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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September 23, 2012

Pros:

Cheap, small pill easy to take
can be on it long term.

Cons:

broke me out in places Ive never broke out before

I had a very stupid dermatologist that anything I asked about she would tell me its ok to go on. Thats how I ended up trying spiro. I started with 25 mgs for 2 weeks then 50 for two weeks then finally 75 for about a week. I didnt seen any improvements and I didnt see improvements in my oily skin either so I decided to stop. BIG MISTAKE. A week after, which just so happened to be right around my period, I broke out like I never broke out before my period ever, I broke out on my neck and chin and upper lip( my chin and upper lip are places I never ever broke out before especially my upper lip area.) It's been a little past a month since I stopped and I'm still getting breakouts on my chin especially around my period. I'm not totally against this drug if you have a dermatologist that knows what they are doing and if you stick with it. I recommend that if you go off of it to slowly do it and not do it cold turkey.
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June 15, 2012

Pros:

Sort of worked--clears me up somewhat w/PMS-time acne

Cons:

-Worry about side effects such as potassium levels and interactions with other meds
-Takes too long to work
-Constantly taking medication
-Expensive
-Requires continuing visits to derm
-Suspected it affected my moods and weight

This helped a little bit, but I just don't like taking medication that seems to be quite powerful. I've continued my quest and I am starting to get enthusiastic about GREEN TEA. It worked faster and better than this stuff.
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May 23, 2012

Pros:

Weight Loss (Not major - Small Amount)

Cons:

My face has gotten worse

I'm so sad :-( I read so many reviews about how life changing this drug is. I'm 38 and have been dealing with acne since my 20s. I took Acutane and it worked like a charm. But my moodiness was bad, so I didn't want to go that way again. I am taking 100mg per day of Spiro right now. My derm increased slowly from 25mg. It's been 2 months and my face looks the worst it ever has! I am going back to the derm next week, and am happy to see that some people have a stronger dosage than 100mg. I am hoping that she will increase mine. I am beyond the point of not wanting to leave the house. Everyone notices it. I can see them staring at the acne, not me, you know? I really want the acne gone but don't think this is going to do it for me. I will definitely update if signs improve. Very sad day :-(
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

Less oily
I don't know about the acne (too soon to tell)

Cons:

Initial Breakout
Have to pee a lot at first

I've been taking spiro for 19 days and so far I haven't seen any improvements. My acne is actually getting worse, I used to get a few every now and then, nothing major, but they keep popping up and when I think they stop, more come. I'm going crazy, I get that it takes time, but how much longer do I need to put up with this? I'm getting miserable, I don't feel comfortable going out anymore and I hate it. I'm really hoping to see some results in the next 2 weeks. If not, I'm going back to my Doctor. I see all these positive results, but it's hard to keep positive when I look like this.
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January 25, 2012

Pros:

stunts body hair growth
makes skin smooth

Cons:

can make u emotional
unwanted weight loss
loss of appetite
nausea

My dermatologist prescribed this for me as I have developed unsightly adult acne. I will get huge red bumps along my cheek/chin area out of the blue that last for a few weeks and then leave. They also leave scars. He said this drug was like a vitamin and prescribed 100 mg a day. Due to the side effects I read about, I take it at night before bed. However, I have dropped two dress sizes due to being so nauseated, I can barely eat. My acne has not seen much improvement, i have been spotting (i have a mirena and should not be bleeding). My energy is down and I am extra emotional. Reading other post makes me think this drug is best for those with oily skin (mine is rather dry) and more continual breakouts. I went from a 6 to a 2 so I really didnt need to lose the weight and now feel I look sickly. Or maybe I just need to lower the dose. However, my skin does feel softer and the peach fuzz on face seems minimal. My regime also includes using the Clean and Clear advantage kit.
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August 5, 2011

Pros:

slowly clears up skin

Cons:

takes months
many stomach problems
heart burn
extremely gassy after eating
fatigue

I have been taking this for 14 months now. I can say it has improved my acne, but I definitely would not recommend this to anyone. I have had horrible stomach issues, heart burn, and extreme upper stomach gas after I eat. It SUCKS! I hate feeling gassy all the time after I eat anything.
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July 8, 2011

Pros:

Don't know yet

Cons:

Initial breakout?

I recently started this medication. Went from 25 mg up to 75 mg where I am currently at now. I have only been on it for three weeks and I am havig the WORST breakout !! Has anyone experienced this ??? Is it normal ? How long does it last? Please give feedback. The derm says to stick it out but this is horrible.
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June 10, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up back and chest acne.
Only one side effect listed below.
Pretty cheap.

Cons:

At a dose above 25 mg made me have my period all the time, non stop for weeks.
Didn't clear up the acne on my face, at higher doses it only made it worse.

The first month I used this pill I started out at 25 mg and within a week I already noticed the oil in my skin decrease and my skin was clearing up. Never noticed any decrease in the oil in my hair like other people talked about though. After a month at the follow up with my doctor I was very happy with the results and he asked me if there was any room for improvement and so we agreed to increase the dose to 50 mg. Gradually my skin went back to the way it used to be and within three months it became worse than it ever was. I was getting acne in places on my face I never used to get any before. I went up to 75 mg but it never got better. So after a total of about four to five months, I decided to go back down to 25 mg. My skin got better pretty soon, but it was never clear like the first month. It just went back to how it used to be before this pill.I started getting these photofacial laser treatments again which work way better. I'm still taking the 25 mg a day though because I'm scared to go off the pill and see what happens.Eventually I'll need to go off though. Very disappointed, I had such high hopes for this drug. :(
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April 16, 2011
Hey guys, I'm 23 and was prescribed this med by my doctor back in january. I have had ups and down with my skin since my teenage years, but its never been this severe. I just past the 3 month mark, and although my acne has gotten slightly better, it still makes me sick to my stomach on a daily basis. I don't know if I've become obsessed with it, or if it really is as bad as I think.I have had flawless skin before, so I know it's not better. Anyways, I was just wondering if it took anyone more than 3 months to get this "beautiful" skin I keep reading about. I'm just getting really discouraged and I don't know if I should give up on this medication or not.
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February 9, 2011

Pros:

Too early to tell

Cons:

I was having stomach pain when I was taking two at a time each day (50 mg) however I started taking one pill in the morning and one at night and I havent had the stomach pain since.

My doctor suggested this medication because I have very oily skin and cystic acne. I have been on it for about 3 weeks but I havent noticed any changes yet. My skin is still oily and I still have some cysts. Does anyone recall how long it took for this medication to work?
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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.
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