It is estimated that at least 11.8% or 2.4 million people had both alcohol use and illicit drug use disorder in 2019 alone, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. As these numbers grow yearly, more and more people succumb due to drug misuse and abuse.
Alcohol and Accutane are probably not a safe combination when it comes to multi-substance abuse as they may lead to worse health problems in the future. Transcend Recovery Community is here to shed light and to truly answer the question, "Can you drink on Accutane?" Read on to find out more.
Is Mixing Alcohol with Accutane Safe?
As most dermatologists and medical professionals would advise people with alcohol consumption while on prescription medications, it is never safe to mix alcohol and Accutane.
While Accutane therapy is proven to be highly effective in treating acne, drinking alcohol while on Accutane can serious damage to your body. Let's start with the following reasons why:
- Liver damage - as prescribed Accutane is considered a powerful medication to treat severe acne, long-term use may negatively impact your hepatic health. If you consume alcohol, it will double the chances of developing liver problems longer term.
- Increased blood lipid levels - In some cases, Accutane use can drive up blood cholesterol and triglycerides, the fat found in the blood. When you drink alcohol, you're also increasing your risk of ramping up these levels in your bloodstream.
It's always important to inform your healthcare provider of your medical history before pursuing any treatment options for your skin health, especially with Accutane to avoid serious consequences that can be tied to Accutane and alcohol abuse.
What is Accutane?
Accutane is the brand name for Isotretinoin, an active drug that is used for severe acne treatment. It's usually prescribed to patients who have not responded to other prescription medications for acne or skin issues.
Isotretinoin is a derivative of Vitamin A also referred to as a "retinoid." Medical professionals warn against the use of this substance as your body may react to it similarly to how it does with vitamin A. Therefore, it's best not to take Vitamin A while under this medicine prescription.
Isotretinoin or Accutane helps patients achieve clear skin by working on the following issues:
- bacterial formation
- oil production
- inflammation
- clogged pores
While Accutane is effective compared to other medicines, it can bring adverse effects to your health, especially if your system doesn't respond positively to the drug. The most common side effects relating to Accutane use include:
- Mental issues
- Liver health issues
- Dry skin
- Birth defects
- Muscle aches
- Changes in lipid profile
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Vision problems
- Sensitivity to light or the sun
- Allergic reactions
- Bone or joint pain
- Headache
- Dry eyes
While most of the mild to moderate side effects of Accutane are tolerable, there are instances when there's a higher risk of more severe or fatal side effects. These include the following:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Strokes
You must first consult your doctor before starting your prescription by taking blood tests and understanding the proper dosage to avoid excessively high doses (overdose) and to avoid misuse such as pairing alcohol and Accutane together—especially for anyone who is a heavy or binge drinker.
Effects of Mixing Alcohol & Accutane
Mixing two substances altogether, especially if they're mind-altering, such as alcohol, can bring more harm than good to your health, as would any doctor might confirm.
In alcohol and Accutane, what happens is these drugs interact with your dopamine production. It may also react to your brain by having an increase in the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). What happens to your system is it causes it to slow down and make you feel tired due to the dip in energy.
Some of the side effects you might also feel include:
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Hives
- Cardiac arrest
- Sluggishness
Always take heed of the advice of your medical professional and ask them if alcohol use is possible, especially since individuals have varied experiences and different reactions to any treatment regimen. Most likely, they would ask for a person's medical or addiction history, with emphasis if they had bouts of alcohol abuse or substance abuse.
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol & Accutane
Similarly to taking Percocet while breastfeeding, drinking alcohol while on Accutane may bring many health issues that may start as a simple symptom that can rapidly progress into a life-threatening health condition. Some of those often include the following:
- A reduction in reflexes - Alcohol and Accutane dull the brain as it promotes sedation which is especially dangerous if you work with heavy machinery or drive.
- Problems with mental health - Others may experience extreme emotions or mental issues such as euphoria, irritability, anxiety, and euphoria.
- Long-term liver problems - Alcohol has a serious effect on one's health. The liver is one of the most important organs in our system, and if it is affected badly due to being burdened by substance abuse/misuse or alcohol, it will suffer and get destroyed.
- Pregnancy issues - As you drink alcohol while on Accutane if you're pregnant, there's a higher chance for the development of birth deformities. In some cases, pregnant women might be asked for two forms of birth control while under the medication.
Alcoholism While Taking Accutane
Alcoholism while taking Accutane is not uncommon. There are instances when people would often seek skin treatment and may encounter these types of medication (Accutane) while experiencing alcohol abuse.
The pre-existence of a substance use disorder is dangerous as it may interfere with one's system in many ways possible. When that happens this may bring about fatal results or at least irreparable and permanent damage to your organs.
Someone suffering from alcoholism should first seek help through an alcohol recovery program. Oftentimes, it is paired with transitional housing services as these residential arrangements help the patient recover faster and stronger.
Making a follow-up on one's progress through post-treatment services may also benefit the patient to see their progress, and make sure that nothing might affect their sobriety and everything isn't left unchanged.
Can Transcend Recovery Community Assist People Struggling with Alcoholism?
Transcend Recovery Community helps people find a second chance in life—especially those who have given up on life due to alcoholism and drug abuse. While we don't offer direct treatment services for these individuals, our supplemental support services more than cover the care and encouragement that they need in their times of vulnerability and great difficulty
Our sober living program employs a holistic approach to helping an individual with their recovery. Both team staff and residents work hand in hand in making their environment safe and conducive for rehabilitation. You can say that this set-up provides a safer space as we have gender-specific quarters, such as women's and men's sober living.
If you think you have an alcoholism problem or know someone who has one, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us right away and our Recovery Specialists will gladly assist you to figure out the crucial first steps you need to achieve lifelong sobriety.
