| Title | Polar hysteria: an expression of hypervitaminosis A. | | Author(s) | O'Donnell J | | Institution | Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA. JOdonn1935@aol.com | | Source | Am J Ther 2004 Nov-Dec; 11(6):507-16. | | MeSH | Animals
Arctic Regions
Dermatologic Agents
Diet
Food Poisoning
History, 16th Century
History, 20th Century
Humans
Hypervitaminosis A
Hysteria
Inuits
Isotretinoin
Liver
Psychoses, Substance-Induced
Ursidae
| | Abstract | Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a drug closely related to the chemical structure of Vitamin A. The pharmacology and toxicology of these two retinoids is similar enough to warrant comparison. Accutane is a powerful drug which its manufacturer, Roche, indicates is limited for severe recalcitrant nodular acne. This potency is also reflected in Accutane's well-known ability to produce severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Less well-known is the risk of this lipid soluble chemical to affect the Central Nervous System. Reports of intracranial hypertension, depression, and suicidal indeation with Accutane use have prompted an examination of this serious and life threatening potential. Though Roche has added a warning to its product label for signs of depression and suicidal ideation, this product is being overprescribed for all forms of acne, including mild cases and moderate acne that have not been treated with alternative medications, which have a lesser risk of depression and suicide. There is no contesting that this drug is effective at clearing up the most severe forms of acne, but the public must be informed of its proper, limited indication for use; depression and suicide can follow in patients with no prior history of psychiatric symptoms or suicide attempts. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Historical Article
Journal Article
Review
| | PubMed ID | 15543093 |
|
