Accutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful prescription medication used to treat severe or cystic acne when other treatments fail. It works by shrinking oil glands and reducing skin inflammation, but it’s also one of the most heavily monitored medications because of its potential side effects, especially on the liver and mental health.
One of the most common questions doctors hear from patients starting isotretinoin is:
“Can I drink while taking Accutane?”
The short answer: It’s best to avoid alcohol completely while on Accutane, and here’s why.
How Accutane Affects the Body
Accutane is derived from vitamin A (retinoic acid). Because it’s fat-soluble and metabolized through the liver, it can strain or elevate liver enzymes even at therapeutic doses.
Your liver is responsible for breaking down both isotretinoin and alcohol, so combining the two can overburden the organ and increase the risk of damage.
Common side effects of Accutane alone include:
- Dry skin and lips
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Elevated liver enzymes or cholesterol levels
When alcohol is added to the mix, these effects can intensify.
Why You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol on Accutane
| Risk Area | Effect of Combining Accutane + Alcohol | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Function | Both substances are processed by the liver; alcohol increases enzyme levels and inflammation. | Elevated ALT/AST, fatty liver disease, or long-term liver damage. |
| Cholesterol & Triglycerides | Accutane can raise triglycerides; alcohol increases them further. | Pancreatitis risk or cardiovascular strain. |
| Dehydration | Alcohol dehydrates; Accutane already causes dryness. | Cracked lips, nosebleeds, and fatigue worsen. |
| Mental Health | Both can impact mood and serotonin regulation. | Heightened depression, irritability, or anxiety. |
| Medication Efficacy | Alcohol can reduce the medication’s absorption and increase fatigue. | Less effective acne control and more side effects. |
In short: both alcohol and isotretinoin demand the liver’s attention. Taking them together is like running two heavy engines on the same power line, something will overload first.
Mental-Health Effects: Why It Matters
Accutane has been associated with mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in some users, though research remains mixed on whether the medication itself directly causes depression.
Alcohol, however, is a known central nervous system depressant. It slows brain function, disrupts serotonin balance, and impairs emotional regulation, all of which can amplify depressive symptoms.
Combining the two can:
- Increase emotional instability
- Exacerbate anxiety or depressive episodes
- Lower motivation or energy during treatment
- Interfere with sleep and concentration
If you have a personal or family history of depression, your dermatologist may recommend close monitoring or mental-health support during treatment — and complete alcohol avoidance.
What Happens If You Accidentally Drink on Accutane?
A single drink may not cause immediate harm for everyone, but it still places unnecessary stress on the liver and may alter lab results.
If you drink while on isotretinoin:
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water and avoid additional alcohol.
- Notify your dermatologist — they may request liver function tests.
- Avoid repeating it — continued drinking can raise your liver enzyme levels and delay treatment.
How Long After Accutane Can You Drink?
Doctors typically recommend waiting at least one month after completing Accutane before drinking alcohol.
This allows the liver time to clear isotretinoin metabolites and restore enzyme balance.
If you’ve had elevated liver enzymes during treatment, your provider may extend that window.
Safer Alternatives for Social Situations
You don’t have to isolate yourself during treatment. Try:
- Mocktails or non-alcoholic beers for social events
- Sparkling water with citrus or bitters for a drink-like feel
- Herbal teas or adaptogen drinks for relaxation
- Designated-driver nights — focus on connection, not consumption
The goal isn’t restriction, it’s protecting your body while you heal.
The Connection Between Skin Health and Sobriety
What surprises many people is how directly alcohol impacts skin. Even without Accutane, alcohol can:
- Trigger inflammation and acne flare-ups
- Dehydrate skin and increase oil rebound
- Interfere with sleep, which slows healing
Many patients notice their complexion improves faster when they avoid alcohol during treatment, partly because their liver can devote more resources to detoxification and regeneration.
When to Seek Medical or Mental-Health Support
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of jaundice)
- Persistent nausea or fatigue
- Dark urine
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
If mood symptoms become distressing, seek immediate help by calling 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or reaching out to a trusted provider.
You don’t have to go through it alone, mental-health support is part of whole-body care.
How We Help at Brooks Healing Center
Drinking alcohol while taking Accutane puts significant strain on your liver, raises triglycerides, and can worsen depression or anxiety. Avoiding alcohol is the safest choice for both your physical and mental health, and may even improve your skin faster.
At Brooks Healing Center, we help individuals navigate not only substance use concerns but also the emotional and physical factors that affect long-term recovery. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol use or coping challenges during medical treatment, our holistic care model integrates medical, psychological, and spiritual wellness for complete healing.
FAQ’s
Can you drink occasionally while on Accutane?
It’s not recommended. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase liver stress and interfere with lab monitoring during treatment.
Does Accutane make you more sensitive to alcohol?
Yes. Many users report stronger or faster-onset effects from alcohol due to altered liver metabolism and dehydration caused by isotretinoin.
Can I drink after finishing Accutane?
Wait at least one month after your last dose to allow liver function and triglyceride levels to normalize.
Why does my dermatologist check my liver while I’m on Accutane?
Regular bloodwork ensures your liver enzymes and cholesterol stay within safe ranges during treatment. Alcohol can distort those readings and raise risk.
What if I already drank while taking Accutane?
Stay hydrated and contact your dermatologist. One incident is unlikely to cause lasting harm, but repeated drinking raises serious risks.
Are there emotional side effects from Accutane?
Some users experience mood changes or depression. Mixing with alcohol increases that risk, so monitoring mental health is essential.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Isotretinoin (Accutane): Patient Safety.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/isotretinoin
- National Institutes of Health. (2023). LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548455/
- National Library of Medicine. (2022). Accutane and Alcohol: A Review of Hepatic Risk.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35782625/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.https://988lifeline.org
- FDA. (2021). Isotretinoin Capsule Information. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/isotretinoin-capsule-information
