SSRI's and Acne or Weight gain?

[barrebelle7]

Hello,

Recently my acne has been really bad I think it's product and stress induced, though.

I'm thinking of getting on Prozac for my anxiety/ocd/depression, but I've read a lot of people say SSRIs cause acne. I've also read that SSRIs can affect hormones?

Anyways, at one point last year I was on 40mg of Prozac and my skin was FINE...but I just want to know if there's any studies proving Prozac DOES cause acne? grrr

[Anne1221]

I have read a lot about antidepressants and side effects and never heard of a connection with acne. I found this, and I believe it to be true:
Prozac is a prescription drug that is used to treat anxiety and depression, two conditions which are highly correlated with acne (check out the studies page of our site). It is not known whether depression causes acne, acne causes depression, or a 3rd factor causes both. Regardless, it is unlikely but not impossible for Prozac to cause acne. However, if you do experience acne while taking Prozac, you should consider that it is likely a by-product of depression / anxiety, and not directly related to Prozac.

[barrebelle7]

I have read a lot about antidepressants and side effects and never heard of a connection with acne. I found this, and I believe it to be true:
Prozac is a prescription drug that is used to treat anxiety and depression, two conditions which are highly correlated with acne (check out the studies page of our site). It is not known whether depression causes acne, acne causes depression, or a 3rd factor causes both. Regardless, it is unlikely but not impossible for Prozac to cause acne. However, if you do experience acne while taking Prozac, you should consider that it is likely a by-product of depression / anxiety, and not directly related to Prozac.

That would make sense.. I know that stress can cause acne...

Have you heard anything about it affecting hormones?

[Boo Bass]

I am nearly 60 and still get acne a bit. I know it is stress induced.

SSRIs when effective reduce stress and therefore acne. A lot depends on age. In general, acne fades as you age and in most cases disappears completely. People who had bad acne in youth often have the best skin later on which ages less fast than others. That's been my experience anyway.

BB

[Dahila]

I am nearly 60 and still get acne a bit. I know it is stress induced.

SSRIs when effective reduce stress and therefore acne. A lot depends on age. In general, acne fades as you age and in most cases disappears completely. People who had bad acne in youth often have the best skin later on which ages less fast than others. That's been my experience anyway.

BB
So am I , and I get it only after sunblock on my skin, Boo bass older skin needs really gentle cleanser, If you use commercial ones, no doubts they strip the skin protective layer and there comes acne, I do not believe it is stress induced . sorry...............

[Anne1221]

I found this on SSRI's and hormones:
Ease Premenstrual Conditions

Antidepressant therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine may help alleviate premenstrual depression. For some women, taking prescribed antidepressants for only a few days each month may help regulate menstrual cycle-related mood changes. Peter D. Kramer's 2008 article, "Another Quick Effect of Antidepressants," describes a 2007 study conducted by Professor Mikael Landén and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, in which women experiencing premenstrual anger and irritability were given either Paxil or a placebo, which they took when they started feeling irritable between ovulation and menstruation. Researchers found problems with irritability, depression, mood swings and bloating for women on Paxil were significantly reduced when compared with the women taking the placebo.



The SSRI antidepressant sertraline may also improve psychological and behavioral symptoms in women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome, according to a 2002 paper presented by Ellen W. Freeman, Ph.D., to the American Psychiatric Association.

[Boo Bass]

Hi Danila

You may well be right concerning acne not being stress cause. It is an assumption I have always made.

[Dahila]

Boo bass I am a cosmetic crafter and I know a lot about skin, having issues for whole my life. With skin prone to acne, everything can cause it, food, spices, but mostly not the adequate cosmetics. You need the gentlest face wash, maybe just use Oat water or some people call it oat milk.... you do not need soap if you have no make up on. I make my own make up remover and face wash, gentle and simply fantastic. I still get some breakouts, but my charcoal soap 2 a week helps. The soap is formulated for face, but I do not recommend more than twice a week to wash it. Slice fresh cucumber and wait when you get the juice, put face cloths in it, and use it to wash the face. it is so gentle, your skin will love it. Make a chamomile tea and use to wash the face..............I can go on for hours about it:))

Anxiety can cause heart attack, stroke (I mean the result of prolonged anxiety) but not acne :)

[Kirk]

According to WEB MD, acne is not caused by stress, but acne can be made worse by stress.