Researchers from the United Kingdom’s University of Bath have found that a popular treatment for acne called isotretinoin can lead to serious depression and thoughts about suicide. The findings of the study, which was published in the Experimental Biology and Medicine, are cause for alarm because the drug, known more popularly in the name Roaccutane, is considered as among the most common treatments to fight acne. Most users of the drug are teenagers, who are at the point of their lives when they are most prone to hormonal changes.

The research has found that Roaccutane is effectively interfering the utilization of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a brain hormone that is responsible for giving out feelings of joy and contentment. Roaccutane is found to disrupt the secretion of serotonin, which is carried along from a part of the human rain to another part. When there are low levels of the hormone, there surely would be resulting depression and even anxiety and bipolar disorders. The result: The patient would feel more agitated and would manifest symptoms of depression. Eventually, he or she will start considering suicide until finally, execution of the plan to end life is carried out.

Manufacturers and distributors of the drug, however, are defensive, saying the labels of the drug already reflect warnings about potential mood modifications and the onset of depression, especially among new patients. Still, many group advocates and healthcare watchers are calling for more stringent measures on how use and administration of Roaccutane could be more regulated. What is more alarming is that according to sales figures, there are about 13 million patients globally that have been taking Roaccutane for their acne since the drug was made available through drug stores in 1982. In England alone, there are about 6,400 patients who have been using the drug since 2006.

The study was backed by an experiment using rats as subjects. When the drug was administered to mice, it has been noted that the animals exhibited manifestations of depressive behavior. Normally, mice would strive to escape from the cages. But under the influence of Roaccutane, they tend to just sit in a corner, wallow and cease escape strategies.

In the United Kingdom, statistics have it that there are about 26 patients who have already committed suicide. Initially, the intake of the acne drug was not linked to those deaths, but because of the latest findings of the research, it is now evident that the treatment has played a significant role in the reported suicide incidents.

So what should patients do? To begin with, it would be more advisable if Roaccutane would not be taken at all. There might be other alternative treatments around. If you feel that the drug is effectively taking out acne and you do not want to cease intake, then, you should regularly consult with your doctor so that any significant behavior change can be abruptly monitored and acted upon. Tell your family about the drug intake, so they will readily understand if you suddenly exhibit any change in behavior.