Minocycline and Headaches: What Users Say

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2020

For Acne "Minocycline made me super sick. I thought I had COVID but got two negative tests. I stopped taking it and started to feel better in about a day. Made me tired, nauseous, chest pain, headache, weird around the tonsils. Also didn't help with the acne the way other antibiotics have."

• Ste...
• July 26, 2015

Minocycline for Acne "I started taking this less than a week ago, but will be stopping it because of the side effects. It has helped my acne, but the side effects don't make it worth it. I constantly feel nauseous, have headaches, feel feverish, and am unusually exhausted."

• agg...
• November 10, 2013

Minocycline for Acne "Highly suggest it! My acne isn't the type you see on the Proactiv commercials... the type I have is deep, hard, and typically really difficult to 'pop.' Mine is all on my cheeks but concentrated around my right jawbone and neck, and it hurts extremely bad when touched. It looks like I've been stung by bees and is extremely red. No topicals worked, ranging from Proactiv to prescriptions. I took Solodyn back in '11; I was 19 at the time. It started working within the first month, and by the time fall came around (August), I stopped wearing makeup (acne was GONE!). In 2012, I tried doxycycline, but it made me SICK and gave me a debilitating headache. Solodyn has NO side effects for me. I am happily back on it :) (insurance gets it to $35)"

• MsL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2014

For Acne "I was prescribed first the Z-pack and took that for 5 days and then to continue by taking one minocycline 100 mg capsule (once a day) for adult cystic acne. I was feeling fine the first week on minocycline, but the second week, I had to completely take myself off the minocycline because I was miserable. First, it was sinus, then sinus headaches with blurry vision on and off. Then my joints started hurting, especially in my hands and lower back. I also felt dizzy when moving too fast from one position to another and started to feel like I was under a haze all the time."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2017

For Acne "DO NOT TAKE. I almost went blind. I was taking this medication for acne, and my doctor decided to double the dosage. About 4 days after that, I got the worst headache pain in my entire life and saw a doctor. He diagnosed me with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)/pseudotumor cerebri caused by minocycline and ordered for me to have an MRI and MRV. Next, I had a LP (spinal tap) that said the pressure in my head was 57, when the normal pressure is anywhere from 10 to 15. At this point, I could not see at all, and for risk of becoming permanently blind at such a young age (I am only 18), I was rushed into surgery and had a LP shunt placed. I will forever have a tube in my spine that connects to my abdomen. Currently, half of my vision is forever gone, and my life is changed now."

• Moz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Acne "So glad I read all of these comments on here! I started this medication about 3 weeks ago for a mild skin issue. My dermatologist said it could cause headaches. I had no side effects the first week, and then every day at the same time in the afternoon I would experience a sudden, horrible stiff neck and flu-like symptoms of feeling tired, miserable, etc. I developed a random deep cough but no congestion. This happened every day for over a week. I tried a different chair at work, sleeping differently, a new pillow, etc. Nothing helped. Then my palms started itching unbearably - which I knew could be a medication reaction, so I stopped the medication. Within 3 days, the stiff neck and all other issues stopped. I had no idea an antibiotic could cause flu-like symptoms and a stiff neck! So glad I stopped taking this and so glad to read I wasn't the only one. So sorry for everyone who has been affected by this medicine."

• est...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2013

Minocycline for Acne "I'm 29, and I've suffered from acne for some years, and NOTHING worked. The last choice I had was to go to my dermatologist, and he prescribed me Solodyn. He said it may take a month before it starts to work. I broke out a few times, but at 4 weeks, my face was clearing up. My face was clear for 8 days, then I ran out. Had to wait a week for the pills to be delivered (had to enroll to get my pills for $20.00), and since I've been without the pills, I only had two small pimples within 2 weeks. I got some more pills now, and I love it. It's the best thing that ever happened to my face. I was prescribed with Ziana for the evening and Aczone for the morning. My side effect on this was headache. And I got the 55 mg."

• NAa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2018

Minocycline for Acne "This medication has cleared my acne completely, but I have been having a ton of headaches, joint pain, and even gained 10 lbs in a month. I have been on this med for about 3 months. Finally, I thought, let me read some reviews and side effects, because I don't take any other prescriptions, and sure enough, all those side effects popped up. And after reading these reviews, I'm stopping them. It's unfortunate you take a med for one problem and gain 10 more. Very disappointed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2013

For Acne "I'm 14 years old and struggled with bad acne and still suffer with scarring. So I got prescribed this medication. I saw improvement within a week and was very excited. There were minor side effects that I had, like headaches and my eyes hurt. But it worked very well! I am still on this medication, and I take two a day now. It controls my acne and I really don't have that much, but maybe one or two bumps. But they are gone within 3-4 days. I'm very happy and my confidence has risen higher because of it. ♥"

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2013

For Acne "I'm not perfect with my eating and exercising habits, and alas, along with teenage hormones came acne. They're not horrific, but bad enough to be irritating and painful the week before menstruation. I used to take doxycycline, but even from the beginning, it gave me really bad nausea and headaches. I haven't noticed anything too bad with sun exposure on the minocycline, but have had more drowsiness and am currently experiencing headaches and dizziness. It cleared up everything along with my use of a Clarisonic and a benzyl-based topical cream. Definitely try it if other tetracyclines didn't work out for you. This one, despite the side effects, is doing the trick."

• ama...
• June 23, 2017

For Acne "This medication is horrible. After being on it for half a year, it caused me to have a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It is pretty much an extremely painful and severe buildup of pressure in your head (headaches that make you feel like you've been smashed in the head with a hammer), and I had to get a lumbar puncture and miss weeks of high school because I was bedridden. My optic nerves are permanently damaged. Also, it did nearly nothing for my acne until I added the birth control pill in addition to the minocycline. I had a terrible experience with minocycline due to this rare side effect, but everyone is different... but if you have chronic headaches for two months that worsen and are agonizing, go to the doctor!!!!"

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

For Periodontitis "This drug is dangerous and has too many terrible side effects for too many people. I was prescribed Minocycline 50 mg 1x a day by my dentist to treat a minor infection. After the 2nd week of taking it once per day, I developed a throbbing headache in the area around my forehead and eyes, neck pain, all over body aches, nausea, loss of appetite (flu-like symptoms), as well as depression. Note: I am a healthy, happy 60-year-old who rarely experiences even mild headaches or body aches. The pain I felt was debilitating, and I could barely function or sleep for over a week. I did not make the connection with the Minocycline. My dentist advised me to stop taking the medication immediately. Within 2 days of stopping, the pains subsided, and I feel like a new person. Reading now about some of the common dangerous outcomes with this drug (especially brain swelling and blindness), I'm shocked it's still on the market. So many other alternatives. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG."

• Dt9...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2018

For Acne "Started the medication, and it worked really well, my skin cleared, and my face brightened up. But I had really bad stomach pain when I took the medicine and had headaches as well. About 3 weeks in of taking the medicine, I broke out in hives, I also had swelling in my hands and feet, and my lips became swollen to 3 times their size. The medicine worked great but caused me a terrible reaction."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

For Acne "I have been on this medication for over 2 months, and it has completely cleared my moderate acne when nothing else would. I got scared to start it because I read about some bad side effects, but the only side effect that I got was an occasional headache. I love this drug because it started working immediately, I'm scared that my acne will come back when I get off of it, though."

• Ann...
• July 22, 2016

For Acne "Please do not use minocycline for acne. This drug caused me to contract pseudotumor cerebri (a pretty serious brain condition). I had been on my dosage of 100 mg x2 per day for about a month. About two weeks in, I began to have horrible headaches, which persisted throughout the whole day. One night, the headache became so unbearable I needed to go into the ER. I was diagnosed with an intractable headache and sent home after a few IV bags. My headaches persisted, but I ignored them and thought possibly the heat was causing them. About two weeks after my first visit, I began to have double vision. I called my doctor and they ordered an MRI immediately. The MRI showed a buildup of pressure on my optic nerve, caused by minocycline."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2021

For Acne "Been on it for over a week… doctor told me it will take 2 months to see the effects. So far, the only effects I’ve seen are anxiety/panic attacks, nausea, headaches, and weight gain. Seriously, I was good from having this level of anxiety for about 7 months or so, and now it just came back as soon as I started taking this medication. I don’t know if I want to keep taking this medication. I rather deal with this acne than feel like doodoo most of the day. Ask your doctor about side effects before getting. I have a feeling this medication will only work for the time I take it, and they will give me more rubbish pills when I’m done taking these. One star for now."

• Dan...
• January 9, 2016

For Acne "This medication changed my life! I'm 22 and had acne for about 4 years. I had tried everything from OTC to home remedies to topical gels from my general doctor, but nothing worked. I finally went to the derm, and he prescribed 100 mg twice a day. That was too much for my body, and I got severe nausea, headaches, and anxiety. I opted to only take one 100 mg pill every night, and within three weeks, I saw drastic changes! Now, 3 months in, I have no live breakouts, just a couple of scars!"

• pcl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2019

For Ocular Rosacea "Only took this medication for four days before I had to stop. Adverse side effects included headache (which the dermatologist mentioned might happen), but then I also started to get dizziness, confusion, heart racing, and nausea. The symptoms of ocular rosacea would never be worth these side effects."

• Bbk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2016

For Acne "Be very careful with this medication as it may lead to pseudotumor cerebri, which is a very serious side effect (though pretty rare) that can cause permanent vision loss. I was only on the medication from the end of November through the middle of January; I was taking it twice a day. At the beginning of January, I started to have constant horrible headaches, then tunnel vision when standing. I then started having severe head and neck pain, dizziness, my vision would go in and out, and I felt an intense pressure in my head. I eventually ended up spending well over a week in the hospital, had 3 spinal taps due to very high ICP, and in the end, I had a VP shunt in my brain with a tube to my stomach that I'll have for the rest of my life."

• FG0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2016

Minocycline for Acne "I have had on and off acne for about 8 years. During August-October 2015, my skin was breaking out into big, painful cystic pimples. They were mostly on my chin, but some on my forehead as well. I was prescribed Solodyn 80 mg in October, and by January, I had absolutely no pimples on my face. It gave me some side effects, such as headaches and light dizziness. I also felt slightly nauseous, but nothing too serious. It really cleared up my skin. This is the first oral product that has cleared my skin up in 8 years, and I have tried pills such as doxycycline (did not work). I swear by this pill. I stopped taking it in February because my skin was great. But now I am going on them in generic form because my acne began to come back in April."

• Orp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2016

Minocycline for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had been suffering with localized granuloma annulare, which started initially on the backs of my hand. I had monthly steroid injections, which cleared up existing patches, but then I would have outbreaks in new areas, and then I experienced a huge breakout on my right forearm. After several months, the dermatologist prescribed Minocycline, and within one week, the lesions started to disappear. After two weeks, they began to fade completely, with no new outbreaks. Around the two-week period, however, I did start to develop headaches, but Aleve made them manageable."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2021

For Acne "I had very bad bumps on my forehead for about 3 years and acne on my chin, and in almost a week on minocycline, my skin has never been so clear. I have experienced some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches, but I would rather deal with them than experience what my skin was before."

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2019

For Acne "My derm put me on the minocycline 75 mg dosage to treat cystic acne with scarring that I’d get on my butt. I took that dose twice a day for 30 days. The first week I just experienced weird vision and a little pressure in my head that went away. The second week, however, I got menstrual spotting even though I was two weeks away from my placebo pills (I take hormonal birth control). I had read this drug can interfere with birth control, so I shrugged off the spotting, expecting it to go away. Unfortunately for me, spotting came EVERY DAY. The worst side effect of all, though, was that I had mood swings out of nowhere and began to feel depressed. I thought it was just one of those days, but this sadness and bad mood lasted weeks, and I really didn’t feel like myself. I would cry nonstop and felt like I had no control over my body. Yes, the meds sorta helped prevent more acne breakouts, but it was not worth the side effects for me, especially the sudden depression. I’m only going to stick to topicals from now on. Yikes."

• You...
• September 27, 2013

For Acne "This works great for me. I have been on this medication for about 2 weeks. I am so happy with the results so far. I started seeing a difference in my face within 2 days. Although the side effects get the best of me. I'm lightheaded a lot, and I have headaches 24/7. And I'm also sleepy. But my confidence is really high now, and I couldn't be happier. I hated looking in the mirror, but now I love myself. I was worried that it would get worse, because I'm only 14. And this is my first year of high school. But I'm truly grateful for this medication."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

Minocycline for Acne "I was put on Solodyn on Thursday. And given a Tazorac cream and face wipe. I use the wipe every morning. I use the Tazorac cream at night with a Neutrogena moisturizer, and I mix it and rub it on my face. I do this at night. I first wash my face, then apply the medicine and moisturizer. Today is now Sunday, and I noticed my face has made a lot of improvement. I stated what I had been instructed. It seems like I'm doing it correctly because my face is much clearer. However, it's been 4 days, and I've noticed feeling a bit strange. I have a headache. I'm not good at having headaches. I'm wondering if my headaches are linked to this medication. I haven't noticed anything else besides headaches."