[Christopher1990]

I have terrible acne mostly spreaded throughout my back. I went to a dermatologist and she prescribed a special soap and cream. It hasn't worked at all.
I'm almost certain its caused by the tegretol, though my p.a. doesn't think so. I used to get the same type of cystic acne on lamictal and there the same drug class. I know something is causing it and it's frustrating when doctors don't believe it. I'm going back to the dermatologist and I'm sure they're going to prescribe an antibiotic which never work either.

This is very frustrating I enjoy swimming and it looked so bad this morning I was just embarrassed to go.

Anyone else struggle with this side effect?
Advice?

Yes, lamictal has given me acne and my dermatologist did the same "treatment" as you: soap, cream, antibiotic, etc.. None have worked.

Wish I could say more, but just letting you know that you're not alone.

Some of these meds have annoying side effects.

I've also tried special acne soap for my face during the shower and that doesn't cut it. I have to wash my face more often.

I'm 27, so I should be beyond the acne stage. Not that adult acne can't happen, but just sayin

[Christopher1990]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Yes, lamictal has given me acne and my dermatologist did the same "treatment" as you: soap, cream, antibiotic, etc.. None have worked.

Wish I could say more, but just letting you know that you're not alone.

Some of these meds have annoying side effects.

I've also tried special acne soap for my face during the shower and that doesn't cut it. I have to wash my face more often.

I'm 27, so I should be beyond the acne stage. Not that adult acne can't happen, but just sayin

I'm 27 as well and it sounds like were in the same boat. I know when I was off lamictal and not on tegretol I had no problem with acne. Then after my hospitalization they put me on tegretol and soon enough I got the same dreadful side effects come back. I'm lucky that I don't get much on my face, just a few that aren't really noticeable.

There's not that many mood stabilizers out there. I refuse depakote and my choices seem to be lamictal or tegretol.

There's always a root to the problem. I wish doctors would go to the root instead of adding more medications to stop side effects its a terrible cycle.

I'm sorry you have to deal with the cystic acne. I got it from Lithium even into my very early 40s. I'm in my mid to late 40s now.

I've heard of people complain about skin problems from Lamictal, but not from Tegretol until now. If Tegretol is the culprit for your acne, it goes to show that different people get different side effects from different medications. I've been on 1200 to 1400 mg of Tegretol XR for almost 9 years. Ever since about three months after getting off Lithium my skin has been almost perfect. It's been about six years since Lithium.

Originally Posted by Christopher1990

I'm 27 as well and it sounds like were in the same boat. I know when I was off lamictal and not on tegretol I had no problem with acne. Then after my hospitalization they put me on tegretol and soon enough I got the same dreadful side effects come back. I'm lucky that I don't get much on my face, just a few that aren't really noticeable.

There's not that many mood stabilizers out there. I refuse depakote and my choices seem to be lamictal or tegretol.

There's always a root to the problem. I wish doctors would go to the root instead of adding more medications to stop side effects its a terrible cycle.

Yeah, I refuse depakote as well. Not going to try it. Same with Lithium. Not happening.

Have you noticed any more oils on your back? I noticed more oils on my face than usual. I wonder if the oils have anything to do with it. Also, I've been reading that some people say Lamictal and other anticonvulsants cause allergic reactions that result in acne. I'm not sure how true that is or not, but...

What Can I Do About Lamictal Acne – Acne Reviews
Lamictal - FDA prescribing information, side effects and uses

[Christopher1990]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Yeah, I refuse depakote as well. Not going to try it. Same with Lithium. Not happening.

Have you noticed any more oils on your back? I noticed more oils on my face than usual. I wonder if the oils have anything to do with it. Also, I've been reading that some people say Lamictal and other anticonvulsants cause allergic reactions that result in acne. I'm not sure how true that is or not, but...

What Can I Do About Lamictal Acne – Acne Reviews
Lamictal - FDA prescribing information, side effects and uses

My body does get oily. When I went to the shore in the summer the salt water and sun almost completely rid myself of the acne. Then sure enough it came back.

So tanning in my experience helps. I've also took bath in baking soda which drys up the skin. epsonsalt works as well.

They will go away if we get rid of the culprit. I don't think we should have to live with acne like this at our age. I'm lucky its not on my face.

I will see what the dermatologist says and even try antibiotics but if that doesn't work im going to try to get off the tegretol.

On the other hand the medication works pretty well for me. It just sucks how meds have these terrible side effects. I seem to be extra sensitive to medications.

[DeFyYing]

I remember reading some reports of people experiencing that as well, it seem less common compared to Lithium or Lamictal but definitely a thing. Sorry to hear ur going through that, I just got off Lithium for that reason