Have you used Epiduo?

I've been using the usual neutrogena and clean and clear to try to combat my acne but it's not working...at all. I've had acne for a couple years and I'm really self conscious because of it. I'm thinking that I need to go to a derm to get a prescription. I heard about Epiduo and after going to the website I think that this is a good option for me. The other thing is I hear that before your skin improves it has to get worse. So considering it's summer break I would have the time to just let my skin to get better. I think that having a couple months would be optimal and maybe my skin would be clear by the time school starts. So I have a couple questions. If you've used Epiduo before how long did it take to work? And were the initial effects worth it in the long run? And finally, I don't really know how to ask my mom for an appointment...we're close it's just I feel really awkward talking about this. Any ideas on how to approach this? Thanks for you help!