Mixing Alcohol & Accutane | Effects & Dangers

Accutane or Roaccutane (the brand name for isotretinoin) is used as a treatment for acne and it’s not recommended that it be mixed with alcohol. When taken together, Accutane and alcohol can cause both physical and mental issues like dizziness, depression, and seizures.

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol On Accutane?

It’s likely not safe to drink alcohol while taking Accutane. This is especially true if you have a history of heavy drinking, binge drinking, or alcohol use disorder. 

Although it might be okay to drink alcohol in moderation if you’re on Accutane, your medical history as well as your history of alcohol abuse will play a role in the safety of mixing these two substances.

What Is Accutane?

Accutane is a powerful retinoid drug that’s made partly of Vitamin A. It’s prescribed by dermatologists for acne treatment and starts to work within 4-5 months. Because of how powerful it is, it can be very effective when working on moderate and severe acne. 

Perhaps because of its strength, it does have side effects, especially when taken in high doses. The most common side effects include:

• dry skin
• itching
• nosebleeds
• joint and muscle pain
• irritation of the eyes and eyelids.
• headaches
• sensitivity to the sun
• nausea
• vomiting

Effects Of Mixing Alcohol & Accutane

Alcohol and Accutane both affect the levels of dopamine in the brain. The increase in dopamine production is what brings on the mental and physical issues sometimes seen when the two substances are mixed. 

Alcohol and Accutane can also cause an increase in the neurotransmitter gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). This causes the body to slow down and become lethargic.

Other side effects of mixing these two substances may include:

• dizziness
• sluggishness
• drowsiness
• shortness of breath
• extreme dryness of skin
• itching
• hives
• palpitations
• respiratory depression
• cardiac arrest
• coma
• seizures
• sedation

It’s important to ask your healthcare provider if drinking alcohol is okay while you’re taking Accutane. Their medical advice likely depends on your medical history and history of substance abuse.

Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol & Accutane

Mixing alcohol and Accutane can also heighten the risk for serious issues and disorders. These issues can start as complications of one of the side effects above or can occur all on their own. It’s important to seek medical attention if you notice any of these dangers.

Reduced Reflexes

If you take a high dosage of Accutane with alcohol, the combination can lead to a reduction in how fast your reflexes respond. Taking alcohol and Accutane together may lead to sedation and drowsiness. Those side effects can become severe enough that your reflexes are affected too. 

Additionally, if alcohol and Accutane are mixed over a long period of time or in high enough quantities, the reduced reflexes, drowsiness, and lethargy can turn into even more serious problems such as coma, respiratory depression, and death.

Mental Health Issues

Some people also experience euphoria, depression, and irritability when mixing Accutane and alcohol. 

Both substances affect the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. When mixed together, they can lead to an imbalance in the brain that brings on depression, irritation, or a high/euphoric feeling. This euphoria can also make this combination quite addictive. 

Liver Damage

It’s well known that alcohol has serious effects on the liver. It’s less well-known that Accutane does as well. Combined together, they can do serious damage to the liver and, if taken long enough and in high enough dosages, can be life-threatening

High Cholesterol

Alcohol consumption and Accutane can also have serious effects on the lipids/triglycerides in the blood. 

Accutane can sometimes increase the lipids or the fat in the blood leading to an increase in cholesterol. Alcohol can also increase lipid levels. More lipids in the blood can lead to pancreatitis. 

That being said, once Accutane use is stopped, lipid levels will likely go down.

Pregnancy

The effects of alcohol on a fetus are pretty well-known but Accutane can also cause serious problems if taken while pregnant.

It can hurt the fetus and cause deformities. Because of this, people who are prescribed Accutane are not only informed of the possibility of birth defects, they may also be required to use two forms of birth control while taking the medication.

Treatment For Alcohol Abuse

There are several different kinds of treatment available for alcohol abuse. Inpatient, outpatient, and detox programs are recommended for anyone struggling with substance abuse. Some of the help these programs offer include:

• behavioral therapy
• support groups 
• substance abuse education
• coping skills for relapse prevention 
• meditation and yoga for overall health and well-being

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, please call our helpline to learn about our treatment options.