Over the years just like any other teenager, I’ve been trying new, different medications and acne treatments that in hopes, would actually help me. After 20,000 different treatments, I’d resorted to the necessary evil: Accutane. It works like a charm, but comes at a high price. Literally. Here comes the rant -- I mean list -- of reasons why I have fallen in love with this "harsh" treatment. Serious physical and possible mental birth defects (if pregnant,) emotional rollercoasters, tampon needed bloody noses (S/O to "She’s the Man" for that tip!), and the worst is the dryness. All of those side effects seem like such a joy to go through. I mean really, who wouldn’t want to endure those side effects for an envy worthy flawless complexion.
1. Chapped Lips
The constant need of reapplying chapstick is the worst habit that you’ll ever have -- aside from complaining about it. Trust me, going out in public without your chapstick may just be the end of your existence. I tell people that by every hour I get a new pair of lips because they’re so chapped and start to peel. Which is a little embarrassing if your lips are all chapped and all you want to do is kiss your boyfriend.
2. Dryness
Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Do not going anywhere without making sure that you have a moisturizer on your face! Your face will feel very dry at times, or like 24/7. And the only way to combat it is to apply moisturizer on your face and your body for that matter.
3. Muscle Aches
I’m a pretty active girl; I exercise daily and I’m really used to being sore after a good workout. But that all changed after I had started Accutane. Yes, I still workout, but it’s hard when you feel like you have arthritis starting in your knees. aka, making it hard to tone that booty, aka, doing squats. Even when I’m not working out, if I cock my knees a certain way for too long, they start to ache. Even during the night, I find myself changing positions due to the achiness of not just my knees, but also my joints in general.
4. Pregnancy
If you’re a boy, then lucky for you. I will forever envy you. But as for us girls, we have the scariest side effect of all. If a girl ever gets pregnant while on Accutane, beware you will have to abort the unborn child. The serious birth defects of Accutane can and will cause mental and physical disabilities that will be irreversible. If you or anyone you know that is going to be on Accutane or is currently on this medication then please, by the grace of God, tell your medical provider.
5. Mood Changes
Yes, just when you thought being a girl was hard, think again. The mood swings will have you twisting in your chair and loved ones asking you 24/7 if you’re truly okay. Just be aware that if you have any signs of depression occurring tell your doctor. I have had a history of depression and Accutane had created the mental illness worse. I’ve seen some of my own personal relationships with family, friends and boyfriends change. Some of which, for the worse.
6. Bloody Noses
Not only do your lips and skin get dry, but also your nose. When your nose begins to get dry, then it’s like world war three. Even when you’re a girl you know that’s like, but trust me it’s the worst when you have a bloody nose.This is where, I’d truly like to make a S/O to “She’s the Man,” not only because Channing Tatum is in the movie, but the tip about using a tampon as a tissue holder for bloody noses is A1. So boys and girls, please take that advice!
7. Cost
Not only do the magical pills cost money, but the frequent trips to the dermatologist and blood drawings add up pretty quickly. For myself, being a girl, I have to go in every month to discuss how the medication is doing- which on its own can become very costly -- along with the fact that I have to go in every month to get blood drawn.
Even going through the side effects of Accutane, I have still managed to fall in love with the magical pill. Knowing that this was my last resort, it was a relief to see the changes in my complexion within the first two months of using the medication. The one thing that I would really recommend is buying loads of chapstick, and coating yourself in Vaseline. But here’s to a flawless complexion and the terrible side effects!
