Doxycycline
5
20.4%
4
35.1%
3
21.8%
2
12.1%
1
10.5%

Used Doxycycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 20, 2009

Pros:

didn't give me bladder infections like amoxicillin did.

Cons:

I have sever stomach aches and intense vomiting even when taken with food, it also didn't do anything for my skin.

It's not entirely worth it. a waste of time in my book and made me terribly ill. (used for about 6-8 months)
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August 17, 2009

Pros:

None that I have experienced.

Cons:

Horrible stomach pains if I eat anything, Upset stomach with or without eating, Skin got worse three days after taking it, extreme loss of appetite (can't eat without feeling sick or bad stomach pain)

I think I may stop taking this all together. I have had a severe stomach pains that start 15 minutes after taking the pill. They come and go all day, but are the worst right after taking the pill. I have gotten sick from it with or without eating. When I do eat, I feel sick or stomach pains, so I don't eat more than 1 small meal a day. It's pretty bad when you have to force yourself to eat something. When I went to the doctor, I had one pimple. She prescribed 150mg once a day. Within the first two days of treatment, my skin broke out severely. I have not had acne this bad in over 10 years. I am debating whether to stop taking it. It is also on the expensive side for maintenance type medication. With insurance it was $45. Without, it was over $400. I also had a rebate card that took it down to $25.
July 26, 2009

Pros:

Can't really think of any... my skin hasn't improved at all!

Cons:

Have often felt nauseous after taking the tablet. Also the odd stomach ache after taking the tablet. Weirdly, I've also felt a lot more 'bloated'.

Been taking Doxycycline twice a day along with a adapalene gel (that I apply at night) prescribed by my doctor. I seen NO improvement in my skins whatsoever! Extremely frustrating... have now started using tea tree oil instead and my complexion has improved mildly... but still not great!
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

cleared up acne on my forehead

Cons:

slow process

be patient
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

I haven't really noticed any :(

Cons:

Makes me have stomach aches and feel sick.
Also makes my skin dry out.
Makes me ultra-sensitive to sun.

It doesnt seem to work at all and it made me have breakouts where i didn't have then. I used to only have acne on my cheeks and only a tiny bit on my chin and after i started using this medication it made my forehead break out so bad! it's awful!
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June 21, 2009

Pros:

To be honest cant name any.

Cons:

Stomach felt bad, didnt work, made me sensitive to the sun.

Dont waste your time try something else.
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June 19, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

I don't think this medication is doing anything at all for my acne. I have a topical I use -- Erythromycin 2% that works far better than this antibiotic. Also, Doxycycline makes me very sick to my stomach, to the point I want to vomit.

I wouldn't bother. Try something else.
June 10, 2009

Pros:

helps with inflammation a bit

Cons:

hurts stomach, doesnt work well enough

I really want to discourage anyone from using oral antibiotics for acne. First of all, using antibiotics like this for a prolonged period of time can cause problems down the road if you get seriously sick and need antibiotics, as they might be less effective since your body has grown used to them. For me it just didnt work. It helped with larger blemishes and inflammation but my acne problem was basically the same. It also can cause an upset stomache and the price is ridiculous. So just stick with topical acne products, they're your best bet.
June 8, 2009

Pros:

Works really well

Cons:

Taking it on an empty stomach

It really works especially with cysts or nodules. been on it for 3 weeks. it takes awhile to see results. i am still experiencing breakouts, not bad though. the pimples dont last that long.my skin is really oily still. i don't think that doxy is suppose to be helping with that but it seems it's more oily than usual. hopefully it keeps working for me. im worried about my body becoming resistant to the drug. if that happens than im switching to acctuane.
June 2, 2009

Pros:

Not sure

Cons:

Total pain to take. Can't take with foods that contain calcium. Can't take on an empty stomach or I'll puke. Have to take twice a day. Even when I take it w/food it still makes me queasy sometimes. And I'm not even sure it's working!

I was on Minocycline and happy with it till I had some minor side effects. My doctor switched me to Doxycycline. I'd cleared up about 80% after a month of Mino but now after about 2 months of Doxy the little clogged pores and whiteheads are creeping back :/ I use it in conjunction with Tazorac and Clindamycin. The restrictions about having to take 2x a day and avoiding dairy (cause calcium blocks absorption of the drug) and the stomach upset are such a pain that I'll probably ask to get off the Doxy at my next appointment. It's very individual so maybe my body just didn't like Doxy, but I'd recommend Mino over it if you can (and avoiding oral antibiotics at all if possible!) By the way there's a branded version that you only have to take 1x a day, but it's hella expensive. My insurance didn't cover it so it would've been $300+ as opposed to the $10 for the generic.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.