Spironolactone
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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.

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May 1, 2009

Pros:

none yet

Cons:

more periods, dry skin

can somebody pleaseeee tell me how long for spiro to start working? I have been on it for 1 month already, and see no major results. I still brake out especially on jaw line. My skin is dry and flacky.
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May 1, 2009

Pros:

Less oil, cystic acne is gone.

Cons:

Old red scars are more visible, Tired, You do urinate more. Strong medicine with carcinogenic links.

I have been on spiro for 6 months. I have a better complexion then I have had in 16 years. It is not perfect but the pimples if and when they come are much smaller and more manageable.I have gone from 3-4 cystic big pimples a day everyday to maybe one small one every 6 days. Now I am dealing with all the old red scars deep under the skin because from my experience Spiro makes your face smoother and lighter so the scars are easily seen. It is easier to cover a flat scar then a big bumpy cyst though. While this med does work it is very strong and does not come without side effects. Also there is the risk of cancer. I am on 100 mg a day all at once in the AM. I would have liked to have gone down to 50mg for maintenance by now but I feel I would break out. My skin is not flawless just A LOT better.
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

It is working!

Cons:

occasional fatigue; light-headedness

I am 64 years old and still getting pimples/cysts on my face and neck. Breakout only on face/neck, never on back, chest. Never had acne as teenager. Got my period at nearly age 18 and had very few acne issues in my 20's. Started with break-outs age 30 and have been to many derma docs over the years tried everything but Accutane. Know it is hormonal (still) even after menopause ... just not as bad as when I was getting monthly period. I am still breaking out occasionally, but nothing like before the meds. Have been on meds for about 2 months. Taking 50 mg per day.
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April 21, 2009

Pros:

less oil, smoother complexion

Cons:

fatigue, increased urination, light headedness when getting up too quick

I have tried pretty much everything but Accutane and haven't found anything that has worked as well as spironolactone. It was either the spiro or accutane and my derm suggested trying the spiro and if that didn't work then i might get accutane. I noticed within the first 2 weeks a decrease in my oil production. My hair is not as oily as well. I have been on it for about a month now and have only had one really bad pimple that I got about a week into my treatment. I would certainly recommend it for anyone that feels their acne is hormonal.
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

MUCH clearer skin... less oil!!! beautiful results

Cons:

some dryness, irregular periods, fatigue, drink lots of water ladies!!

i started spiro about 6 months ago, and although it took a few months to clear everything up, i've loved the skin results... HOWEVER, as soon as i started this medication (100mg), i have been getting my period twice a month! it's awful. i never had any problems before and i really hoped it would balance itself out, but it's not happenin... just visited my derm this week, and she recommended adding BCP. little wary of this... i've been reading soo many reviews that seem to show TONS MORE problems than having acne itself! don't know what to do! anyone have any input?
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

skin is less oily, breakouts have almost completely cleared, inexpensive, easy to swallow pills

Cons:

increased frequency of urination, some stomach cramping and nausea initially, more frequent thirst

my face doesn't hurt anymore! I have been on oral birth control for 16 years, and it has never really helped my acne. The problem started to get really bad about three years ago when I turned 30. In desperation, I turned to a dermatologist, even though my insurance is very cost prohibitive. I am so glad I did! She recommended this medication along with two topical prescription medicines, because Accutane is not an option for me due to high cholesterol, specifically high triglycerides. It is like a miracle drug! Within one month, I was seeing results in the form of less breakouts and existing blemishes healing. I have used it for about six months now, and I love it. The side effects are minimal, in my opinion, and totally worth it to have a pain-free face. The only thing that worries me are the long-term side effects, such as its possible carcinogenic effects. My dermatologist is going to start to "wean" me off the drug starting this fall, though, in about six more months.
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my moderate acne; plumped my face a bit, almost as if I were using cosmetic injectable line-fillers. Also increased breast size, if that's a plus for you (I'm enjoying being one cup up).

Cons:

Decreased stamina and endurance for exercise. Breast tenderness at first, as they grow like magic!

I would strongly recommend this drug for perimenopausal women in their 40s like me. My acne started late in life and was linked to hormonal changes; this drug addressed the root cause and has worked very well for me on a low dosage (50mg/day). It also "refreshes" the face generally -- as I noted above, it can help counteract the facial gauntness that comes in the 40s. The main drawback is that I poop out halfway through my usual exercise routine. I am starting to rebuild stamina in this area, but it was notable.
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

i never get big pimples any more and my skin is a lot smoother

Cons:

i have to go to the bathrom more but i haven't noticed any other side effects

this has helped my acne a lot but my skin still isn't perfect. i still get pimples and while they don't get as large, they take longer to heal. i have a lot of red marks where pimples used to be that have not faded yet. i have been taking 100mg/day and since i have responded well to the treatment, my doctor has increased it to 150mg/day. i hope it works!
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Much clearer skin, less oily- couldn't believe how good my skin was

Cons:

Stomach craps, mood swings, tired, frequently need to empty bladder- the night is the worse, no periods.

I am now 33 and suffered with acne since I was 10 years old. I have tried everything possibly available from the over the counter, herbal remedies, prescribed medication to expensive products but nothing worked. I have taken Spirolactone for a year which was absolutely fantastic- clearer skin like I never seen it before. I have stopped 2 months ago with the recommendation of my GP due to the possible side effects this could have on long term use. My skin has now become much oiler and the dreaded outbreaks of horrible spots on my face/ chest and back as before. I am considering going back onto Spirolactone despite the risk associated such as ovarian cancer.
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March 29, 2009

Pros:

mild weight loss, higher potassium so i can work out harder, skin is smoother and less oily.

Cons:

Horrible cravings personally for sweets, frequent urination, drowsiness initially, and upset stomach/acid reflux, no period.

I have been on 50mg of Spiro for almost a month. I am giving it some time to work though. I have previously tried almost everything except accutane for my cystic acne. The Spiro seems to help by causing cysts that do appear to heal faster or even come to a head faster. i am a bad habit pimple picker :( When i go in to have my blood tests performed i might ask her about raising my dose and the possibility of taking it at night since it does seem to make me drowsy shortly after i take it. I am also going to see about taking it with a low dose bc pill since i havent had my period at all for this month and i know that i am not pregnant. Otherwise the side effects are generally mild. I'm sure other people would have less side effects than I do because i seem to be very sensitive to medication overall. I am thinking of starting a blog abaout my experience with Spiro.
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