Mumsnetters aren't necessarily qualified to help if your child is unwell. If you need professional help, please contact your GP or local mental health support services.
Mumsnetters aren't necessarily qualified to help if your child is unwell. If you need professional help, please contact your GP or local mental health support services.
Child mental health
Roaccutane causing depression in dd?
MsPunky · 03/03/2015 20:20
My dd1 is 16 and a couple of months ago started taking Roaccutane for acne. She started on 30mg and was fine. 2 weeks ago the dose was upped to 50mg. The last week she seems to have sunk into a really low mood. She can't stop crying and says she just feels really sad.
I'm so very worried about her. We have an appointment with her GP tomorrow. Dd is adamant she won't stop taking the medication though. I don't know what to do with her. I don't know how to help her.
Please does anybody have an advice/experience?
paxtecum · 03/03/2015 20:26
I had terrible acne until I was 30.
It cleared up when I stopped eating dairy products and sugar.
I didn't replace the sugar with sweeteners.
Sorry, not really very helpful - your DD probably would prefer to take the pills.
anthropology · 03/03/2015 23:26
There are links noted with this medication and depression so definitely gp advice as it sounds like a change in mood. Does she have a dermatology consultant as maybe they can discuss alternatives and dangers of side effects with her. I think the drug stays in the system for a while too. I dont have experience of this drug, just ssris for my DD, but you as her mum, probably notice most if her mood has changed, so you are doing the right thing.
Vanimal · 03/03/2015 23:34
My brother took Roaccutane - it's linked to increased risk of suicide I'm sure. Please be careful and keep a close eye on her. I hope all goes well tomorrow at the gp.
TeaCupCrazy · 03/03/2015 23:36
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
MsPunky · 04/03/2015 13:00
Thanks for the replies.
I did research it when it was first mentioned. I was worried about the risk of depression but the dermatologist reassured me that it was a rare side effect.
The GP appointment went well. She advised dd to lower the dose of Roaccutane to the original dose as dd was ok on that dosage. She has also referred dd to CAHMS.
I'm going to speak to school today to see what they can do to help.
I can't stand watching her go through this 
Blazing88 · 04/03/2015 13:05
Please be careful.
All I would say is...I've been on roaccutane twice. My skin was awful. Beyond awful. There was no way in the world I was going to get depressed as I was elated that my skin was finally showing signs of improvement after years and years of being so ugly.
Is your daughter's acne that bad? Because if it isn't, then yes, she probably would get depressed being on such a strong drug. I felt it, but my desire to see my skin clear was greater (if that makes sense) so although I felt like crying (because the drug does make you feel like that)..I didn't, because i was so bloody excited to finally be on it.
MsPunky · 04/03/2015 13:24
Her acne is very bad. Her face and most of her torso is covered. The acne alone is enough to get her down, she feels so self conscious.
Blazing88 · 04/03/2015 13:47
That's surprising then..hmmm...has she started to see any improvement yet at all? It is an incredible drug. It really does work.
I would try to gentle remind her how fantastic an opportunity this is, and how her skin will start to improve, slowly at first but then omg..all of a sudden. It's as though it's healing from the inside out.
Lots of talking then in that case, lots of support. Good luck.
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