So. How 'bout that Accutane?

Side effects may include:

Chapped lips, dry, peeling skin, BIRTH DEFECTS LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN, depression, psychosis, hallucinations, internal organ damage, stunted growth in teens, permanent loss of vision, permanent loss of hearing, permanent thinning of the skin, weakening of the bones, weakening of the muscles, stroke, diabetes, suicide.

...It's for ACNE.

I took my first dose today, and needless to say I'm a little nervous. Has anyone here taken this and lived to tell the tale? Was it as bad as it's been made out to be?

Took it, only thing I noticed was chapped lips. It works well! Be careful about drinking, though...it puts a lot of stress on your liver!

Good luck :)

I was on it for about a year, maybe 18months.  Only thing I noticed was dry lips and dry eyes (I wear contacts).  Staying out of the sun as much as possible helps, or wear a good sunscreen.  You'll be fine! 

My son and I both used the medicine apx 10 years ago and were still alive and kicking. I agree with the other responders, dry lips and such were definitely an issue. We both had good results from the drug. Good luck.

I took it about 3-4 years ago. Definitely agree with the other posters, dry, chapped lips is the biggest side effect. Try using some Aquaphor (Eucerin makes it).

I had no other side effects. It didn't seem as bad as they made it out to be.

I heard that the whole suicide/depression side effect thing is due to some Senator's kid that supposedly killed himself after he took accutane. Its just a rumor, though.

I'm on it now, and the worst thats happened is my lips will get so dry that they bleedbut vasilen really helps.. My skin peels alot but its not horrible. And I have noticed a change in my mood. For instance, when I get upset over things, I get really sad. I'm not really a moody person and when I feel sad like that I just remind myself that its the medicine and not me. Plus working out and drinking water really helps!!! Good luck!