Drinking Alcohol on Accutane: Risks and Considerations

Mixing isotretinoin and alcohol is not recommended because of the risk of side effects and adverse reactions. In some people, even small amounts of alcohol can have a serious interaction. Always check with your doctor about possible interactions with Accutane and other substances. Unless directed by a doctor, you shouldn’t take vitamin A or other vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A while on Accutane. You should check with your doctor before taking any substances, including vitamins, herbal products, and prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a prescription drug that treats severe acne. It’s a “last resort” option, which is why doctors don’t usually prescribe it until several other treatments fail. It’s derived from vitamin A, but it’s a safer alternative to taking large amounts of vitamin A that can cause toxicity. Due to its potency, isotretinoin can be used to treat moderate to severe acne and various types of acne.

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Side effects may include dizziness, extreme fatigue, digestive issues, worsened dryness, mental health instability, and poor drug absorption. Many people find that a medical reason to stop drinking is a great time to reassess their alcohol use. If quitting drinking is proving difficult, there is no shame in getting help from an outpatient alcohol rehab. The liver plays many crucial roles in the body, specifically detox and purification of the blood.

Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to understand your specific risk factors. Otherwise, it’s important to avoid drinking alcohol or using products that contain alcohol, such as some mouthwashes or cough medicines. Isotretinoin can be used to treat severe acne, but it has serious potential side effects and complications like birth defects, sun sensitivity, liver damage, and increased cholesterol levels.

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One of the biggest potential side effects of Accutane is raising “bad” cholesterol and lowering “good” cholesterol. Monitoring cholesterol levels is one of the many reasons that regular blood work is required for anyone on Accutane. Accutane has a great success rate for treating acne, but it is hard on your body. Most doctors require blood work every month for patients on Accutane to ensure that it does not damage vital organs.

#3 Mental Health Risks from Mixing Accutane and Alcohol

The last symptom is the primary concern with combining Accutane and alcohol consumption, as the liver processes these two substances.
Mixing alcohol and Accutane increases the risk of liver damage, elevated triglycerides, and worsened side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and mood swings.
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Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with other lifestyle factors like stress at work and lack of exercise, can also contribute to “bad” cholesterol. If any of these sound familiar, you should avoid drinking while taking Accutane.

You should also avoid waxing or cosmetic procedures, such as dermabrasion or laser hair removal, while using Accutane and for six months after stopping it, as this increases the risk of scarring.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Accutane due to the increased risk of liver damage and elevated triglyceride levels.
Other prescription medications, chemical peels, photodynamic therapy and other effective treatments exist for those who are not good candidates for this Accutane therapy.

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Studies have shown that 15% of Accutane users experience an increase in liver abnormalities, suggesting damage. Most of these are harmless and work themselves out over the course of treatment. However, when combined with alcohol, the liver can sustain more damage and be unable to heal. If Accutane and alcohol use damages the liver too much, treatment will need to cease to avoid permanent injury.

If you have a history of liver problems, your doctor will likely recommend staying away from both substances as they can cause further damage to your liver. Or, if you are taking any other medicines that might impact your liver, this is another situation in which your doctor will probably say not to combine the two. This is why it’s important that you tell your doctor about all other substances you take, including things like supplements and vitamins, and to be honest about your alcohol consumption. If you combine the two, you could increase the chances of these dangerous side effects.

How long does Accutane remain in the body?

Taking alcohol when you are under treatment what happens when you drink alcohol on accutane can skew your test and can even lead your doctor to conclude that your medication is not working. The safest way to avoid negative effects on your liver and to obtain the maximum effect of Accutane treatment is to avoid it altogether until you complete your treatment. If you choose to drink while using Accutane, it’s important to do what you can to offset the potential negative effects.

Unfortunately, some people experience side effects from using Accutane. These side effects range from severe dryness to triggering symptoms of depression. There is no shame in admitting that you have a problem with alcohol. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health discovered that 16.3 million adults 18 and older reported heavy alcohol use within the past month. A large percentage of people with alcohol use disorder need help to quit.

While full abstinence from alcohol is highly recommended, here are some harm reduction tips if you’re currently on Accutane and feel unsure about your choices. “The use of isotretinoin in acne.” Dermato-Endocrinology, 2009. Along with knowing about possible interactions from alcohol use, there are a few other things to know about Accutane.

Accutane can also increase the levels of lipids in your blood called triglycerides. High triglycerides can lead to pancreatitis, and the risk is greatly increased when combined with alcohol. Every single one of these effects is made worse by alcohol use. If you want to protect your body while clearing your skin with Accutane, you should avoid drinking alcohol.

The only way to know how your body will tolerate the combination is to try it. Accutane taken in high enough doses and combined with alcohol can slow your reflexes. These side effects can be long-lasting if exposed to the substances often over time. Either or both in high enough doses can cause fatal liver damage.