Minocycline
5
15.6%
4
29.3%
3
24.9%
2
15.9%
1
14.3%

Used Minocycline? Rate It:

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September 6, 2008

Pros:

When I first started using it, I noticed moderate results. I have not experienced any side effects to date.

Cons:

Results started to taper off after using it for awhile. It never completely cleared my facial acne. Doc lowered dosage - said it's not a med I should be on for a long time - and I think it's completely useless now. I will look for another med.

Got some results in beginning, but because it's not recommended for long-term use, hope that your acne doesn't come back once you're off the med... otherwise it's not worth it.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

My back acne has cleared up.

Cons:

Loss of appetite, stomach upset, spotting for a week now (which my derm. says is not related to taking the medication...I never spot though), my face has not cleared up yet!!

I'm happy my back cleared up but my face still looks bad...maybe it would be worse if I wasn't taking it. I don't feel good about taking it after reading the problems all these people have had. It hasn't worked wonders yet...I'll give it a bit longer.
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August 31, 2008

Pros:

I've only been on this for 2 days and the redness from my acne has already started to clear up. I have cystic acne and I think I can tell it starting to help, although current cysts have seemed to get worse. But, it's only been a few days...

Cons:

I don't like not being able to take it with food. Dr. told me to take it with food it just wouldn't be absorbed as well, so of course I don't eat with it. Makes you just a little dizzy, just drink lots of water...

We'll see... I'll keep you updated. But definitely helping with redness already!
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August 26, 2008

Pros:

I think it was working really quickly, within a few days. But my doctor gave me a high dose.

Cons:

Severe stomach cramps, throwing up,... etc! After 3 days I was so ill I could barely move. Stopped taking it and I got better. Acne returned almost immediatly, and i think it was worse.

If it doesn't make you sick, go for it. my doctor also said that i wouldn't have to always take it, just for a few weeks at a time.. (lie). My dermatologist disagreed.
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

Althought it took a couple of weeks for the antibotic to kick in, it really did help with my acne a lot. I was so happy that I didnt have to worry about my acne any more, and when I did get pimples they were really nothing.

Cons:

However 6 months in taking the medication,I developed severe headaches, neck pain, and double vision. The medication caused me to get a Pseudotumor in my brain causing double vision.I had to stop taking the pills,and was upset when
I got acne agai

Just be careful of what antibotics you are putting into your body. Before taking the medience check all the side affects, because it can cause serious damage. I was lucky I stopped and went to a very well known hospital, who diagnosed me quickly. Even though my double vision should go away, it may give me perament damage to my optic nerves. I was in pain for a month, and I mean severe pain, just ask questions before you pop pills into your body.
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August 17, 2008

Pros:

It did clear up my skin within a few weeks and I have cystic acne which I have found difficult to clear.

Cons:

Minocycline is a known cause of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Something that I developed and which caused me to go partially blind in my left eye. It took the drs too long to find out what I had and I now have to have regular lumbar punctures

It works, but it's not worth your health, eyes or brain. I used it for about 2 years before the cause of my headaches and blurred/double vision was found. I will now have this condition the rest of my life and may have to receive shunts in my head to relieve the pressure from the build up of fluid in my head so that I won't go completely blind. I have to go once a month to my neurosurgeon for a lumbar puncture to check my spinal fluid pressure, once a month to my neuro-opthamologist to have extensive testing to my eyes and who knows what else down the road. Once I found my neurosurgeon, he knew exactly what it was right away and said that Minocycline is known to cause all of these problems and sometimes people go blind before it is caught because dermatologists and primary care doctors have no clue. Will this happen to everyone or even the majority? Highly unlikely. But, make sure to talk to your doctor about all side effects.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

I broke out in a rash

Didn't do anything for me except it made me break out in a rash.
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August 11, 2008

Pros:

Skin not as bumpy...

Cons:

SCARS!, still have just as many pimples as I did before, sore dry eyes, dizzyness, dry everything on my face, can't tan.

Ive used minnocycline and retisol A cream for about 3 months now... initial break out was hell... didn't want to leave the house for the first 2 weeks. It slowly started to clear up in the 3rd week but then got my period and broke out again. The zits that did go away left little red marks. I would not reccommend this to anyone who has more than 5 zits on their face at a time. I really think is not the answer. Didn't work for me at all... I am going to be talking to a doctor about going onto accutane.
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August 10, 2008

Pros:

Cleared face within a week, looking better every day.

Cons:

Still getting blackheads. But most severe reaction is hives all over body from neck down to knees. Hands, elbows, and knees swollen and achy. Started with huge welts all over my arms. I look deformed. Spread all over the rest of my body except face

I am not sensitive to many things but this medication obviously is not for me. I am going to have to go off of it. If you have no reaction it works great, but I dont know which is worse- the pimples or the hives
August 10, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up redness somewhat, have a lot less break outs than I did before.

Cons:

I still have acne, and its not all gone yet and ive been on it for more than 6 months.

Try it to see if it works on you...this ones the best that has worked for me, and ive tried everything except acutane. drink lots of water cause it helps regardless of what some doctors say.
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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.