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 13, 2008

Pros:

100% CLEAR SKIN for the first time in 25 years! No kidding....

Cons:

increased frequency of urination, but this can be helped by decreasing the dose taken in the evening. I take 25mg at night, and 50mg in the mornings.

This is the first thing that has ever worked for me in over 25 years of going to different dermatologists. I have tried just about everything except accutane, I was afraid of that stuff! This works a miracle. Never did I think I would be able to go without make-up, but honestly, I can now, and nobody notices. It's WONDERFUL. I am so thankful that I switched docs. This is the first thing she suggested. Careful about potential pregnancies though. I've had my tubes tied, so it's no problem. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TREATMENT!
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

Clears your face up, is not an antibiotic so no danger for staying on it for a long time. It is a diuretic, makes you shed water weight.

Cons:

a couple little dizzy spells, not bad at all though. You need to go off it 30 days prior to trying to get pregnant.

This is also the only thing that has ever worked for me. I actually just got back on it. YES, you will break out just as bad as before you were on it when you go off it. I went off it to try and get pregnant for 7 months and broke out really bad with cystic acne on cheeks and forhead,chest, and some on my neck! I found out my husband has fertility issues and decided to go back on it until we can get help gettting pregnant and I actually do get pregnant. Blondie........I just started Isolaz. I had my first treatment a week ago. You really don't think it helped? I've heard really good things about it. Did they tell you to extract all your zits the night after the procedure? I'm blonde too:)
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

FINALLY...clear skin!

Cons:

None

I am almost 30 years old and have suffered cystic acne sine my teens. After trying every product, drug, etc, available, including 2 rounds of accutane, I had given up hope. I cam across this site about 4 months ago and immediately approached my dermatologist regarding spironolactone. I have just started my third month of treatment at 100mg per day and for the first time in my life I have clear skin. I have had no negative side effects to this drug and would highly reccommend this to anyone.
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

STOPS breakout right after taking it the first day

Cons:

not available in stores; prescription type

I'm a dude, and I was aware that almost all users are female. But I didn't notice or feel anything bad after a month; taking 50mg everyday. Saw result immediately. I know coz I break out very frequently. Bought spiro at "in-house pharmacy", quite cheap.
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin, weight loss

Cons:

More trips to the bathroom!

My gyn will no longer give me the regular birth control pill because I am a smoker and over 35. (please dont comment on the smoking) She switched me to the minipill which I later found out, causes acne many times. Anyway, my cystic acne seemed to be more frequent. I couldnt look people in the eye. It devastated me. So, I found this new fabulous dermatologist who got me on this med immediately. 25mg's and in three weeks the 5 cysts I had were gone (even though they probably woudl have been gone anyway) BUT, I have had only one big one since and it has now been about two months. I saw my dermatologist and expressed my disappointment in the number of whiteheads since we have been so aggressive, and she has now increased my spironolactone dose to 50mg. I am also at the end of the Isolaz laser treatment which I am very disappointed in. I have had 7 treatments at $375 and really expected to have borderline perfect skin by now. I am pretty convinced now it is really the spironolactone.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

Less oily skin and hair; Less breakouts of cystic acne; Lost 15 pounds without trying!

Cons:

I haven't had a period in 3 months; dizziness

I have cystic acne from working out and usually around the time of my period. I have had only 1 breakout in the 6 months I have been taking this period. However, I have only had 1 period. I also lost a lot of weight and went from a size 10 to a 6 because I am no longer bloated (yay!). There are many benefits to this medication- I reccommend it!
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

clear skin, less body and facial hair growth

Cons:

excessive peeing =( thurst, occasional dry eys

works great on oily and acne prone skin, just takes a few weeks to work but well worth the wait.
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May 3, 2008

Pros:

less oil at 4 months...
weight loss (water weight - less bloated)

Cons:

takes so long to work.at 4 months my face is finally clear but terrible bacne.
pee like a racehorse
lower sex drive :(

just stick it out. and don't review it after three goddamn days.
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April 30, 2008

Pros:

skin is less oily, 75% reduction in acne within 5 weeks

Cons:

skin gets much worse before it gets better

I've had mild acne since I was 12. I had fairly good results controlling it with antibiotics, duac and other assorted topicals. Then 6 months ago at age 16, I developed moderatly severe cystic acne... my face was ravaged! The cysts were deep and painful, as many as 15 at once. My derm put me on spiro 50mg/day which made my acne worse for about 2 weeks!! Then i began to see some improvement. After 4 weeks, my dose was increased to 100mg/day which helped even more. My skin has improved greatly and now I only have mild breakouts before my periods. I'm scheduled to start accutane next month but I'm reluctant to switch to something new when I dont feel I've given spiro enough time to work its wonders! May postpone and give spiro at least 6 months. It has been a lifesaver. No side effects, just a few more trips to the bathroom at first.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

perfectly clear skin, no oiliness at all

Cons:

almost nonexistent periods on a shortend cycle, severe breast tenderness for about half the month

I am 44 years old and developed acne in my early 30's (after having 3 children). By the time I was 38 it was severe cystic acne. It was painful and SO embarassing. My self-esteem was in the gutter. I highly reccommend this med for older women with cystic acne.
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