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I am wondering how often you ladies on spiro have to go to the bathroom? I want to stay well hydrated b/c I know spiro is a diuretic. But man. I usually have to pee about once every 1-2 hours. At night, I usually get up once or twice. Of course if I don't drink anything at all, then I can make it about 3-4 hours, but then I'm dehydrated. Does this happen to anyone else? I'm not too bothered by it, I'm just wondering if this is normal. BTW, I am on 100 mg a day. I have been taking 50 in the morning and 50 at night but may start taking all 100 in the morning to maybe decrease the waking up at night. Any thoughts? Thanks!
I am wondering how often you ladies on spiro have to go to the bathroom? I want to stay well hydrated b/c I know spiro is a diuretic. But man. I usually have to pee about once every 1-2 hours. At night, I usually get up once or twice. Of course if I don't drink anything at all, then I can make it about 3-4 hours, but then I'm dehydrated. Does this happen to anyone else? I'm not too bothered by it, I'm just wondering if this is normal. BTW, I am on 100 mg a day. I have been taking 50 in the morning and 50 at night but may start taking all 100 in the morning to maybe decrease the waking up at night. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Definitely stop taking it at night. I take 200 mg all at once with lunch and don't have problems with peeing at night. I do however pee A LOT during the day!!! Oh, the things we'll do for clear skin 
I have been taking 100 mg. of spironolactone(a.m.) for 21 days, along w/Solodyn XL(minocycline)(45 mg.(p.m.). The new dermatologist I went to for a second opinion(I'd been taking doxycycline 100 mg. 2x/day, washing w/Cetaphil G.C. and using topical Evocylin Foam 1-2x/day for several months. She also gave me samples of Brevoxyl face wash to use in the mornings, followed by Rosac, a sulfa sulfacimide moisturizer to reduce redness. At night wash w/Cetaphil and after 20 mins. put on Differin 0.03%. The smell of Rosac(sulfur...yuk!!) almost made me nauseous.....I discontinued using it. Also the differin or brevoxyl......not sure which.....mascara or eyebrow waxong......caused my face to swell, my eyelids to become red & itchy and seep, as well as along my jawline, and other parts of my face to itch and become extremely dry. I went to my usual dermatologist(the new one told me I wasn't following the regimen she'd given me to follow to a T!!). He dignosed me w/contact dermatitis from an allergic reaction to something and gave me samples of Verdeso Foam(coristeroid) to use after washing w/Cetaphil 2x/day until the rash is gone......and to discontinue using Differin. After the rash clears up, he gave me samples of Atralin(Tretenoin)a new type of topical get 0.05% to use instead of Differin.
I'm 55 years old and have dealt w/acne since I was 12 yrs. old!! Some of the treatments I've tried included: tetracycline(massive doses at first), Fostex topical, Zythramax, Doxycycline, Purpose Bar Cleanser, Benzaclin, Triaz, Blue Light, Tanning(short-lived), Sunlamp(burned eyelids), Nicomide(Niacin and Zinc) and many others too numerous to mention.
My exercise regimen includes: yoga, spinning and running(when I'm dedicated 5-6 X/week). For the last few months I became very depressed:moved, lost job, haven' found another job, and found out I may have to have surgery to remove cysts on both of my ovaries(had one removed before a few years ago along w/one fallopian tube). My exercise and healthy eating regimen went out the window, as well as, my socialization and I literally cut myself off from everyone:( Cystic acne flared up.....dealt w/very mild acne from all of the treatments for the last 40 yrs., hadn't had cystic acne since I was a teenager!!
Spirononlactone has improved my complexion in the short time I've taken it(3 wks.) despite picking at a couple of pimples that popped easily and cleared up. The scarring on my cheeks below my cheekbones has lighted as well:) However, my electrolyte level became too low, I think, or I became dehydrated, and I felt fatigued, muscle soreness, cramping, light-headed, sleeplessness(menopause and meds.?)and had my period again after 2 months w/o it(I'm perimenopausal!!). To alleviate the problem, I began drinking Vitamin Water(w B5, B12, etc.) and increased my water intake. I teally was ready to stop taking the spiro and mino. Both have many side effects. The most intense being tumors in lab rats:( Since I'm having succes w/the spiro and mino, I'm hoping I'll be able to wean off of them rather quickly once I'm cleared up again and opt for natural supplements(palmmetto, B%, B12, zinc, niacin, copper,, Vitamin A,E, C, eat healthy and avoid further meds. Also counteract depression using Sr. John's Wort and Vitamin D. Has anyone else experienced the side effects I did?and what about all of the diet restrictions(low potassium diet and no potassium supplements(included in my multi-vitamins:( w/spiro!!
Thanks for posting, I'm learning lots from your experiences.
Donna
I have been taking 100 mg. of spironolactone(a.m.) for 21 days, along w/Solodyn XL(minocycline)(45 mg.(p.m.). The new dermatologist I went to for a second opinion(I'd been taking doxycycline 100 mg. 2x/day, washing w/Cetaphil G.C. and using topical Evocylin Foam 1-2x/day for several months. She also gave me samples of Brevoxyl face wash to use in the mornings, followed by Rosac, a sulfa sulfacimide moisturizer to reduce redness. At night wash w/Cetaphil and after 20 mins. put on Differin 0.03%. The smell of Rosac(sulfur...yuk!!) almost made me nauseous.....I discontinued using it. Also the differin or brevoxyl......not sure which.....mascara or eyebrow waxong......caused my face to swell, my eyelids to become red & itchy and seep, as well as along my jawline, and other parts of my face to itch and become extremely dry. I went to my usual dermatologist(the new one told me I wasn't following the regimen she'd given me to follow to a T!!). He dignosed me w/contact dermatitis from an allergic reaction to something and gave me samples of Verdeso Foam(coristeroid) to use after washing w/Cetaphil 2x/day until the rash is gone......and to discontinue using Differin. After the rash clears up, he gave me samples of Atralin(Tretenoin)a new type of topical get 0.05% to use instead of Differin.I'm 55 years old and have dealt w/acne since I was 12 yrs. old!! Some of the treatments I've tried included: tetracycline(massive doses at first), Fostex topical, Zythramax, Doxycycline, Purpose Bar Cleanser, Benzaclin, Triaz, Blue Light, Tanning(short-lived), Sunlamp(burned eyelids), Nicomide(Niacin and Zinc) and many others too numerous to mention.
My exercise regimen includes: yoga, spinning and running(when I'm dedicated 5-6 X/week). For the last few months I became very depressed:moved, lost job, haven' found another job, and found out I may have to have surgery to remove cysts on both of my ovaries(had one removed before a few years ago along w/one fallopian tube). My exercise and healthy eating regimen went out the window, as well as, my socialization and I literally cut myself off from everyone:( Cystic acne flared up.....dealt w/very mild acne from all of the treatments for the last 40 yrs., hadn't had cystic acne since I was a teenager!!
Spirononlactone has improved my complexion in the short time I've taken it(3 wks.) despite picking at a couple of pimples that popped easily and cleared up. The scarring on my cheeks below my cheekbones has lighted as well:) However, my electrolyte level became too low, I think, or I became dehydrated, and I felt fatigued, muscle soreness, cramping, light-headed, sleeplessness(menopause and meds.?)and had my period again after 2 months w/o it(I'm perimenopausal!!). To alleviate the problem, I began drinking Vitamin Water(w B5, B12, etc.) and increased my water intake. I teally was ready to stop taking the spiro and mino. Both have many side effects. The most intense being tumors in lab rats:( Since I'm having succes w/the spiro and mino, I'm hoping I'll be able to wean off of them rather quickly once I'm cleared up again and opt for natural supplements(palmmetto, B%, B12, zinc, niacin, copper,, Vitamin A,E, C, eat healthy and avoid further meds. Also counteract depression using Sr. John's Wort and Vitamin D. Has anyone else experienced the side effects I did?and what about all of the diet restrictions(low potassium diet and no potassium supplements(included in my multi-vitamins:( w/spiro!!
Thanks for posting, I'm learning lots from your experiences.
Donna
When I used to use Retin-A regularly, when I would get my eyebrows waxed, I would tell them that I used Retin-A. I guess there's some sort of powder or ointment they can use to decrease irritation/damage done by the waxing. I'm not really sure if you need all the topicals right now... it seems like Spiro and an antibotic is enough. If it were me, I'd wait it out on just the 2 meds for 4-6 months before resorting to having to use topicals. Sometimes regimens that are too complicated with many different things can actually cause more harm than good.
Anyone taking Spiro/Aldactone WITH Accutane? I'm on 100 mg daily of spiro, which has helped some, & wanted to try a minimal (every other day?) Accutane for a few months. FYI I've done FOUR other rounds of Accutane which always worked great while on the regime but the effects did not last...
Ohhh spiro.........Ive been on spiro 100 mg & differin .3 for almost 5 months now and back on tri sprintec for almost 6 months. Has my acne improved - yes, is it what I was hoping for? Not exactly. Somedays are great, some still suck. I was especially dissapointed today when my 1 pimple turned into 5. All on the left side near my mouth. It has improved from what it was, sometimes I wont have a breakout at all and i'll have no zits but 3 days is about as long as i go without something popping up. It hasnt been this yucky in a while tho. I dont know how much longer I really should wait for Spiro to work?
It's so frustrating and really preventing me from enjoying my life
Im thinking of giving it 8 months total for the spiro and if it's not what I want by then, Ill go back to accutane for round 2
I don't know, what do you spiro users, who have clear skin now think? How long should I really wait and when am I just wasting my time?
I've been on it for 2 weeks (25mg twice a day) in combination with Yaz. I know it's early days, but I feel nauseous all the time. I took Dianette/Diane 35 in the UK all through my 20s and had wonderful skin. But then I moved to the States and couldn't get it anymore. How long before people started to notice spiro was working? I need a light at the end of the tunnel!
I've been on it for 2 weeks (25mg twice a day) in combination with Yaz. I know it's early days, but I feel nauseous all the time. I took Dianette/Diane 35 in the UK all through my 20s and had wonderful skin. But then I moved to the States and couldn't get it anymore. How long before people started to notice spiro was working? I need a light at the end of the tunnel!
Hey,
I have been on spiro for about 11 months. You have to hang in there. I had alot of dizziness the first few months. if I bent over and picked something up off the floor, I woul get extremely dizzy. Some days I would be out and about, and tell my husband that I just wanted to go home and relax, because I would feel dizzy and be experiencing nausea. My boobs hurt like crazy as well, but again, I dealt with it, and I am so glad because 5 -6 mths into treatment I was clear. I know that is a long time to see results, but after trying every drug and over the counter treatment, I would say it is well worth the wait. I would say after 4 1/2 months, I started to feel like it was working. Prior to that, I saw no change.
I hope this helps!
Hi, i am on Yasmin (well actually Ocella, the generic version) and i take 100 mgs of spironolactone.. so during the 3 active weeks on ocella, it means im on 125 mg of spiro.
SPIRO USERS, on the inactive weeks - should i still continue taking 100 mg of spironolactone or should i increase to 125 mg since the inactive week means no spiro in the ocella?
You people seem like you are having such an easy time getting a prescription for Spiro. Unfortunatly I haven't been that lucky. I've been to the family doctor and a derm so far and I have NO insurance so it's pretty costly to walk out with nothing. Oh yeah and I HATE that they only spend like a minute with you, don't listen to you, and write out like 3 prescriptions for topicals that WON'T WORK. (Not to mention how hard it is to put on your back!) I'm so sick of it. I mainly suffer from body acne but I do get acne on my t tone. Especially my chin. But I can get that pretty much under control with Dan's regimen.
I had an appt. with an Endo but when I showed up the doctor wasn't even there. The lady said that the doctor I was going to see isn't even there that day. I was pretty sure I didn't get the day wrong either! I DO want to get tested but the money is just such a big issue. I want the tests because I also have mild hirsutism and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Which means high insulin.
Anyways, this Endo appt. is going to be sooo expensive. I don't even know if I will get what I need out of this. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do?
I'm sooo frustrated I feel like screaming! 😮
I used to let them tell me what they wanted to give me - now I speek up - I want this drug - Can I get it from you. Of course it's something like spiro and not drugs of the other sort.
I find they usually listen if your a little assertive.
annabanna
I have not posted in a while and thought it was about time for an update. I have been on spiro for a little over 7 months. It has been a rollercoaster ride but I think I have finally found my "recipe" for clear skin. If you read back over my other posts, you'll see spiro made me break out horribly for the first 3.5 months. I mean bad. It was depressing. I don't know what I would have done if people on this board weren't so supportive and told me to stick it out. Then it started getting better and better. I needed to tweak my routine with the help of my derm but I think I have finally found a regimen that has given me near perfect skin-- I still get the occassional pimple or outbreak once a month or every two months but it is very slight and goes away within 1-3 days. SUCH an improvement. My skin- which used to be a greaseball--- seriously, I'd use like 3-5 of those clean and clear wipes a day, now is pretty much normal. I DID NOT have minor/moderate acne....I had been on accutane 3+ times.
Please feel free to ask any questions-- I'd like to help as many people as possible discover if this drug is their solution too-- it has seriously changed my life and I am the much happier for it. Also, I saw the biggest difference when I added Paula's Choice 2% BHA lotion to my routine, really cleared out the remaining gunk and set me on the path to clear! Also, if you're on spiro now....please please please wait it out til month 6....I swear it was not til then that I saw SIGNIFICANTLY better skin.
My regimen:
AM:
Wash with skinceuticals clarifying cleanser.
Sprintec BCP
100 mgs. Spiro
(sometimes I apply finacea gel, but not really now in the winter)
Concealer/Powder
PM:
Wash with skinceuticals clarifying cleanser (I have both this and their "Simply Clean" in my shower and alternate- they're both great!)
Use cotton pad to apply Paula's Choice 2% BHA lotion.
Apply Benzaclin right on top-- let all soak in.
Sometimes I apply Roc Retinol eye cream (preventative).
I break out with any moisturizer I use so I just use that water spray you can buy in the fancy section at CVS- it is soothing and light and works great for me.
It's very true that you need patience with spiro. First 4 months my skin was basically a nightmare. The first couple of months in particular I had the worst cystic acne of my life - I think I had about 12 cysts on my face at one point. I'm now in the sixth month and my skin is starting to look great! The only zits I get now are hardly visible. My main problem is some uneven pigmentation from that dreadful initial breakout.
I'm glad so many people shared their experiences w/spiro. For me it's been almost 2 mos.(spiro 100 mg. a.m.) and I think I've seen improvement. My main concern is my diet, usually, I eat lots of salads(spinach, tomatoes, etc.) and pretty much whatever I choose(ham, turkey, chicken, fish. bacon occasionally), bananas, etc. I also drink beer and wine when I feel like it to relax, socially or whatever. Spiro can alter your potassium levels amd mess w/your electrolytes which can seriously affect yout health:( I'm also taking solodyn ER(minocycline 45 mg. p.m.) which has it's share of side effects(yeast infections, constipation, shedding/hair loss)as well:( Frankly, I think I'm just suffering from meds. burn-out!! I've taken so many things(see my long post above) If the spiro & the solodyn don't work w/i another month or two, I'm going to go w/the holistic approach. I've put my body trough enough and my patience is wearing very thin! Hopefully, if I continue to visit this website, I'll remain encouraged.
I am 28 yrs and have been on Spironlactone for about a month now. My breakouts have definitely reduced however recently i have been experiencing certain side effects of the pill. I get irregular periods which last for more than 5-7 days. I sometime wake up with bad headache.
Has anybody experienced anything similar.. is it normal to have these side effects? should i continue taking the pill or discontinue and consult my derm?
Perl: My post is right before yours. I, too, dealt w/headaches as a side effect of either spiro 100mg. a.m. or solodyn 45 mg. p.m.. However, that has subsided. Of course, I started drinking vitamin water to make sure my electrolyte level remains intact. Spiro can wreck havoc w/those levels. I've been taking spiro for almost 2 months, and also experienced irregular bleeding. In my case though, since I'm 55 yrs. old, it's not unusual to have irregular periods, as a symptom of menopause. Before beginning spiro, I hadn't had my period for 2 months. If you visit some of the websites which list side effects of meds.([Removed], www.webmd.com, etc.) you'll see headaches listed as one of the common side effects of spiro. I'm still not sure I'm convinced spiro is helping that much. But it's hard to tell when I'm also taking an antibiotic, and using Atralin Gel 0.05%. I'm not sure how helpful, I've been. Good luck. I'd suggest calling a pharmacist, checking out websites for info on spiro, and/or checking w/your dermatologist.
hatesacne said:Perl: My post is right before yours. I, too, dealt w/headaches as a side effect of either spiro 100mg. a.m. or solodyn 45 mg. p.m.. However, that has subsided. Of course, I started drinking vitamin water to make sure my electrolyte level remains intact. Spiro can wreck havoc w/those levels. I've been taking spiro for almost 2 months, and also experienced irregular bleeding. In my case though, since I'm 55 yrs. old, it's not unusual to have irregular periods, as a symptom of menopause. Before beginning spiro, I hadn't had my period for 2 months. If you visit some of the websites which list side effects of meds.([Removed], www.webmd.com, etc.) you'll see headaches listed as one of the common side effects of spiro. I'm still not sure I'm convinced spiro is helping that much. But it's hard to tell when I'm also taking an antibiotic, and using Atralin Gel 0.05%. I'm not sure how helpful, I've been. Good luck. I'd suggest calling a pharmacist, checking out websites for info on spiro, and/or checking w/your dermatologist.
Have you had your potassium level checked since you started Spiro? Spiro is a potassium sparing diuretic (meaning that you might possibly have increased blood level of it), but, generally, the effects are not severe at all. You're right though- when your electrolytes are not normal, serious problems can occur, including cardiac arrest. Most people, however, are fine with taking spiro and continuing with their normal diet, including lots of foods with potassium. Personally, I've been on 200 mg Spiro for over 2 years, eat a lot of foods high in potassium, and my potassium level has ALWAYS been completely normal. I'm not saying it's nothing to worry about, I just think it's less of an issue than you might be thinking. Once you've had a few potassium tests done, you will probably see that you don't need to adjust your diet in order to keep your level normal. Good luck 
Thanks, peachy_D225-I'm just burned out on taking meds. period!! As far as. patience goes, I've run out w/regard to everything in my life:( I'm not eating healthy or taking much care of myself lately. Basically, gave up exercising too:( I'm a bit paranoid b/c spiro is a last resort for me. Since I've tried everything else except dermabrasion and laser treatments. Thank you for your encouraging words. BTW:I haven't had my potassium level checked since I began taking spiro, I'll check w/my dr. about getting it done.
I have a question for those who had sucess with spiro, when you first started taking it, did your breaks out get worse?
I want to give it a try, because I was prescribed yasmin for hormonal acne and I'm on my 4th week and considering quitting because its making me break out bad! I have a huge cyst on my cheek and under my nose as well as multiple inflamed acne on the side of the chin. I dont know whether it will get better or not, but it scares me because my acne was never this bad.
I've been on spironolactone for 1 week now (no other rxs)...50mg twice/day. I'm not sure if my acne is hormone-related so this may not work. So far, no side effects except my skin is totally breaking out! i've been on a zillion topical creams and this is my second-to-last resort. if it doesn't do the trick, i'm going to try Accutane. After that, i'll have exhausted all my options. I'm 24 and have been suffering from acne for about 12 years. My derm said to give Spiro about 3-4 months...i'm hoping this will work because i don't want to have to suffer through these break outs for no reason. Still dealing with this issue at 24 is frustrating and humiliating. I always tell myself: it could be worse! Cancer, Leukemia, Starvation, Terrorism....lots of folks suffer way more than me so I should be thankful! I am, but it's STILL aggravating. Vain, perhaps, but that's how I feel.
I didn't read every single page in this thread, so forgive me if this question has already been asked, but has anyone else had trouble finding a doctor that will prescribe spiro? Two dermatologists at two different clinics have told me that they refuse to prescribe this drug due to the "dangerous side effects"---and yet they are perfectly okay with trying to convince me to take Accutane instead? Spiro sounds MUCH more pleasant on your body compared to Accutane!
Hello everybody! Sorry for my English, my first language is French..
I would like to hear some of your stories: is there anybody who stopped Spironolactone and had cleared skin after?
I'm taking 2 x 100 mg of this medication twice a day and I'm feeling so great! I lost weight and have no more acne since I take it. + no side effect! But here is my story: I'd like to try to be pregnant soon and will have to stop taking it.. and I'm so afraid 'cause my skin was covered of bad acne before, lots of cysts, "black points" (what's the word in English? hihi!).. anyway.. is there someone who has experienced that situation?
And by the way, I had a bad experience on Diane 35, weight gain, bad vein circulation (legs), swingging moods.. For those who are thinking about taking it, here is my view: Don't! It's pretty expensive and not worth it.
Good day and tell me about your experiences.. please )
Hello everybody! Sorry for my English, my first language is French..
I would like to hear some of your stories: is there anybody who stopped Spironolactone and had cleared skin after?
I'm taking 2 x 100 mg of this medication twice a day and I'm feeling so great! I lost weight and have no more acne since I take it. + no side effect! But here is my story: I'd like to try to be pregnant soon and will have to stop taking it.. and I'm so afraid 'cause my skin was covered of bad acne before, lots of cysts, "black points" (what's the word in English? hihi!).. anyway.. is there someone who has experienced that situation?
And by the way, I had a bad experience on Diane 35, weight gain, bad vein circulation (legs), swingging moods.. For those who are thinking about taking it, here is my view: Don't! It's pretty expensive and not worth it.
Good day and tell me about your experiences.. please
Well, it just depends...I don't have experience with stopping it as I have just started taking it a few weeks ago but while I was pregnant, both times I had very clear skin...no break outs at all and I know a lot of women who have the same effects to pregnancy. Now, of course some women break out horribly during pregnancy so it's really hard to say what will happen to you. Good luck though!!
I am thinking about asking my dr. about going on spirolactone, I have PCOS and hormonal acne, but I also have some dark course hairs that grow on my chin, has anyone had any reliefe from this by using spiro. since its blocks androgen which I am assuming is causing this hair and acne?
I am thinking about asking my dr. about going on spirolactone, I have PCOS and hormonal acne, but I also have some dark course hairs that grow on my chin, has anyone had any reliefe from this by using spiro. since its blocks androgen which I am assuming is causing this hair and acne?
Everything I read on the medical sites says it does help hair growth-I hope it works for you!
I started Accutane 12 days ago for somewhat severe acne--but mainly around mouth and more severe around period. I am not happy with how I feel on accutane and think spironolactone sounds more for me. I left a message for my Dr today.