You are likely both excited and worried if you were given a prescription of Accutane (otherwise known as isotretinoin) to combat your stubborn acne. It is a potent drug that could actually clear your skin, but it also has some serious side effects, especially when alcohol is involved.
One of the biggest concerns people have is what happens if you drink alcohol while taking Accutane. It’s a valid question, especially since both alcohol and Accutane can affect your liver. Combining the two can heighten the risk of side effects like liver damage, increased cholesterol levels, and an overall feeling of unwellness.
The thing is that more than 500,000 people in the U.S. use Accutane each year, and many of them are teenagers and young adults who may drink at parties or other social gatherings. And in case you were thinking about whether it is safe to consume a glass of wine or a bottle of beer when under the Accutane treatment, you are not the only one.
Accutane and Alcohol Interaction
Accutane is a powerful drug, and your liver has to work hard to metabolize it. Alcohol also strains your liver. When you drink with Accutane, it is the same as giving your liver two jobs, which, in the long run, can bring about some degrading issues.
Here’s what happens when Accutane and alcohol mix in your body:
- Increased liver strain
- Higher cholesterol and triglycerides
- Worsened side effects
- Delayed skin healing
The Risks of Consuming Alcohol While on Accutane
Other risks associated with drinking alcohol when using Accutane are that it appears to be harmless when only consumed in limited doses, but the risks tend to accumulate very quickly. It is already very toxic to the liver to drink alcohol, which is augmented by taking Accutane, which has side effects, some of which you will not feel immediately.
The following are some of the greatest hazards of consuming alcohol while having Accutane:
- Liver Damage
- High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Dehydration and Dry Skin
- Mood Swings and Mental Health Effects
- Increased Side Effects
Potential Side Effects of Mixing Accutane and Alcohol
Accutane and alcohol should not be combined as this combination spawns numerous uncomfortable and even hazardous side effects. Since the substances are processed by the liver and have an impact on various body systems, using them in combination may result in an increased adverse effect of this or that substance. Not only can this affect your physical wellness, but it can also affect your mood, skin condition, and energy levels.
This is a list of the most frequent side effects you might have to deal with in case you mix Accutane and alcohol together:
| Side Effect | Description |
| Liver Strain | Increased risk of liver inflammation or long-term liver damage |
| Elevated Cholesterol/Triglycerides | Higher blood fat levels raise the risk of heart problems |
| Severe Dehydration | Worsens Accutane-related dryness (skin, lips, eyes) |
| Nausea and Stomach Upset | It can intensify if alcohol irritates the stomach while on medication |
| Mood Swings or Depression | Increased risk of anxiety, irritability, or depression |
| Fatigue and Weakness | Both alcohol and Accutane can cause tiredness or low energy |
| Headaches | May become more frequent or intense |
| Reduced Effectiveness of Treatment | Alcohol can interfere with the healing and anti-inflammatory process of Accutane |
Impact of Accutane and Alcohol on Liver Health
It is your liver which does the processing of toxins and medications such as Accutane. The consumption of alcohol, on the other hand, would place additional strain on the liver, and this could tend to lead to liver damage or failure. Your liver can only take so much. Even when you are young and otherwise healthy, you can make it overdo it by taking Accutane with alcohol.
Here’s how this combo can affect your liver:
- Increase in liver enzymes. Both alcohol and Accutane will cause a rise in liver enzyme levels, which is an indication that your liver is overworking.
- Liver inflammation. This might result in a feeling of discomfort, weariness, and in severe cases, liver disease.
- Impaired detoxification. Your body may not eliminate toxins effectively, which could leave your liver in a state of lethargy or ill health.
- Long-term liver injuries are more likely to occur. Due to frequent alcohol intake, taking Accutane for a long period might cause lasting liver complications.
When using Accutane, doctors tend to watch out for your liver doing its job through blood tests. Taking alcohol when you are under treatment 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.
Health Precautions for Accutane Users Regarding Alcohol
When you are taking Accutane, you are supposed to take some important precautions against your health, where they are concerned mainly with alcohol. Since both Accutane and alcohol may overload your liver and impact your general condition, precaution is the thing that may prevent unpleasant consequences and achieve the best outcome of your anti-acne intervention.
These are some precautions that one should remember:
- Stop drinking as much as possible. It does not take much to put you at risk of liver damage and other side effects.
- Have frequent blood tests. During treatment, your doctor can check your cholesterol level and liver functioning to prevent the issues at the initial stages.
- Stay hydrated. Accutane and alcohol may cause you to get dry. It is necessary to drink lots of water to make your skin and body healthy.
- You are advised not to combine Accutane with medicines that interact with liver without the permission of your doctor.
- Look out for the signs. Tell your doctor immediately when you have any of the following: any feelings of slight tiredness, skin turning yellow, a feeling of sick stomach, or unusual mood feeling.
Learn More About Accutane and Alcohol Consumption at Silicon Valley Recovery
Combining alcohol with Accutane is not only hazardous but outright harmful.
Physicians generally prefer that you not drink alcohol when you are on Accutane, particularly if your blood reports indicate that there may be early signs of liver stress. To stay safe on your journey to recover from acne, it’s important to stay informed, follow your prescriptions carefully, and avoid alcohol.
It may happen that you or a person you know has alcohol problems while taking medication such as Accutane. In such cases, we can help.
Contact Silicon Valley Recovery today to receive qualified help, advice, and therapies.
FAQs
What are the risks associated with drinking alcohol while on Accutane?
Consumption of alcohol and being on Accutane enhances the chances of liver damage, elevated cholesterol levels, and even greater adverse reactions such as exhaustion, nausea, and altered moods. It can also reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
How does alcohol consumption affect the side effects of Accutane?
Common minor side effects, such as dry skin and dizziness, among others, may increase with alcohol. It also elevates the risk of liver strain and mental byproducts such as depression or anger.
Can mixing Accutane and alcohol lead to liver damage?
Yes, drinking alcohol and taking Accutane may place severe pressure on the liver and cause inflammation or damage to your liver, especially after repeated use.
What health precautions should Accutane users take regarding alcohol?
It is important to avoid alcohol, keep yourself hydrated, regularly check your liver function, and pay attention to such indicators as severe fatigue or yellow discoloration of the skin. Never hesitate to use the advice of your doctor.
Are there guidelines for responsible alcohol consumption for those taking Accutane?
The majority of doctors advise not taking any type of alcohol during the time you are under Accutane. In case you are not sure, you should consult your doctor on whether to drink or not.
