Calls for Accutane recall after study shows depression link
Accutane, the only drug that works for adult acne treatment, has always been a controversial drug. While it does wonders for women who suffer from acne, it has serious side effects. In fact, Dr. David Graham, the FDA expert who has blasted the agency for leaving dangerous drugs on the market, includes Accutane with other dangerous drugs like Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra.
Now another study suggests that treatment with Accutane (isotretinoin) is associated with changes in brain functioning. In a study published by J. Douglas Bremner, M.D., Negar Fani, M.S., Ali Ashraf, M.D., John R. Votaw, Ph.D., Marijn E. Brummer, Ph.D., Thomas Cummins, M.D., Viola Vaccarino, M.D., Ph.D., Mark M. Goodman, Ph.D., Lai Reed, M.B.A., Sajid Siddiq, M.D., and Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D., it has been found that "Isotretinoin (technical name for Accutane) but not antibiotic treatment was associated with decreased brain metabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex (–21% change versus 2% change for antibiotic), a brain area known to mediate symptoms of depression. There were no differences in the severity of depressive symptoms between the isotretinoin and antibiotic treatment groups before or after treatment."
Although there have been reports suggesting a relationship between treatment with Accutane and the development of depression and suicide, this topic remains controversial. In order for isotretinoin to cause depression, it must have an effect on the brain; however, the effects of isotretinoin on brain functioning in acne patients had not been established. This study has successfully done that.
There are other controversies that plague Accutane. Public Citizen’s Health Research Group has been warning the FDA about the risks of birth defects and mental retardation for fetuses exposed to Accutane for over 20 years. The consumer rights group has been demanding a recall of Accutane for years now.
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