re psychiatric effects: it is associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior. (i didn't have this side effect when on it, but it was in the news b/c of this). however, other common side effects are permanent dry eyes, dry skin etc
FYI- if you're taking it for acne, and you have 'adult acne' AKA cystic acne, then a number of other things may work better for you.

i was on accutane, it was great. cleared my skin in less than 6 months. It should only be used if you have really intense acne, it's not for a pimple or two. You'll need to get a blood test, not only to check if you are pregnate, but to check you liver status as well. There are other side affects but they are nothing in compared to being uncomfortable in your skin because of acne. I feel that you are more depressed with acne than by taking accutane. Once you are done, you'll feel beautiful, trust me.

Do you maybe know of any other adult acne problem that can be treated with something either natural or a little milder?

adult acne is aka rosacea.
avoiding triggers is the best treatment for it, as well as using some topical creams [prescribed by a dermatologist] for roscea specifically (not the same meds as for 'regular' acne.)
since rosacea is associated with blood vessel dilation, basically anything that can cause blood vessel dilation can trigger a reaction. so things like heat, wind, etc can cause a reaction. as well as many foods-so it's similar to the migraine diet. potential triggers include MSG, sulfites, nitrites, nitrates, hard cheeses, yogurt, canned fish (as they put histamine in in the canning), veggies that are nightshades (such as peppers, eggplant), chocolate....
you see what you have a reaction to and leave it out. you should see TREMENDOUS improvement. though if there is an underlying hormonal problem (associated with too much testosterone) then this will probably still be an issue.
there's alot of great info available through the national roscea society.

Years ago Dr. put me on long term antibiotic treatment for acne which upset my stomach very much. I gave up figuring I'd just have to cope.
But a few years ago I read several things about how good OMEGA FATTY ACIDS (3 & 6) are for health.
I started taking cod liver oil , evening primose oil and flaxseed oil supplements.

I had read that evening primrose oil could be helpful for monthly menstrual cramps and bloating.

The upside is not only do I not have the severe monthly discomfit but my skin has cleared up also.

So you might want to try omega fatty acid supplements. I'd also recommend a good multi-B vitamin, up to but not more than 50mg. Maybe zinc too if you're not getting enough from diet.

I also take a calcium and vitamin D supplement, only due to osteoporosis runs in my family.

Drink plenty and exercise too!
Good luck and good health!

Hi , i also have terrible acne
can you give me this persons details
Phone nuber ect.

Thanks

Yasher Koach!!
tizku lemitzvot

Does anyone know this Russian women's contact info?

Hi.
Would you be able to give me the information for the russian woman who treated the acne well?
dk370@aol.com
Dina

I wrote this a long time ago, but since you just asked... I'm just copying it and putting it here. I hope its helpful to you, and i wish you luck with whatever you do. I do know at least one person and was not affected like i was, bu i also know many people who had trouble like me. Again, I'm not saying you shuoldnt take it, but just think about long and hard before hand. I'm happy to answer any other questions you have.
Hi,
If i could i would go out to the world and scream that no one should ever take this medication again. i took it when i had bad acne, and nothing helped and eventually the doc put me on it. this has turned my life and the life of my whole family upside down. I became depressed, i was very suicidal, i became enorexic, my skin was peeling it was so dry.(and its still dry till this day!!) I needed to be in a phisco hospital for a long time becasue of all of this. i dont think i will be able to ever forgive them for taking away that time in my life, which should have been my best. i became blind in the dark. i can go on and on if you want me to.
My parents didnt know what to do with me, and it wasnt known in those days that acutane can cause these things.
It did clear the acne. (though not everything, but most of it.) i still get those pimples here and there, but its nothing if you compare it to what i had then.
I can't really tell you not to take it, but i can tell you what i went through.
Also, later in life, when i did get pregnant for the first time, i was soooo scared that it would still have an affect on my child, but b"h everything was ok.
also, one of the reasons you have to take regular blood test is because it makes your colestrol go very high.
Just consider all of the above before you do anything.

its fine for you to ask. There was nothing else going on at the time in my life. I took acutane when i was 12 years old. I was a very happy carefree girl at the time. after i went off of the acutane, thing did start to settle down, although it did take some time, as i was in the situation already. but we defintly saw an immediate improvment when i stopped. I know for a fact that i'm not the only one that went thourgh these things. I know some ppple who sued accutane for all that they went thourgh. Agagin, I dont want to tell you not to take it, as i do know what its like to have really bad acutatne, and the acutane did help me get rid of the acne.... I just dont know. I have thought about it many times. Would i give it to my own daughter if she had really bad acne? probably not. I went though too much as a result of this. But again, just like you i know pople who were not affected by these things. I'm happy to answer any other questioins you have.