accutane and athletic performance

Hmmmmm....

I was on accutane when I was a swimmer in High School.

I didn't notice any difference in athletic performance, but I wasn't an elite high school athlete. If I remember correctly, I was still able to see significant drops in my time(s) that year. But that could be because I was still relatively new to the sport.

As you know, there are a lot of negatives with the drug - it's a very strong drug. But it totally took my acne away, and therefore changed my life for the better. Each body is different, however, so it could be that even though you've only found 2 cases, it may very well react that way for your son.

Not sure how true this is, but I would be willing to hunch that side effects are usually listed because the side effects are felt by X % of the trial group(s). So it could be that decreased athletic performance is seen in a small percentage of patients, but not in a high enough percentage to be listed.

I'd recommend having a chat with a pharmacist or the doctor. The more (qualified) opinions you can get, the better. My opinions are, of course, from my own experience and should be taken with a grain of salt as I am not a medical professional.

I don't miss the chapped lips though!

I have taken two courses of accutane over my life and let me tell you -- it wrecks you, physically, emotionally, every which way possible. The only upside is that it works like a charm for at least five years after. I talked to my derm about going on it again (now 15 ish years later) and she wouldn't even consider it given my Ironman schedule. If your son is a serious athlete, perhaps consider this and the toll it is taking on his liver. I don't think there is any way he could be full on full strength accutane and NOT have athletic performance issues, it is nasty nasty stuff.

Good luck.

I took it as a teenager while I was playing multiple sports.  Never noticed a thing.

Im 16 and Im on Accutane right now, and aside from the chapped lips I have NO side effects. My performance in triathlon and other sports has not been effected at all.

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I've been doing martial arts and other high-intesity sports and training, among also marathon training and I didn't particularly have any muscular or joint issues related to Isotretinoin, although I will site that my energy level definitely decreased and that I had an iissue with lower endurance and upon my second attempt to take the medication I experienced persistent pain in minor injuries. I'd reccommend (to myself more than anyone) more sleep and better nutrition. Keep away from useless foods like candy or simple carbs. This medication is really sucky and makes you heckin' dry