Along with its needed effects, isotretinoin (the active ingredient contained in Accutane) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. After doing endless research on Accutane and it's effects on the brain and overall mental health, and also experiencing side effects first hand, I've become quite aware that this drug does alter the mental state of the user. Discontinuation of Accutane may be insufficient intervention, and formal psychiatric evaluation should be conducted. It is also important to note that signs and symptoms of depression are not included in all reported cases of suicidal behavior. New Accutane Warnings It was anecdotal reports linking psychiatric problems like Megan’s with Accutane use that prompted the Food and Drug Administration to pressure the drug’s manufacturer. A further study of adverse effects in 466 isotretinoin recipients in the US 34 recorded no instances of depression or other psychiatric effects, but this was a study of data abstracted from clinical notes for self-reported side effects rather than an examination of psychiatric morbidity. Isotretinoin, a retinoid, is available as Accutane in 10-mg, 20-mg and 40-mg soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid (and colloquially referred to by its former brand name Accutane or Roaccutane), is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne. Rarely, it is also used to prevent certain skin cancers ( squamous-cell carcinoma ), and in the treatment of other cancers. Isotretinoin is marketed as Absorica, Claravis, Amnesteem, Myorisan, and Zenatane, and is sometimes referred to by its former brand name, Accutane. Isotretinoin is a prescription medication used. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a treatment for severe acne that is resistant to other forms of treatment, including antibiotics and topical treatments. Patients taking Accutane may develop potentially serious problems affecting a number of organs, including the liver, intestines, eyes, ears, and skeletal system. And some patients taking Accutane have developed serious psychiatric problems. .