MK7 Medical Info

Lamictal and acne

Red writes in with a common complaint about Lamictal . . .

I’m a 29 y/o female. I started Lamictal July of 07 (150mgs) and since then I have developed horrible acne along my jawline that takes weeks to clear up and new pimples develop every other day. They are painful. I also have pimples on my chest. I’ve never had bad skin in my life. I also noticed that I have more peach fuzz on the sides of my face and the hair on my head seems to be thinning as well. This really sucks for me because the Lamictal is the first thing that has helped to get me out of depression. Im also taking Lexapro 10mgs. I want to get off the Lamictal to see if these nasty side effects subside, but Im also scared to be on an emotional roller coaster again. I stopped birth control (Yaz) about 7 months ago and thought that if I start back on it again, it may help with the acne? It is supposed to be FDA approved for bc, acne, and PMDD symptoms, so maybe my answer lies in that. Before making my decision to stop the lamictal, I’ll see my Pdoc and my dermatologist. Mental health issues are a big pain in the butt to deal with!!!!!!

With the huge increase in use of Lamictal comes the inevitable huge increase in complaints about Lamictal.  No . . . nothing can ever be easy!  For most folks who take it, Lamictalis wonderfully helpful and has minimal side effects.  Acne, as described above, is one of the more common complaints for those who do experience difficulties.  It then leaves you with the dilemma of choosing whether you feel good . . . or look good.  Most people choose to look good.  More on that in another blarticle.  From your description of your situation, there are a number of options available for you. 

1.  Birth Control Pills–As you mention, some of the newer birth control agents can be helpful for a variety of issues.  As with mental health medicines . . . it is always a bit of a guess . . . might help . . . might not . . . won’t know till you try.  If you were on it before and it was helpful, it is certainly worth a try.  Especially if your acne only emerged after you stopped the Yaz. 

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