eliminating this skin disorder. Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, commonly prescribed for treating severe acne cases that haven’t responded well to other treatments.
It works by significantly reducing sebum production and inflammation, making it a powerful option for those struggling with persistent and painful acne.
Given its potency, Accutane treatment isn’t something to take lightly. It typically lasts four to six months and requires close monitoring by your healthcare provider.
This can include regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and lipid levels, with ongoing discussions about any side effects you might experience.
The benefits of using Accutane include:
- Dramatically Lower Acne: It’s known for clearing even the most severe cases of acne when other treatments have failed.
- Lower Sebum Production: Too much sebum can leave you with oily skin and acne, by reducing the oil protection, Accutane helps prevent future breakouts.
- Decrease Inflammation: This medication targets your acne, redness, and swelling, improving your overall skin appearance.
- Better Long-Term Results: Many people find that their acne doesn’t return even after they’ve finished their course of treatment, unlike many other methods.
Yet, while Accutane can do wonders for your skin, the potential side effects and long-term impacts mean that it’s vital to follow healthcare professional advice to the letter.
Common Side Effects of Accutane
Accutane works by significantly reducing sebum production to control acne, but this can lead to a few common, yet manageable, side effects that you should be prepared for. These common side effects include:
– Dryness
Naturally, with Accutane toning down your skin’s sebum production, you’ll notice dry skin that might feel tight and uncomfortable. Your lips, too, can become incredibly dehydrated and flaky, leading to chapping and cracking.
Even your nasal passages can dry out, which may cause discomfort or even nosebleeds. To combat this, it’s essential to use a good moisturizer, or lip balm, and stay hydrated.
– Dry Eyes
Just as Accutane dries out your skin, it can also reduce the natural moisture in your eyes. This can lead to dry, itchy, irritated eyes, which might feel uncomfortable, especially for contact lens wearers.
Using lubricating eye drops throughout the day can provide relief and keep your eyes comfortable. If you find it particularly bothersome, consider switching to glasses more often while on Accutane.
– Sensitivity to Light
UV rays are more harmful than before because of how dry and sensitive your skin becomes with Accutane treatment. You could easily get a sunburn, even after a short time in the sun, leaving your skin red and irritated.
During this phase, make sunscreen your best friend! Go with one that contains high SPF and broad-spectrum protection. Wear protective clothing, such as hate and long sleeves, and seek shade whenever possible to help protect your skin from unnecessary damage.
The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Accutane
When you’re on Accutane, you’re likely already aware that this isn’t just any medication; it’s a powerful tool that changes your body to fight acne.
The drawback to this tool is that it can be more harmful when mixed with other aspects of your life, such as alcohol use. The potential risks of combining both can be dangerous and sometimes even fateful. They include the following:
1. Impact on the Liver
Your liver is like the body’s detox center, processing everything from the food you eat to the medication you take. Of course, this includes both alcohol and Accutane.
Your liver works overtime to purify your body when both are present in your system, leading to an increased risk of liver toxicity.
This isn’t a minor concern; it’s particularly dangerous for Accutane users because their liver is already under strain from processing the medication.
This can lead to liver damage, which might start with elevated liver enzymes detected in blood tests, and, if left unchecked, can progress to more serious conditions like cirrhosis or liver failure.
2. Increased Dryness
You already know Accutane can cause dryness by reducing your body’s sebum production. Alcohol, being a diuretic, can also accelerate dehydration, making your skin even drier.
This can result in more intense peeling and flaking, which can be both uncomfortable and unsightly.
Moreover, this dryness doesn’t just affect your skin; your joints can also suffer. Alcohol can intensify joint pain or stiffness that some experience on Accutane, making physical activity more painful.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues
Some individuals complain of gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal pain, on Accutane treatments.
Of course, adding alcohol, known to irritate the stomach lining, can agitate that pain more, leading to more severe and frequent episodes of discomfort.
Plus, both alcohol and Accutane can trigger nausea on their own, but together, they can make this symptom a grim reality, potentially leading to vomiting and increasing your dehydration levels.
4. Mental Health Issues
Accutane has been linked to mood changes, including depression and anxiety. Since alcohol is also a depressant, it can worsen these symptoms, making it harder to maintain emotional stability.
Also, for individuals with a history of depression and anxiety, the combination of alcohol and Accutane can be incredibly unsafe as it can increase the likelihood of severe depressive episodes.
5. Pancreatitis
Alcohol consumption raises the risk of pancreatitis, a serious, painful inflammation of the pancreas.
Since Accutane already puts stress on the digestive system, combining it with alcohol can heighten the likelihood of developing this potentially life-threatening condition.
This condition often comes with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, may require hospitalization. Of course, chronic pancreatitis can lead to permanent damage to the pancreas, resulting in digestive issues and diabetes.
What to Do if You Can’t Stop Drinking
Admitting you might have a problem with alcohol is never easy. Nonetheless, when adding strong medications like Accutane to the equation, it becomes vital for you to notice the warning signs.
If you haven’t been able to stop drinking alcohol, monitor the following aspects and inspect the results:
– Increased Tolerance
Have you noticed that it takes more alcohol to achieve the same effect you used to feel a while back?
This increase in tolerance is often one of the first signs that your drinking is becoming problematic. Your body adapts over time, requiring more alcohol to feel the same level of intoxication, which can quickly lead to excessive drinking.
– Difficulty Cutting Back
Have you tried to reduce your drinking but found it difficult to stick to your plan?
Better yet, have you tried cutting back on drinking until you stopped altogether but failed to do so eventually? Sadly, being unable to follow these plans could indicate a dependency on alcohol.
– Drinking Despite Consequences
Do you continue to drink even though you’re aware of the negative effects it could have on your health, relationships, or daily responsibilities?
This might include drinking despite knowing the risks associated with Accutane or continuing to drink even after experiencing health issues like liver, headaches, or mood swings.
Important Steps to Take
If you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of drinking and actively seeking it, please approach your healthcare provider about your drinking habits.
This can feel daunting, but remember, their role is to support your health, not judge you. Be honest about how much and how often you drink, and any difficulties you’ve faced in trying to cut back.
The healthcare provider will assess the situation and suggest the best addiction treatment according to your case and medical history.
There are several treatment options available, ranging from outpatient counseling to more intensive care. Outpatient counseling can be an excellent starting point, providing strategies to manage your drinking in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
If your situation is more severe, inpatient or residential treatment programs might be recommended, where you can receive round-the-clock care and support against substance abuse.
Final Thought
The effects of alcohol and Accutane treatment on your body and mental health can be dangerous. From the risk of liver damage to possible mood swings and pancreatitis, mixing the two isn’t a good idea.
That’s why it’s best to always follow up with your doctors on your treatment plan to make informed decisions. If you find yourself unable to quit drinking during your Accutane treatment, don’t be ashamed to seek alcohol addiction treatment.
Early intervention is important and if you can’t stop drinking for a few months, it’s a sign your relationship with alcohol might need more attention than you initially thought.
Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward safeguarding your health, well-being, and future!
Published on: 2024-09-23
Updated on: 2024-09-23
