Acne treatment causes severe headaches

[Cordae]

So,

I've had moderate to severe acne problems since I was 15.  It used to appear mostly on my back before it seemed to even out and cleared up around the age of 18.  For the past two years, (I'm now 25) it's gotten bad again, with flare ups on my back, shoulders, chest and face.

The problem is that I've been on so many different treatments.  I am still on the same birth control prescribed at 16, Diane 35, and for a long time it helped control it.  I've been on probably half a dozen different topical meds, orals like tetracycline and I' ve been on Accutane on three separate occasions.  It's here that I get frustrated.  Accutane has worked for many people, I know people its been a miracle for.  However, it gives me such severe, debilitating headaches that I can hardly walk.  I've fainted and vomited due to headache pain that appeared after one week of Accutane.  

Most recently, we tried accutane again.  I lowered the dosage, taking it once every three days.  I got through 5 pills, just under two weeks of treatment, before the headaches reappeared.

I'm pretty much at the height of frustration with this.  I'd love to have clear skin for my wedding next year.  Is there another treatment option out there that won't destroy me but work better than topical meds?

[Cordae]

Still waiting to hear back from my Dr. about this, still looking for any ideas as well.  Has anyone else experienced a similar reaction?  I was told that it's extremely uncommon to get such severe headaches but those who have, usually see them manifesting after a month of treatment, not a week.  

This latest attempt, I, of course, mentioned to my dermatologist that I'd had headaches in the past with the meds and that it may become an issue.  He simply mentioned that I'd have to weight the pros and cons and decide for myself whether it was worth it or not to bear with the headaches to achieve clear skin.  I find that kind of ridiculous... I'm not going to sacrifice quality of life and try to push my way through debilitating headaches for an acne treatment.  I'm also not too keen on the idea of taking yet another med to suppress the headaches.  

Almost feel like I'm cursed!!  

[azalea82]

Have you tried Tazorac?  It's new and is apparently the strongest retinoid on the market.  

[loiloi]

Have you tried taking Diane35 with Oxytetracycline? This is often effective, but use a condom as Oxytetracycline can stop the pill from working as a contraceptive.
What are results like with topical retinoids such as topical Isotretinoin, Retin-A or Differin? You can use these at the same time as Diane35 and Oxytetracycline (simultaneous use of different oral and topical antibiotics is not recommended, but oral antibiotics with topical retinoids is ok).
Eloise.