Read through my latest articles on Post-Accutane Syndrome.
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SecondLife: Retinoid Recovery Guide
Who’s this book for? As societal trends increasingly emphasize physical appearance, retinoids like Isotretinoin (brand name Accutane) have become a popular solution for acne and fine wrinkles. However, as the use of these medications becomes more widespread, so does awareness of their potential side effects. For most people without a medical background, their understanding of retinoids and Vitamin A is often limited to knowing they are found in red and…
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Accutane & The Prefrontal Cortex
Introduction: In previous articles I’ve explored the diverse and concerning effects of Accutane on the brain. This evidence spans from in vitro experiments showing Isotretinoin directly triggering the death of neurons, to changes to the expression of genes involved in serotonin signalling. [29][30] However, of all the evidence of Accutane’s neurological effects, the most damning of all comes from a 2005 study by Bremner et al. where it was determined…
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Accutane & Autoimmunity: The Link To Sjogren’s Syndrome
Introduction Sjogrens syndrome is an autoimmune condition that has a striking overlap to the many side effects of Accutane treatment. The condition is characterised by the destruction of the exocrine glands, such as the sebaceous glands, tear ducts and saliva. One of the primary characteristics of this condition is excessively dry skin, which is why parallels are often drawn with the effects of Accutane treatment. Other symptoms include dry eyes,…
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The Fascinating Link Between Accutane and Melatonin
Introduction Despite its now long history of use in treating severe acne, the mechanism underlying Accutane’s efficacy still hasn’t been agreed by practitioners. There are only two known pathways that influence sebum production, PPAR (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) and Androgens. The primary metabolite of Accutane, All-Trans-Retinoic Acid, isn’t usually thought of as having a direct influence on either of these pathways. Nonetheless, there’s increasing evidence to show that Accutane does indeed…
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PPAR: The Link Between The Gut, Allopregnanolone And The Brain
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that function as transcription factors to regulate metabolic health. There are three types of PPARs: alpha, gamma and delta. When bound to by fatty acids (such as prostaglandins) influence processes such as fat burning, lipid storage and glucose metabolism. [1] Among the long list of side effects of Accutane, at the top of the list of immediate concern is…
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Why Accutane Causes Dry Eyes and How To Treat It
Introduction Accutane is well attested as being a potent and permanent solution to severe cystic acne, with at least one of its effects being a shrinking of the sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin. Whilst the latest scientific research has indicated that the structural changes to the sebaceous gland aren’t permanent – the reduction in lipid secretion is. In fact, the mechanisms that underly Accutane’s efficacy are far…
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Lithium: The ‘Anti-Accutane’ Supplement?
Introduction Contrary to popular opinion lithium isn’t just a medication for the Manic and Psychotic, in fact, it’s in your water (at very very low doses). The World Health Organisation even recognises it as an essential mineral. Despite its long history as an antipsychotic, recent research has uncovered new and intriguing effects of this trace metal on brain health and epigenetics. Remarkably, lithium supplementation may also provide benefits for those experiencing…
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Repairing the Gut After Accutane With Butyrate
Introduction Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid, which is endogenously produced through microbial fermentation of dietary fibres in the lower intestinal tract. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate are produced by the bacteria in the colon from starch and dietary fibres. Some fermented foods contain very small quantities naturally, such as Parmesan or pecorino cheeses, and anyone familiar with the supplement Sodium Butyrate will…
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Accutane: Beat Back Pain and Hairloss with B12
Accutane depletes B12 and causes Hyperhomocysteinemia. There’s a mountain of scientific literature pointing to the many adverse effects associated with Accutane treatment, but few are better attested and more repeatable than the suppression of B12 and folate. The suppression of B12 is accompanied by an excessive presence of homocysteine in the blood, resulting in a condition unimaginatively called Hyperhomocysteinemia. The reason being that folic acid and B12 serve as co…
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Why Accutane Can Cause Joint Pain and Stunted Growth
Introduction Having clear skin could be a great boost to your confidence, but is it worth sacrificing potential height for? The evidence for Accutane’s effects on the musculoskeletal system is extensive. In fact, as many half of patients treated with Accutane report experiencing back pain. Whilst prescribers might be inclined to dismiss skeletal pain as just another pesky side effect, it’s happening for legitimate reasons. Studies have found that retinoic…
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