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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January 7, 2008

Pros:

clears skin and minimizes hair growth (esp. on chin, etc.)

Cons:

tired, peeing a lot, taking a pill everyday

If nothing else has worked for you (especially topical) and if you've developed acne post-adolescence (like me), it's definitely worth a try! I am back on it after about 6 months off (due to moving, changing doctors, insurance, etc.) but it works for me, and I can't imagine going back. It makes me sad to read about other peoples' experience, looking in the mirror and wanting to cry, avoiding social situations...but there's hope!
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January 6, 2008

Pros:

breast size increased, thinner body hair, less oil, diminished almost ALL of my acne

Cons:

took a very long time to see results. must take on a regular basis - if i'd skip a day or two, i would break out. Since it also affects blood pressure, I initially noticed dizziness and trouble exercising (this eventually went away).

I was prescribed spironolactone with differin gel about seven months ago at 50 mg/day. I broke out severely at first. After two months, I saw such little improvement that I went back to the doctor and raised my dose to 100 mg/day. Even then, I still broke out just less severely. It was only recently (about 4 months after raising my dosage) that I saw the improvement I'd heard about. I'm so happy I kept up with the product. I was told I would see full results in three months, but it was really after six. I would strongly encourage anyone battling hormonal acne to try spironolactone for a long period of time! Almost simultaneously, my breasts grew, my face became less oily, and my breakouts had VASTLY improved.
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January 1, 2008

Pros:

Flat stomach

Cons:

Make me feel thirsty all the time. Have to drink tons of water to not feel dehydrated, Taking a pill every day.

I have been taking spiro for about three weeks. I definitely saw my belly get super flat but I havent notice much improvement in my acne. I was taking 100mg every day but I upped my dose to 200mg. I will probably slow downt to 150mg baceuse 200mg might be too much and I think a higher dose will not accelerate the process. I will defenitely keep taking it since it seemes like it starts working after month 3. Im also having the Smooth Beam laser done every month. I had my first treatment last month so I'll wait to see how things work all together. I was thinking about getting a prescription for Yaz since I will need the birth control.
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December 22, 2007

Pros:

i have noticed drier skin and my chin flakes now every day.

Cons:

Haven't noticed an improvement. I have been on it for 3 weeks and I'd say things have only gotten worse.

I am open to giving it more time, but after 3 weeks, I can say I don't feel it's working.
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December 7, 2007

Pros:

Helps a lot with oil

Cons:

had a tiny breakout when I first started, peeing a lot, taking it every day

I really liked this stuff. I liked not having to wash my hair all of the time. My oil was helped, but it didn't dry me out. I really didn't mind peeing all of the time since I felt like I was losing weight. I was also taking Yaz so I was taking 125mg of spiro all together.
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December 1, 2007

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

Took a few months to start working/irregular periods/diuretic/hard to find a doctor that will prescribe.

Only thing that has worked long term for me. Tried everything (homeopathic/retin-A/antibiotics/accutane etc.)-nothing worked except spiro (100mg/day). Now trying to get pregnant and need to go off of it-looking at the site for alternative treatments.
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November 16, 2007

Pros:

Spironolactone works great. After having acne in my teens, then in my thirties with the deep "undergrounds" sprironolactone cleared my skin beautifully. I couldn't believe it after I used laser treatment, years of actibiotics and topical creams.

Cons:

The downside, it caused severe breast tenderness. But I found if I took 500 mg of vitamin e along with the pill, I experienced no breast tenderness at all.

I think it is really short of a miracle. I have been taking it four a few years now. Intially I began with 25 mg have worked up to 100 mg then down to 25 mg. I don't know how long one can take this medication.
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

I've been on this since July. I don't have much acne, just very oily skin and blackheads esp.on my nose. The oiliness has definitely decreased and my pores are smaller, I like how it makes my skin look. I also used Retin A pads a couple times a wk.

Cons:

It makes me a little dizzy sometimes. I do feel tired sometimes. My nose is still a little oily. When I needed a refil the nurse called to say they are required to do bloodwork every 6 mo.

I want to continue using it, I like the results. I am concerned about the blood testing and not sure what the purpose of that is. Is it just for potassium levels or is there more to it? Does anyone know if the longer you are on it does it become less effective. I read a post that said they were bumped up from 50mg to 150mg. I think I could use a higher dose but want to be more certain of safety.
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November 9, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my skin better than antibiotics and topicals. It does make you pee a lot, but this goes away after a few months.

Cons:

none

Does anyone have a dermatologist in NYC they would recommend who prescribes them Spiro? I have had a great experience with this medication, but most of the doctors I have seen do not like to prescribe it, since it's off-label for acne.
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November 4, 2007

Pros:

!!!WORKS!!!!

Cons:

might not be for everyone
was tired a few monthes
minty taste

ive taken this for the passed 1 1/2 and its been a miracle! i started of 50mg and i notice a change within the first month but eventualli i was moved up to 150mg. it took me about 3monthes to see a full change. no oil no acne! im not as grumpy and my periods are less painful. a blessing!! no more wasting money on products that didnt work!!!!!! o and i personally hate flavored pills...... just try this for a few monthes...its cheap and may work.
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