Lithium and Acne: What Users Say
Brand names: Lithium Carbonate ER, Lithobid
Reviews for Lithium
- tam...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- July 24, 2012
For Bipolar Disorder "This drug has saved two of my very good friends from what I really believe would have been both of their deaths. The 1st friend was an emotional wreck, and the 2nd friend was a suicidal cutter, and BOTH have gotten their lives back and are on the right path with this medication. Both did gain some weight and got some acne, but when you look at the alternative, I think they are both beyond grateful for it all! As am I, so I think if someone you know is like this, please get them to a doctor who knows about bipolar disorder, and get them onto this medication, it really truly DOES WORK for a lot of folks suffering through their life, when there is NO NEED to! Help them! WE ALL DESERVE TO LIVE A SOMEWHAT 'NORMAL' LIFE!"
- Mac...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 8, 2019
For Bipolar Disorder "This medication started working immediately and successfully. My bipolar disorder was out of control when I finally received my diagnosis. Lithium was the first medication I was prescribed for this mental illness. I’ve added and subtracted additional medications over the years, but I’ve never left lithium. My psychiatrist and I both agree it works extremely well in my case. It does manage mania better than depression, so I’m on another prescription for my “lows.” I did have side effects on the immediate release tablets, but once I switched to ER, the only thing I noticed was acne. It doesn’t bother me much though, and it has died down significantly, but I’d still take stability over clear skin any day."
Frequently asked questions
- Mid...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 23, 2019
For Bipolar Disorder "Been on lithium for about 2 years now for bipolar 1 disorder. This medication helped in the beginning, but now it does nothing for my unstable mood. The side effects get worse each day. It also causes severe acne and weight gain. I wouldn't recommend lithium to anyone. Lots of bipolar meds out there. Try something else!"
- Ano...
- October 16, 2019
For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on lithium for 6 months for bipolar I and have had such amazing results. I feel like myself and hadn't since over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed. I would give it a 10 if not for the side effects and necessary bloodwork. When I first got on, I noticed it felt like my legs were giving out when I was walking. The first 2 months on it had significant hair loss, but I don't experience it anymore. I think it made me lose about 5 lbs. It gave me moderate acne, which is improving, but I also went on spironolactone for the acne... If you can deal with the side effects, it's pretty great!"
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Sha...
- March 5, 2016
For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar I mixed episodes. I've been on a number of medications in the past, but Lithium stands out as one of the worst in my case. I lived in a fog but also had some of the worst stomach issues as well. I gained quite a bit of weight too, but the worst was the severe acne I got from the drug. I never had acne like this in my life since then or before, so I know it was the medicine. It was painful, it felt like second-degree burns. I went to see my doctor, and all that smug @$$ said was, 'That's one of the side effects, unfortunately.' I don't mean to sound vain, but a lot of self-worth comes from the outside as well as the inside, and while that shouldn't be the case, it's a fact for me. Be informed, not all drugs work for everyone."
- Ame...
- February 2, 2012
For Bipolar Disorder "After 17 years of complete torment to my family and myself, lithium saved my life. Side effects can be tough to live with, such as constant dry mouth, 25 lbs of weight gain, acne, and feeling very sluggish. Lithium SAVED MY LIFE!"
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 11, 2020
Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I took lithium carbonate for 5 months for bipolar disorder. It was a terrible experience. Although it did stop manic episodes, it put me into the darkest depression of my life. I was hopeful and really wanted it to work by just taking a mood stabilizer. Unfortunately, it caused really bad acne, thirst all the time, dry mouth, severe depression, no motivation, no joy, and the worst memory problems I ever had in my life. I felt like I had amnesia. My brain hurt every day on this drug, I had headaches and brain pain, terrible brain fog. It made me have suicidal thoughts 24/7. Very dangerous drug for me. I switched to a low dose of risperidone, and my depression is completely gone, and motivation and excitement for the future came back thanks to risperidone."
- Dee...
- February 21, 2011
Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I have suffered from depression since I was 8 years old. I finally started going to therapy and taking antidepressants and various other psychotropic medications with no luck. Finally, at 39, my internal medicine doctor suggested I try lithium CR 300 mg once a day along with an SSRI antidepressant. I am going to be 45 next month and have only been in 'the hole' five times. My doctor ups my SSRI during these episodes until I'm stabilized, then I go back down when I feel it's safe. Lithium has been a life-saving medicine with minimal side effects. Thirst and acne are worth it."
- Fre...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 23, 2020
For Depression "Seemed to work for a week, and at 2 weeks in, then it stopped. Gradually became more depressed than I ever was, developed anxiety, and became very irritable. Got worse the higher the dose (2 increases, 200-600 mg & 600-800 mg). Nasty side effects, felt flat, not happy or sad, but still 'low.' Couldn't laugh or cry. Awful acne. Reading other reviews, I thought people were vain, but it's that bad-whole face, neck, arms, and chest to the point of people asking, what is wrong with your skin! I also had tremors, double vision, weight gain, feeling like you're not there, slow mental function, memory loss, ringing in ears, and insomnia. Still having side effects 5 days after stopping-only on it for 9 weeks!"
- Sta...
- October 11, 2010
Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Lithium for almost 2 years now. It is actually amazing mood-wise, and it helped me get over my social anxiety. The side effects I've had, which technically are not good at all, but are almost worth how I feel, are: I had to be put on blood pressure medicines, my hair is shedding a lot more than normal, I have more acne than I used to, and the worst one: I've gained about 25 pounds, which, for me, wasn't good, I was already overweight. Oh, and I haven't had a period for almost three months now (not pregnant), my doctor thinks Lithium might be to blame. I'm only 25, by the way, so I should still have a period. Besides all of this, Lithium was the best thing to ever happen to me."
- Sca...
- December 16, 2020
For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed lithium after trying a host of other drugs, including Seroquel, olanzapine, Wellbutrin, Abilify, and many others. The dose went up to 900 mg, and it gave me terrible acne but improved my mood drastically. I felt a lot more stabilized and calmer, and it was better than the other drugs I had tried. Eventually, the acne got so bad that I had to get off of the lithium. Unfortunately, even after getting off the lithium, although the acne improved, it never went away (and I had NEVER had acne before). This caused permanent massive scars all over my face and will cost thousands to remove. For this reason, it has to be the biggest regret in medications I’ve ever taken. The side effect has caused permanent damage, and as a result, I have low self-esteem and depression. To anyone experiencing acne on lithium, STOP before it gets worse, or you may end up with a face full of scars! I thought they would just go away, but be warned it can cause permanent damage!"
- Anonymous
- January 12, 2011
Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "Lithium was hard for me to take at first. If I did not eat enough with the medicine, I would vomit. The medicine works for me, but I do not like the fact that I have gained weight, and it causes acne. I have done everything I can to have clear skin, but it does not matter what I do. Lithium is cheap and effective, but like I said, I don't like the side effects. I am going to try Tegretol when I go back to the doctor."
- swa...
- August 11, 2014
For Bipolar Disorder "I have depressive bipolar 2, which never is a huge issue until there's less sun due to it combining with my seasonal mood disorder to send me over the edge. I started taking lithium in January, and I recently have just stopped (July), so about 7 solid months or so. Granted, this worked great, I felt more clear-headed the first couple of months, except it messed my stomach up horribly in combination with my irritable bowel syndrome. Plus, my periods turned brown and would be two weeks late every time, which is horrible and nerve-wrecking. My hormones completely lost it and still have yet to go back to normal. Granted, I'm only 18, and I could be growing once more, and I've changed my acne routines, but my acne completely changed, making my skin."
- kbk...
- February 25, 2009
Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "Lithium works wonders to stabilize my mood. Only negative is some hair loss and acne."
For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed bipolar 2 in 2018, took Latuda 30mg and Lamictal 150mg, hated the teeth clenching and the skin crawling feeling. Quit medications in January 2019. Experienced manic episodes lasting 3 months until starting meds at the end of October 2019: lithium 300mg twice daily and Latuda 30mg daily. Lithium side effects include craving salt, slight hand tremors, numb feelings, and little noticeable acne. Lithium took effect almost immediately, and I love it. I was close to destroying my entire life until taking lithium. Don't give up! ♥️"