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Posted on:02/13/2006
Question
What are the effects of smoking marijuana while taking accutane? What are the effects of getting drunk while on accutane?
Answer
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| There are no known interactions between marijuana and accutane. There is, however, a serious interaction between accutane and alcohol: accutane blocks an enzyme (protein) that allows alcohol breakdown in the body. Side effects of mixing accutane and alcohol (even just one drink) can include dizziness, rapid heart beats, low blood pressure, flushing, headache and flu-like symptoms.
Of course, as a physician, I must also wonder how often and how much you are using alcohol and marijuana. I'm sure you know that it's actually illegal for someone under 21 to be buying alcohol and illegal for anyone to be smoking marijuana.
If you are using these to deal with mood issues, especially depression, please note that alcohol and marijuana AND accutane used alone or in combination can cause or worsen existing depression.
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Answered By:
Meg Durbin
, M.D.
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