Study Links Acne Drug Roaccutane to Depression
A new study into the widely-prescribed acne treatment drug Roaccutane has highlighted a medical association between it and depression.
Roaccutane made its market debut twenty-five years ago - hailed at the time as a "magic bullet" to tackle cases of severe acne in teenagers and adults alike. However, blamed has been placed on it for causing depression, and, ultimately, suicide. 15 deaths have been recorded among the drug's UK users. Stateside, the figure is 200, with the parents of those affected urging for it to be removed from the marketplace.
Roaccutane Could Affect Brain's Serotonin Levels
The new research now suggests that Roaccutane could act to affect the brain's production of serotonin. According to the University of Bath's Dr Sarah Bailey, the identification of such a connection is unprecedented.
Dr Bailey described the link in more detail:
"Serotonin is an important chemical that relays signals from nerve cells to other cells in the body. In the brain, it is thought to play an important role in the regulation of a range of behaviours, such as aggression, anger and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, as well as bipolar and anxiety disorders. Many medications aimed at treating depression seek to increase levels of serotonin to help overcome these problems.
She added: "Our findings suggest that Roaccutane might disrupt the way serotonin is produced and made available to the cells. This could result in problems associated with low levels of serotonin, which might include depression. We are currently looking into this mechanism in more detail."
In older research, Dr Bailey studied the effects of Roaccutane on mice, concluding that they demonstrated behaviour deemed "depressive". Mice provided with the acne drug "gave up", instead of seeking an escape route when placed in situations of stress.
Roaccutane Maker Roche Defends Acne Drug
Roaccutane is a product of Roche Pharmaceuticals. Speaking on the 12th November, a spokesman from the group highlighted how in excess of 13 million worldwide patients had been prescribed a drug which had "revolutionised the management of severe acne".
He added: "Unfortunately, severe acne can cause some sufferers to become depressed and can also affect their mood and self esteem. This is why the information provided with Roaccutane carries a warning that some patients may experience mood changes, including an increase in depression."
Source - Pharmaceutical International's Health Reporter
