Study Finds No Link Between Acne Drug and Depression

A Canadian study has found no association between the acne medication isotretinoin, which is sold in the U.S. under the brand name Accutane, and depression.

There has been significant concern in recent years about whether the use of isotretinoin to treat acne might lead to depression or suicidal feelings. To date, research has not been conclusive about whether this concern is warranted.

This study, which was conducted in a community dermatology clinic, looked at acne patients who were beginning treatment with isotretinoin. The control group were treated with either oral antibiotics or medication applied to the skin. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and the Zung Depression Status Inventory were used to assess depression both at the beginning of treatment and at the end of two months.

At the end of the two month period, the researchers found that neither depression assessment indicated any association between treatment with isotretinoin and depression.

The authors conclude that denying patients with significant acne treatment with isotretinoin, which is a very effective treatment, may not be warranted at this time as it does not appear to be associated with depression.

The study will appear in the July issue of the Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.