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I just was put on Spiro today so I would love to take part in your discussion!
I am 48 and so, so tired of breaking out. It started about 8-9 years ago, and like everyone it seems, I have spent thousands on treatments. Obviously, none have worked so here I am with this new Rx in hand.
I have been started on 25 mg. to start with. My doc said she has had many patients who got totally clear on even this low dosage so I am okay with starting off conservatively. I would rather go slow, and limit side effects, and work upwards, if necessary.
Anyway, I will update as you have and we will see how this med works for us!
Sounds great, Bippy! Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Yes I have read some posts on hair loss and I'm somewhat worried about that. Moving forward I will have to determine exactly how much comes out and if it's a problem.
I have also been reading that some are taking antibiotics with Spiro to get rid of existing acne/ cysts.
I know I have taken a lot in the past but Spiro is not going to clear my skin of what's there now....while there are more that have appeared on the other side of my face.
Oh dear. I'd love it if you could link me the site or thread you read that information from. This is probably something that I should educate myself on as soon as possible.
Are you going to talk to your derm about the new acne lesions to see if he/she will recommend another medication?
Spiro worked great for my acne, but made my hair fall out so much that I had to stop taking it. I'd say I lost about 1/3 of my hair from it. I wish I didn't have this side effect because it works so sooo well at keeping me clear
Oh, wow. How long was it until you noticed hair loss? I've been on spiro for around 3 weeks, and haven't noticed that in myself. In fact, due to the vitamin regimen I've been on during the past 5 months, my hair has gotten thicker and now has more body.
Wondering if all my efforts in attempting to be consistent in taking my vitamins will have been in vain in a few weeks' time. Any idea? 
Spiro worked great for my acne, but made my hair fall out so much that I had to stop taking it. I'd say I lost about 1/3 of my hair from it. I wish I didn't have this side effect because it works so sooo well at keeping me clear
Oh, wow. How long was it until you noticed hair loss? I've been on spiro for around 3 weeks, and haven't noticed that in myself. In fact, due to the vitamin regimen I've been on during the past 5 months, my hair has gotten thicker and now has more body.
Wondering if all my efforts in attempting to be consistent in taking my vitamins will have been in vain in a few weeks' time. Any idea?
I believe I noticed the hair loss after about a month and a half to two months. After 4 months I could no longer take the hair loss and stopped it cold turkey. This was back in April, and the hair loss has just begun to slow now and I'm seeing some regrowth. However, I'm trying metformin now to help with my skin and I'm noticing the same side effect 
It's so frustrating that everything that seems to make my skin clear has this side effect. Next I think I'm going to try flutamide.
Spiro worked great for my acne, but made my hair fall out so much that I had to stop taking it. I'd say I lost about 1/3 of my hair from it. I wish I didn't have this side effect because it works so sooo well at keeping me clear
Oh, wow. How long was it until you noticed hair loss? I've been on spiro for around 3 weeks, and haven't noticed that in myself. In fact, due to the vitamin regimen I've been on during the past 5 months, my hair has gotten thicker and now has more body.
Wondering if all my efforts in attempting to be consistent in taking my vitamins will have been in vain in a few weeks' time. Any idea?
I believe I noticed the hair loss after about a month and a half to two months. After 4 months I could no longer take the hair loss and stopped it cold turkey. This was back in April, and the hair loss has just begun to slow now and I'm seeing some regrowth. However, I'm trying metformin now to help with my skin and I'm noticing the same side effect
It's so frustrating that everything that seems to make my skin clear has this side effect. Next I think I'm going to try flutamide.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
I am so sorry to hear that, and wish you the best in regard to regrowing your hair. So devastating!
Have you ever discussed hair loss with anyone else who has been on spiro, and if so, do other people report circumstances similar to what you've experienced? Depending on what you report back to me, I may have to have a serious talk with my derm about quitting this medication.
Hi there! I also started spiro about 6 weeks ago! I did notice a racing heart beat the first week or so but It did disappear. I was also suffering from perioral dermatitis when I started treatment but if I had an Ib it was small. One thing I did notice around week 4/5 is my oil has decreased! Besides that I have no side effects. I usually take mine around supper with a big glass of Water to avoid feeling sick 
I also heard its great to pair with
Bc! I'm on ortho tri cyclone (for acne) and I think they are working
Pretty well!
Hi there! I also started spiro about 6 weeks ago! I did notice a racing heart beat the first week or so but It did disappear. I was also suffering from perioral dermatitis when I started treatment but if I had an Ib it was small. One thing I did notice around week 4/5 is my oil has decreased! Besides that I have no side effects. I usually take mine around supper with a big glass of Water to avoid feeling sick
I also heard its great to pair with
Bc! I'm on ortho tri cyclone (for acne) and I think they are working
Pretty well!
Do you believe that your racing heartbeat was spiro-related?
That's great that your oil decreased after 4-5 weeks!
Please continue to keep us updated. 
4 Week Update- Just refilled my 'script for spiro this evening, and spoke to the pharmacist about hair loss. She looked up some information about that side effect, and told me it wasn't a major one. Honestly, I haven't noticed it in myself. However, I am noticing a little bit of hair growth in the form of a few extra small, dark hairs on the end of my chin that I've tweezed out. However, as a dark-haired woman with northern European ancestry, I was used to having about 2 or 3 on my chin. A couple extra doesn't bother me a whole lot as long as I have a decent pair of tweezers.
Also, I did have one cyst that lasted about 3 days this month. I first noticed it at the beginning of the week, around Monday, November 19th. The cyst occurred about 10 days before my next menstrual cycle, which is typical for me.
Finally, I broke out a little bit on my forehead, around my eyebrows, chin and mouth. Just small, white pustules. I have chalked the recent breakout up to having vacationed out of state this past week, showering in hard water, drinking too many diet sodas, and my body's sensitivity to travel.
I think I will give the spiro a chance for another month, and if I don't notice a change, then it's time to say "bye-bye", and try another med.
I'm taking 100 mg a day. My derm started me on that. I didn't really get that Ib except maybe a couple white heads! But I can't be sure it's because of spiro cause I did eat an entire black forest cake to myself in 2 days lol. After the first pill I noticed the heart beat but didn't think much of it , and it doesn't happen often! I must point out that my mom has an irregular heart beat she got while pregnant with me.. Wondering if certain meds can trigger that in me?
Mmmm...black forest cake. 
I would say one of those in 2 days might be a contributor to your small breakout, though.
Have you ever come across any research that connects an irregular heartbeat to spiro? I'd be interested to read any links you might provide.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Quick Update- In my previous update, I mentioned that it seemed as if I have an extra couple of darker hairs growing at the end of my chin since beginning to take spiro. While this remains true, it seems as if the hairs (while still dark) have actually become lighter and finer, as well.
Anybody else notice changes like this to their facial and body hair while on spiro?
6 Week Update- This week, I've noticed some pretty positive changes since coming back from my out-of-state Thanksgiving break. My skin looks clearer than it ever has, and as I said before, the darker hairs on the end of my chin have become lighter and finer.
This might sound a little crazy, but I think the brand of spiro that I bought at WalMart when I filled this month's prescription might be cooperating with my system a little better than last month's 'script. I refilled my October prescription at Rite Aid. The spiro I've been using since the last week of November is produced by a company called Mylan.
Has anyone ever experienced differences in their hair production, or acne breakouts, depending on which brand of spiro they used?
One other thing to note; this month's menstrual cramps were a little bit worse than they have been in the previous 6 months. Since changing my diet so drastically, I got used to having barely any cramps at all. Seems like they're back now, but on a smaller scale than I had throughout my twenties.
Looking forward to reading updates from the rest of y'all on spiro.
7 Week Update- Not too many changes to report, except that I currently have a very small cyst that appeared on the right side of my lower chin overnight. It seems as if it's going to be gone fairly soon. Maybe tomorrow.
I'll monitor the cyst over the next couple of days, and keep this thread updated in regard to its activity.
My facial hair (chin area) seems to still be thinner and sparser. Yay!
Excited to read about any updates from the rest of those reading this thread.
Thanks for the update Cherrysoda!
It sounds like the spiro is slowly but surely working for you.
My daughter is going on her 5th week and I swear this morning her face is looking better yah!
I agree with you that all generic spironolactone is not created equal! I think Walmart (amneal) works better than rite aid (Qualitest).
Good luck and keep us posted!
Cherrysoda, are you still on 25mg-s? Then it's great news that you already see improvement
Silly question: have you experienced any muscle twitching at all?
I have it going on for a while now and I wonder if it's the Spiro!
Yes, still on 25 mgs.
No, I have never noticed any muscle twitching. Which muscles have you seen a twitch in since starting spiro?
Thanks for the update Cherrysoda!
It sounds like the spiro is slowly but surely working for you.
My daughter is going on her 5th week and I swear this morning her face is looking better yah!
I agree with you that all generic spironolactone is not created equal! I think Walmart (amneal) works better than rite aid (Qualitest).
Good luck and keep us posted!
Oh, wow. That is great news for your daughter. Congratulations to her!
Looks like I will be purchasing my spiro from WalMart from now on.
Also, the cyst on my chin went away after one night's application of non-whitening toothpaste. However, about 3 more cysts took its place around my mouth and chin area. I'll keep y'all updated in regard to the recent activity of the newest cysts.
Hate that they've appeared, but I think I understand why. The reason doesn't have much to do with spiro, either.
Well I actually stopped Spiro (at least temporarily) to see if the twitching is caused by it - it's random, all over in different muscles.
Can be a side effect of diuretics, though doesn't seem typical.
To be fair, I'll be happier if it turns out it was Spiro then if it remains.
Now I'm taking Saw Palmetto, and hope my skin won't stop improving in the few days while I get another prescription for something... but I haven't much choice, either Accutane or something like Cypoterone acetate.
Or I might get back on 25mg and see how I'm doing on that - it's reassurring that you see results with it!
Well I actually stopped Spiro (at least temporarily) to see if the twitching is caused by it - it's random, all over in different muscles.
Can be a side effect of diuretics, though doesn't seem typical.
To be fair, I'll be happier if it turns out it was Spiro then if it remains.
Now I'm taking Saw Palmetto, and hope my skin won't stop improving in the few days while I get another prescription for something... but I haven't much choice, either Accutane or something like Cypoterone acetate.
Or I might get back on 25mg and see how I'm doing on that - it's reassurring that you see results with it!
Glad that you feel reassured. Have you talked to your derm at all about the muscle twitching?
That seems like such a random side-effect. I just did a really quick Google search about spiro-related twitching, and nothing tangible really came up. It might be worth your while just to call up the doc and talk about it., even though you're no longer using spiro.
So, the latest on these lovely cysts on my chin is that I think they'll require another 1-2 night's application of non-whitening toothpaste to draw them out. What fun! They're at the whitehead stage now (I know, how appetizing), which is good in one sense. They'll be gone fairly soon. However, I HATE walking around in public with my acne lesions exposed for everyone to see. Even if I have covered them up with mineral concealer. It's still pretty obvious that I've covered up some major honkin' zits.
Ugh. Oh well. Next time, I'll be sure and avoid the types of situations that will cause these yucky blemishes to form.
Oh! Almost forgot. I just came across this "Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test" online, and it's a pretty good one. http://www.mirabella...ty.com/skintest
I'm a Type II. Being of Northern European (mostly Irish) ancestry, I'm not at all surprised to have learned this.
More updates from my Adventures in Spiro-land coming soon.
Week 8 Update- Hey, guys. Not much to report here, except that last week during the time in my cycle in which I was I was ovulating, I noticed that my face had an unusual amount of puffiness to it. In fact, it looked downright bloated. Not cute. This lasted about a day or so. Other than that, I don't have any unusual side-effects to report about my being on spiro.
Looking forward to reading updates from the others on spiro.
Y'all take care.
Week 8 Update- Hey, guys. Not much to report here, except that last week during the time in my cycle in which I was I was ovulating, I noticed that my face had an unusual amount of puffiness to it. In fact, it looked downright bloated. Not cute. This lasted about a day or so. Other than that, I don't have any unusual side-effects to report about my being on spiro.
Looking forward to reading updates from the others on spiro.
Y'all take care.
Probably a good sign. You're supposed to get that "pregnancy glow" when you're ovulating...I guess that signals hey men, I'm fertile!!!...but that glow is basically just a youthful puffiness
Week 8 Update- Hey, guys. Not much to report here, except that last week during the time in my cycle in which I was I was ovulating, I noticed that my face had an unusual amount of puffiness to it. In fact, it looked downright bloated. Not cute. This lasted about a day or so. Other than that, I don't have any unusual side-effects to report about my being on spiro.
Looking forward to reading updates from the others on spiro.
Y'all take care.
Probably a good sign. You're supposed to get that "pregnancy glow" when you're ovulating...I guess that signals hey men, I'm fertile!!!...but that glow is basically just a youthful puffiness
LOL. I wish that "pregnancy glow" didn't make me look like a rosy-cheeked Miss Piggy.
Week 8 Update- Hey, guys. Not much to report here, except that last week during the time in my cycle in which I was I was ovulating, I noticed that my face had an unusual amount of puffiness to it. In fact, it looked downright bloated. Not cute. This lasted about a day or so. Other than that, I don't have any unusual side-effects to report about my being on spiro.
Looking forward to reading updates from the others on spiro.
Y'all take care.
Probably a good sign. You're supposed to get that "pregnancy glow" when you're ovulating...I guess that signals hey men, I'm fertile!!!...but that glow is basically just a youthful puffiness
GREEN GABLES- So glad to see you again! Your wisdom and encouragement have been sorely missed.
How are you doing? Skin still "glowing"?Any changes/updates?
Week 8 Update- Hey, guys. Not much to report here, except that last week during the time in my cycle in which I was I was ovulating, I noticed that my face had an unusual amount of puffiness to it. In fact, it looked downright bloated. Not cute. This lasted about a day or so. Other than that, I don't have any unusual side-effects to report about my being on spiro.
Looking forward to reading updates from the others on spiro.
Y'all take care.
Probably a good sign. You're supposed to get that "pregnancy glow" when you're ovulating...I guess that signals hey men, I'm fertile!!!...but that glow is basically just a youthful puffiness
GREEN GABLES- So glad to see you again! Your wisdom and encouragement have been sorely missed.
How are you doing? Skin still "glowing"?Any changes/updates?
Decided to pop in over the holiday
Skin is still great. Haven't had a zit in months. Still taking 100mg spiro a day.
Only downside is once the acne is gone you notice the little scars and enlarged pores and spider veins a lot more. My skin is taking a loooong time to heal from years of acne. I'm actually looking into laser treatment now to zap that away. Call me impatient, but I've spent enough years of my life with acne, I'm ready to kick those scars to the curb