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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March 19, 2008

Pros:

Softer, smoother and clearer skin. Less oiliness all over.

Cons:

Tired.

I have been using Spiro for almost 5 weeks now. I started with 50mg/day for the first 2 weeks and had a terrible breakout at the end of the 2 weeks. Went up to 100mg/day and since then my skin has slowly gotten better. The oiliness has reduced and all my acne has almost cleared. I have suffered from very bad cystic acne since 18 years (now 36) and tried everything from antibiotics, glycolic/chemical peels, green peels, roacctutane and Diane 35. I was on Diane 35 for over 10 years and this was effective until a few years ago. I also tried Acnease for 5 weeks previous to trying Spiro but that didnt work at all for me but gave me gas and stomach problems. Hopefully my skin will heal now and will get better. I also had my androgen/hormone levels tested and they were all normal. Despite this my endoc put me on spiro because he said that my body was just sensitive to androgens.
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March 14, 2008

Pros:

Loss of weight
Skin is slowly getting better

Cons:

Headaches
Tired, not as much energy as usual
Weak

I've only been taking spiro for 4 weeks now. I had a massive breakout to begin with which was hard to deal with. I didn't want to go outside, i didn't participate in my usual sporting activities and didn't go out much with my friends. I felt so ugly and self conscious. I even avoided my boyfriend because i felt so terrible. Anyway, slowly my skin is improving. My pimples are not as massive (usually cystic acne on my neck, back and chest), they don't last as long and are not as deep. My skin is a bit dry and now i have many little bumps all over my jaw line. Not really pimples, kind of sand paperish. But I'm going to stick this out for three months and see when happens. I'm really hoping this time that it clears up, this has been 10years of struggling with bad skin. I'll update in a couple of weeks.
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February 23, 2008

Pros:

Decreased oil production - 2-4 weeks
Finer & lighter hair - 4-6 months. Remember the hair on your body today was produced under the influence of hormones 6 months ago. Need time for this to work.

Cons:

Diuretic- increased urination and possibly dizziness. Drink plenty of water and reduce your dose if you are feeling dizzy.

I am a 30 year old medical student with POCS, mild acne and hiruisitism (and very poor spelling). Anyway, I was on spiro (plus birth control) years ago as a teenager and it did wonders for my skin- clearing up acne after a few months of use. I went off it as my skin cleared on its own in my early 20's and I took care of my facial hair with laser hair removal (really wonderful for those with dark facial hair). But now with the stress of med school my skin started breaking out again and i decided to go back to the spiro (plus some retin-a this time) and its been a nice improvement. This drug is a diuretic - drink your water! And reduce the dose if you get dizzy. Talk to your doctor -OBGYN or dermatologist. Dose - starting 25mg 2x/day. max dose 100mg 2x/day. It is a very short acting - need 2x a day dosing to be most effective.
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February 16, 2008

Pros:

Complexion smoother and oiliness reduced.

Cons:

Very tired and somewhat irritable. Dizzy and dried out!

I have been taking Spiro for over a month now. My reason for taking it - facial and body hair. I neer really had much acne problems - very minor! It doesn't seem to be improving the hair issues as of yet but my face is looking more even toned. I also have always had an extremely oily complexion which seems to have reduced somewhat. I am on 50mg p/day. Does anyone know how long it takes before one notices an improvement in the hair growth?
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February 9, 2008

Pros:

Fewer breakouts, reduced redness and irritation

Cons:

Fatique and dehydration

After trying a variety of acne medications (not only over the counter but also prescribed by my derm), incuding oral and topical, Spironolactone seems to be working the best. My breakouts appeared to be hormonal, however after a year of being on the birth control pill YAZ, my derm concluded that Spironolactone would compliment the effects of YAZ and overall balance my hormones. I stil break out, but episodes are fewer and further between. Does anyone know if consistently taking both YAZ and Spironolactone will eliminate my blemishes all together? Also, I was my face with Neutragena Oil Free face wash, does anyone know of anything better?
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February 7, 2008

Pros:

Affordable, no horrible aftertaste

Cons:

Makes you urinate a lot, very thirsty, possibly causes me to be tired more often

Unfortunately right now I'm in the beginning stages of taking this medication and it's made my skin HORRIBLE. I read up on a lot of people's experiences with this drug and they said it takes a while to really work, but that it does product good results. That alone is pushing me to be more patient with it, but this past month has been hell with my acne. Anyone have a reason/hypothesis as to why I only get breakouts on the right side of my face, and nothing at all on the left side? I don't sleep on my right side, I don't touch my face, nothing. It's very confusing.
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February 6, 2008

Pros:

Reduced Oil, smoother skin and texture

Cons:

Thirsty all the time, muscle weakness, dry hands and feet

I have used this for almost 3 months. Started on 50 for 2 weeks, 100 for 2 months, and now on 150 for the last week. Overall my acne has much improved, especially the cysts. I do still have one cyst and some inflamed spots. I'm trying to hang in there like the rest of you. I have suffered with acne since I was 11 and now I'm 41. Nothing has ever worked, not even accutane. My derm gave me Duac yesterday to add to the regime. I'll report back in a month or so to let you know my progress.
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February 2, 2008

Pros:

helps to clear skin

Cons:

very sleepy and tired

I just began the Spiro about a week now, my dermatologist gave it to me to take with my birth control(Yaz)- it's my last resort for my sudden and painful breakouts. He said that Spiro works in conjunection with the Yaz- in the amount of hormones- Progesterone v. Estrogen. So, far my face is already clearing up, I'm not sure if it's the Yaz or Spiro causing me to be so tired and making me super sensative (i.e- crying).
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

Don't know yet

Cons:

Don't know yet

I wanted to respond to people's questions about how it effects your birth control and pregnancy. Be very careful if you're trying not to get pregnant, make sure you're taking the pill on time every day and if you don't wear a condom. You also shouldn't take it when you're pregnant since it messes with your hormones. I actually no doctor in their right mind that would let you. I will post in a few weeks with how well it has worked for me, keep your fingers crossed!
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

decreased oil production and improved overall clarity and texture of skin

Cons:

after two weeks I developed more cystic acne on my chin, cheecks and upper area of my neck.

I have suffered with mild to moderate acne since the age of 12 and have always had very oily skin. However, I have always been able to control my breakouts with over the counter topical solutions and a consistent skin regimen. I turned 29 and that is when the problem began. I tried proactiv, murad, and monthly deep cleansing facials to no avail. My derm said that I was suffering from hormonal acne. I tried proactiv and murad to no avail. I am now taking 50 mg/day of spiro, tazorac pm, and sulfacetimide am and I am so impressed with the results. Although, I have not completely healed, people are beginning to notice the improvement. Thats a plus in my book!
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