• Defective Drug Side Effects

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A new study on mice has established a link between the popular acne drug Roaccutane to depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Since the drug''s Food and Drug Administration approval in the 1980s, serious concerns have been raised about the psychological effects Roaccutane may have on some people taking the medication.

Controversial reports of depressive thoughts, suicidal behavior, and psychosis led drug manufacturer Roche to add an increased warning on the product''s label alerting consumers of the potential risks. However, the chemical mechanisms behind the psychological effects were never established.

Study Findings

New independent research conducted by scientists at the University of Bath and the University of Texas at Austin evaluated the effects of Roaccutane on mice. The rodents were given the drug for a duration of six weeks followed by a complete evaluation of their behavior.

The study found no changes in the physical capabilities of the mice. However, they did observe that the rodents who were given Roaccutane spent notably more time immobile during the course of laboratory assessment tests aimed at monitoring their stress responsiveness.

These findings indicate that the administration of Roaccutane significantly increases depressive behavior in mice.

“Establishing a link between the active molecules within the drug and a change in depression-related behavior, albeit in mice, is an important step forward in our understanding of the effects of this drug in the wider context of brain function,” said Dr. Sarah Bailey of the University of Bath.

Retinoids

Roaccutane, a prescription medication used to treat severe cases of acne, belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. Retinoids are vitamin A-related compounds that have been proven to affect nervous system development.

“Previously scientists thought that retinoids were only important in the development of the nervous system. Now there is growing interest in retinoids as regulators of different aspects of brain function in adults,” Dr. Bailey said.

“While our research is the first to demonstrate that retinoids are capable of influencing depression-related behaviors, these compounds may also play a role in the pathology of Alzheimer''s disease and schizophrenia.”

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