Life is a fine balance of events and circumstances. This balance can occasionally be disturbed by an unexpected factor, forcing us to explore unfamiliar areas. This component in my instance was a drug called minocycline. It was meant to help me with my skin problems, but it set off a chaotic time where I had to deal with unexpected challenges and permanent changes. In this blog, I will tell you how minocycline ruined my life.
What Is Minocycline?
Minocycline belongs to the tetracycline group of antibiotics. It prevents germs in the body from growing and spreading. Additionally, many skin germs that might cause acne get rid of by minocycline.
For individuals 12 years of age and older, minocycline is used to treat pimples and red bumps (non-nodular inflammatory lesions) associated with mild to severe acne vulgaris. The acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, is killed by minocycline. It reduces inflammation as well.
In many different areas of the body, bacterial infections are treated using minocycline capsules. Patients who are ineligible for penicillin can also use it to treat illnesses like anthrax and other types of infections. However, this medication won’t help with the flu, the common cold, or other viral infections.
Minocycline is available in the following types of products:
- Capsule
- Tablet
- Extended-release capsule
- Extended-release tablet
How Does Minocycline Work?
The tetracycline class of antibiotics includes the drug minocycline. It seems to reduce how severe some types of acne are. According to an older 2012 study, minocycline is a successful treatment for moderate to severe inflammatory acne. The red lesions that result from this type of acne may be uncomfortable or massive. However, according to the US National Library of Medicine, it has little effect on non-inflammatory forms of acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads. However, in addition to eliminating the germs that cause acne, minocycline may also fight the inflammation that causes acne.
According to research, tetracycline antibiotics like minocycline can reduce the body’s production of inflammatory chemicals that might worsen acne.
In 2016, scientists set a gel containing 4% minocycline to the test. After 12 weeks, it seems like it’s a safe and successful kind of treatment. According to some researchers, minocycline is no longer considered to be the best option for treating acne. According to a 2013 article, topical treatments, and other acne remedies are equally as effective as the medicine. The authors suggest that clinicians should look into alternative acne treatments before prescribing minocycline due to the possibility of certain side effects.
How Minocycline Ruined My Life?
In my teenage years, I suffered acne problems similar to those of many others. It affected my confidence and general well-being because it was a source of insecurity and self-consciousness. Therefore, I got help from a dermatologist, who gave me a prescription for Minocycline, a common antibiotic used to treat a variety of skin disorders, including acne. As soon as I began the suggested course of treatment with the expectation that my skin issues would be cured.
Initial Therapy:
In the first few weeks, minocycline appears to be producing an effect. After that, my skin began to clear up, and my acne’s severity decreased. However, as time passed, I started to notice sudden changes in my skin texture and that’s how minocycline ruined my life.
After A Few Weeks:
What began as a little irritation turned into something far more frightening very quickly. I started having a variety of unpleasant feelings that extended much beyond my skin. Moreover, constant headaches, lightheadedness, and an overall sensation of malaise entered my life. Hence, my once-vibrant vitality began to fade, and fatigue began to rule my days in place of a permanent fatigue.
Although the hidden reality came to light after a visit to my doctor and a lot of investigation, the adverse effects of minocycline were poison to my body. What was supposed to be a solution has become an unexpected issue. The drug was hurting my body, which resulted in several incapacitating symptoms that were interfering with my everyday activities.
I experienced a range of feelings, including irritation, anger, and a strong sense of betrayal. How could a drug that was supposed to solve a problem cause an even worse one? My road to reclaiming control of my life had only just begun, and it had been characterized by many doctor’s appointments, tests, and a never-ending quest for explanations. And, that’s how minocycline ruined my life.
Also like this article: How Doxycycline Ruined My Life
What Are The Side Effects Of Minocycline?
Minocycline is an antibiotic whose common side effects are:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Mood changes
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Discoloration of teeth
A blue skin discoloration is another potential side effect. However, according to a 2014 study, it was most common in acne patients who were using dosages of 100–200 mg/day for longer durations of time.
Any antibiotic, including minocycline, has the potential adverse effect of causing bacterial resistance. Moreover, an antibiotic may lose its capacity to kill bacteria, making it less effective when bacteria develop resistance to it. Therefore, minocycline is more popular, according to previous research, because some other antibiotics are less effective due to bacterial resistance.
Sometimes, minocycline may show severe symptoms like:
- Permanent discoloration of teeth in the fetus
- Bloody urine or stool
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
Allergic reactions by the use of tetracycline-based antibiotics are more common in women but they are rarely life-threatening.
How To Handle Minocycline Side Effects?
According to Johnson, symptoms of depression usually go away once you stop taking minocycline, although it could take up to a week for symptoms to get better.
Lagoy highly advises speaking with the prescribing practitioner rather than stopping the drug on your own if you suffer undesirable side effects. Whether it is lowering your dose of minocycline, gradually tapering off the medication, or stopping it completely, a healthcare expert can collaborate with you to decide on the safest course of action.
How To Use Minocycline For Acne?
Doctors frequently recommend minocycline extended release for the treatment of acne. A person may take 1 mg/kg of body weight once every day for 12 weeks.
Weight can influence a person’s minocycline dosage. A greater dosage may be necessary for those who are bulkier. The recommended dose by the doctor should not be exceeded.
Minocycline can be taken with or without food. The esophagus, or tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, is susceptible to irritation or ulcers, although taking the tablets with meals might lessen this risk.
How Should Avoid Minocycline?
- People allergic to tetracycline antibiotic
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Liver and kidney patients
- Children under 12 years of age
- People on birth control pill
Summing Up:
In conclusion, minocycline’s involvement in my life is a tale of unexpected hardships and uncompromising strength. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that we all possess inner power, even in times of hardship. Although this experience has left me with long-lasting scars, it also serves as proof of my ability to get over them and succeed. Therefore, I have a fresh understanding of the difficulties of health and the unwavering spirit that propels us, no matter the challenges we face, as I continue to rebuild my life.
