Is there an association between isotretinoin therapy and adverse mood changes? A prospective study in a cohort of acne patients

Comparing the frequency of isotretinoin-induced hair loss at <0.5-mg/kg/d versus ≥0.5-mg/kg/d dosing in acne patients: A systematic review

“…Twenty-two studies (n = 9783 patients) were identified ( Fig 1 , Table I ), 11 , 22 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 17 of which (n = 3940) were included in the frequency analysis summary ( Table II ). One of the studies excluded from frequency analysis did not report the frequency of hair loss and instead quantified the total hair count, hair density, and percentage of hair in the anagen or telogen phase.…”

Prevalence and predictors of depression among dermatology clinic patients in a teaching hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…Conversely, some studies demonstrated that isotretinoin improves the psychiatric symptoms of the patients more than other medications. [3536] Isotretinoin may be more effective than topical products in treating acne and some other skin problems. Thus, slow improvement with topical medications results in poor compliance from the patient, which worsens the skin condition and increases the risk of depression.…”

Acne Protection: Measures & Miseries

“…Surprisingly, severity of cutaneous alterations correlated neither with sexual dysfunctions nor with sexual distress [148]. The relationship between isotretinoin and depression is the most debated aspect of isotretinoin therapy [149]. It is prudent for the practitioner to continue to use isotretinoin to treat severe acne, while at the same time informing patients and their relatives that depressive symptoms should be actively assessed at each visit and, if necessary, referral to a psychiatrist and a discontinuation of isotretinoin should be considered [150].…”