Potential Consequences of Drinking Alcohol While on Accutane

Accutane—also known by its generic name isotretinoin—is a powerful and widely used medication for treating severe acne. But with its incredible skin-clearing results come serious responsibilities and risks. One of the biggest red flags? Alcohol.

Many patients wonder: What happens if you drink on Accutane? The truth isn’t just about whether you’ll feel sick right away—mixing Accutane and alcohol can lead to liver damage, worsen side effects, and compromise your treatment results altogether.

This blog unpacks what you need to know about the dangers of combining Accutane with alcohol, the science behind the risk, and the steps to take to stay safe.

What Happens If You Drink on Accutane?

Drinking alcohol while taking Accutane is like adding fuel to a slow-burning fire—it may not spark immediately, but the damage builds over time. Accutane already puts your liver under significant stress. Alcohol adds more pressure to that system, increasing the risk of dangerous complications.

Let’s break it down.

How Accutane and Alcohol Affect the Liver

Your liver is the detox center of your body. Both Accutane and alcohol require your liver to work overtime to break them down. When combined, this creates a perfect storm for toxicity. A 2023 dermatology study found that 17–25% of Accutane users who drank regularly developed elevated liver enzymes, compared to just 5% of non-drinkers

Here’s what happens:

Potential Side Effects of Mixing Accutane and Alcohol

Accutane already comes with a long list of side effects. Introducing alcohol only worsens them—and can trigger some new ones too.

Common intensified side effects include:

• Dizziness or extreme fatigue
• Headaches and nausea
• Dehydration
• Mood swings or depressive symptoms
• Slowed reflexes
• Stomach irritation

The Risks of Drinking on Isotretinoin

When it comes to drinking on isotretinoin, the risks go beyond discomfort. It can cause lasting physical and emotional harm. Here are the major concerns:

Accutane’s Overall Impact on the Body

Accutane affects multiple systems in the body, not just the skin. It alters oil production, hormone levels, and mental health pathways. Adding alcohol into the mix disrupts these even further. 

Key body systems influenced by Accutane:

• Liver and metabolism
• Central nervous system (mood, memory, fatigue)
• Skin and mucous membranes (dryness, irritation)
• Digestive system (nausea, GI upset)
• Endocrine system (hormonal balance)

How Alcohol Can Reduce Accutane’s Effectiveness

One often overlooked concern? Alcohol can actually reduce the effectiveness of Accutane. Here’s how:

• Alcohol affects fat metabolism, and Accutane is fat-soluble. This means drinking can interfere with how the medication is absorbed and processed in your body.
• Poor liver function (induced by alcohol) reduces how effectively Accutane can be metabolized, diminishing its acne-fighting power.
• Dehydration from alcohol can lead to excessively dry skin, increasing irritation and reducing skin resilience during treatment.

Safe Practices for Patients on Accutane

While full abstinence from alcohol is highly recommended, here are some harm reduction tips if you’re currently on Accutane and feel unsure about your choices.

Before discussing safe practices, it’s important to remember that no tip guarantees total safety while drinking isotretinoin—only avoidance does.

Here are a few practical guidelines:

• Avoid drinking for at least 48–72 hours before and after a dose
• Get monthly liver function tests to monitor enzyme levels
• Eat high-fiber, antioxidant-rich meals to support your liver
• Stay ultra-hydrated (at least 2 liters of water daily)
• Skip hard liquor; if you must drink, opt for low-alcohol drinks
• Monitor your mood—Accutane and alcohol both influence emotional health

Talking to a Healthcare Provider Before Drinking on Accutane

The most responsible move? Have a transparent conversation with your provider before mixing Accutane and alcohol. Many patients hesitate to ask, fearing judgment. But your provider’s goal is to support you, not shame you. Being honest allows them to guide you toward safer choices or even adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Bring up questions like:

• Can I have a glass of wine on special occasions?
• How often will my liver function be checked?
• Are there alternatives to Accutane if I struggle with abstaining?
• Should I supplement with anything to support my liver?

Get Help from Tennessee Behavioral Health

Struggling with substance use or worried about how alcohol might be affecting your health while on Accutane? You’re not alone—and you’re not beyond help.

Whether you’re actively taking Accutane or simply want to break unhealthy habits before starting, our team is here to support you through every step. Contact Tennessee Behavioral Health today to speak with a care specialist.

FAQs

1. What are the risks of combining Accutane with alcohol?

Mixing alcohol and Accutane increases the risk of liver damage, elevated triglycerides, and worsened side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and mood swings.

2. How does drinking alcohol while on Accutane affect the liver?

Both substances are metabolized in the liver, so combining them places extra stress on the organ, potentially leading to inflammation, elevated enzyme levels, and long-term damage.

3. What are the possible side effects of consuming alcohol during Accutane treatment?

Side effects may include dizziness, extreme fatigue, digestive issues, worsened dryness, mental health instability, and poor drug absorption.

4. Can drinking on isotretinoin lead to liver damage?

Yes, especially with frequent or heavy drinking. Accutane alone can stress the liver, and alcohol compounds this risk significantly.

5. How does alcohol influence the effectiveness of Accutane?

Alcohol can interfere with the medication’s absorption and metabolic process, potentially making Accutane less effective and delaying treatment results.