Spironolactone
Results
Side Effects

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present...

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females that lead to more acne, and spironolactone helps reduce androgens.

It is usually taken once or twice a day, around the same time(s), preferably with a meal.

 [more]
4.2
1217
5
52.1%
4
28.4%
3
9.8%
2
4.6%
1
5.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
October 10, 2011

Pros:

-Skin less oily
-Scalp less oily (also a con)
-No noticeable new breakouts

Cons:

-Dry scalp (itchy/flaky)
-lower libido
-frequent urination
-dizzy if I don't drink enough water
-Dreams (not bad)

It's not a miracle pill. It has greatly reduced the oiliness of my skin, which I love. I wore makeup for the first time in months a couple days ago and it was wonderful. It didn't melt off or look like I was all greased up. I still have breakouts that were there when I started but I expect that. It's not a cure for the old is a remedy for the new. I've worked in pharmacy for almost 8 years and it took me researching and trying many treatments to come across this. My derm kept insisting I go on accutane. After the last 3 appointments and consistently refusing I went to my regular doctor with research in hand. (It also has been studied for hirsutism, Insulin resistance and NAFLD [non-alcoholic fatty liver disease] all of which I have.) It's always good to be educated when wanting to try a new medication.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 9, 2011

Pros:

Definately works
My hair and nails look amazing

Cons:

Weight gain
Sore breasts
Irregular Periods
Swelling and fluid retention

I have to say goodbye to this drug. After 18 months my body needs a break. It's like I was in the first trimester of pregnancy ALL the time. It got to be too much. I would still recommend this drug because it seems my symptoms are worse than others, perhaps a small reaction
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 29, 2011

Pros:

Really clear skin all over the body

Cons:

Potassium overload

I've been using this for ages and it had huge benefits for me with not just acne. My sinuses cleared, I stopped getting gout etc. I have had to lower my dose temporarily and some acne has come back. This is due to the fact that I have had a gradual increase in potassium over time and nearly had a heart attack in the street because of it. The leaflet says stay away from oranges and bananas, But I didn't know that Broccoli is really high in potassium... I would eat this 2 meals a day, six days a week. Also potatoes- sky high in potassium, maybe once a week pig out on potato. Almonds, also very high - well I'd eat a handful every day. Tomatoes and the paste, again sky high - I eat Indian mexican and Italian foods, so what do you reckon my potassium levels were? hahahah, Not to mention spinach and silverbeet, my weaknesses. I would say, monitor your potassium carefully. My first few tests were alright, so they stopped testing it. NOT good. I love it, I won't stop it, but I now have to watch what I eat Very carefully for a few weeks, to let it get back to normal. Be careful!!!
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 9, 2011

Pros:

slows oil production
clears skin with CONSISTENT and proper use
no side effects so far
works best when I'm on no other meds

Cons:

don't take NSAIDs with it! (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve)
drink lots of water every day
avoid caffeine
take vitamins for better physical health. it really limits your side effects if you have a crappy diet (which most people do)
if you're still having breakouts try reducing your dairy intake. milk from pregnant cows have a lot of hormones in it that have been linked to acne in humans. you may sweat more while working out/in the heat but it's better than being broke out!

Bottom line is this medication works if you find the right dosage for your DHT level and do two things. One stick with it. The initial break out most people experience is due to your body reacting to hormonal changes. You're losing testosterone which causes the oil production in your skin. You're body is re-adjusting and it takes time for medication to be properly distributed throughout your body. Once you get clear of that you will see the results. Two, all prescriptions come with side effects. The best way to avoid them is by following the directions properly. Drinking water is essential with this drug. Headaches, joint pain, dizziness, and fatigue are caused by not drinking enough water. Don't take anti-inflammatory medication with this pill. It will damage your liver, bring on more headaches, and cause stomach cramping. Try to avoid caffeine or drink small amounts in the morning before switching over to water. Caffeine dehydrates you which makes you tired. If you're having nausea take the pill with food, a glass of water, and B-complex vitamins. I took Accutane when I was 15 for 9 months. It cleared my skin for 3 months after I quit but it came back. Years later I developed stomach issues which resembled Crohns but it wasn't after many tests. So my Dr. put me on B vitamins DAYS later I felt better and haven't had an episode since. I took Ortho BC pills for 8 years and it helped keep the number of pimples low but I still broke out during my cycle. I quit taking the BC & Spiro last year and lots of my hair fell out. Taking BC pills for a long period of time will cause this side effect so be forewarned. Lots of women go through this and get back on them which just repeats the hair loss cycle. If you quit taking them stay on the Spiro! I didn't and now I'm back on the Spiro to help regrow my hair and clear my skin again. It went crazy 3 months after I quit taking it but my skin is starting to calm, it's less oily than it's ever been and my new hair
This Was Helpful

31 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 2, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up persistent cystic acne

Cons:

May be causing tinnitus

I love this medication. I have been on it for nearly a year now, and my skin just gets better and better. I started getting cystic acne when I was about 20, and it usually took a couple weeks for each one to go away. By the time I was 30, cysts took approximately 2-3 months to heal, and by the time they did I had a new one to deal with. My cystic acne cleared up almost immediately, and the tiny little pimples I get sometimes usually clear up in a day or two, and are very infrequent. On the flip side, I filled my prescription a few days ago, and the pills they gave me looked different than what I have taken in the past. They told me that they had purchased them from a different vendor, but it was the same medication, even showing me the bottle. Suddenly yesterday morning I had a ringing in my left ear, and everything sound tinny (my right ear is fine). Tinnitus is a possible side effect with this medication, and I find it suspicious that it started right after I started taking the medication from a different manufacturer. I am going to talk to my pharmacist and see if it is possible to get the other medication and see if it clears up my problem. In my experience, side-effects to medication show up within a short time of taking them, and when they have shown up suddenly in the past, it was due to a change in the medication (switch from brand to generic, or a change in manufacturers). My old pharmacist told me that it can happen, because while the active ingredient is the same, the binders and other things in the medication are different. We shall see what happens. If I had written this review a week ago, I would have given it a 5 rating. In any case, glad to have the acne gone, but would really love to have my hearing back in my left ear. When I hold the phone to my left ear, my husband sounds like he has been sucking on helium. It is less noticeable when both my ears are being used, but loud noises now have a sharp ringing sound at the en
This Was Helpful

Report
July 13, 2011

Pros:

Perfect, clear skin! No more cysts!

Cheap!

Cons:

Took 5-6 months to work

Works best at 150 mg dose (for me) and in conjunction with monophasic BC.

Must drink plenty of water.

I am SO thankful for this medication!
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 27, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up my acne
Lost some weight

Cons:

Aching knees
joint pain
muscle weakness

At 51 I have had cystic acne on and off since I was 13. I have been on accutane 4 times. My doctors refuse to put me back on it. I was told of Spironolactone and took a blood test to see if I could handle it. Came back fine. Initially started with .25 for a month than up .50. I have never had knee pain before, started with a week of taking the .25, when I got up to .50 by knees started to buckle, no warning I would just feel like I was going to fall. Stopped taking the medicine and within 4 days no more knee pain. I have researched these symptoms and I can't find anything that talks about joint pain and sprionolactone. No longer taking anything and starting to breakout again, but at least I have no more pain.
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 13, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne! Cheap.

Cons:

muscle weakness, stomach bloating, dizziness

I am 46 years old and have struggled with acne since my teens. I have been on accutane, which was great for about 2 years. I have used it all: prescription and OTC. I have been taking oral antibiotics for years. My new dermatologist put me on spiro 50mg a day. I had initial break out for about 3 weeks. At 2 months my face is clear! It looks great! My problem is the side effects. I have gained 15 lbs since starting spiro. (I know you are suppose to lose) My stomach is swollen. I have seen the doctor, ultrasounds, etc. and there isn't a problem. I have muscle weakness and often dizziness if I don't drink enough water. I quit taking spiro and within 3 days my face starting breaking out so I'm back on it. I love the clear skin but not sure how much more weight I will gain. Don't see weight gain in side effects but I am convinced it is spiro. Overall I would recommend spiro but watch those side effects.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 28, 2011

Pros:

-It works or at least helps your acne.
Week 1- 25
Week 2- 50
Week3- 75
If you need more then go to 100 after 4-8 weeks.

-Add 25mg week before period.

-Ask you doctor for at least 50mg and custom cut your pills.

I wanted to add. That if you don't have any medical problems with it, but it is still not working well then may I suggest watching your habits. -change pillowcases once a week -wash face 2x a day and after cooking -clean glasses -don't touch your face, especially when eating oily foods or cooking -wash hands/nails before touching face to apply make-up -keep hair oil free, especially at night I know! Lots of work! Just trying to increase your chances with this wonderful medicine.
This Was Helpful

21 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 15, 2011

Pros:

*Reduces Acne
*No Inital Break Out
*Restore Confidence
*Reduces Oil Production
*NO Sides Effects (Yet)

Cons:

Hasn't cleared ance up 100%...yet!

So my doc procrisbed this to me for my hormonal acne, and I was super nervous because I hate taking medicine. I was having a HORRIBLE breakout, and this, along with tretinion seemed to help alot! It has only been three weeks and my acne has majorly subsided. Also, it reduces my oil production. Before I used to be an oily mess by the end of the day, now it is still a little oily but much much better! And the reason I said light is because this has reduced mine from moderate acne to light:) I hope it keeps working! ps- I have noticied nooo side effects..I dont have to pee anymore than before..there is no difference in me except my acne and confiedence :)
This Was Helpful

21 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 8 9 10 11 12 … 33
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website