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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February 9, 2009

Pros:

Since it's a diuretic it helps you lose water weight, good appetite suppressant, and less oily skin.

Cons:

I felt dizzy most of the time, dry mouth, I couldn't concentrate in class because it messes up your concentration and memory. I felt extremely tired all the time.

I don't recommend Spiro, it's not a good medication my acne was getting better, but when I started taking it I broke out like crazy. I had a lot of fatigue because it causes sleeplessness, so in the night you don't sleep and during the day you feel super tired. Makes it hard to get through classes if you're in college where you need the most concentration/memorization.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

With insurance, it is cheap.

Cons:

I have to pee a lot and sometimes I have headaches.

Well, I have been taking Spironolactone for almost 2 months and my acne is worse than it has ever been. My face has never looked so bad. I take 100 mg twice a day. My doctor mentioned putting me on birth control along with this medicine, but I haven't really decided whether I want to do it or not, but at this point I am considering it. I am trying so hard to be patient and wait for the results that everyone else talks about on here, but when I look in the mirror and see the bumps on my face, it is very disheartening and a part of me wants to give up because I feel like it isn't working at all. I'm hoping to see results in the near future.
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November 20, 2008

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Terrible allergic reaction.

My dermatologist prescribed this medication for me after I had tried almost everything. As soon as I started taking it I broke out with severe hives. I stopped taking the medication immediately but continued with chronic hives (urticaria) for almost a year. I would break out multiple times a week and was prescribed hydroxyzine to control the hives. It was a terrible experience for me. All medications work differently but be aware that you may be allergic to one that is prescribed to you. From reading the reviews it looks like it works really well...too bad I'm allergic.
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November 14, 2008

Pros:

No uncomfortable side effects, easy to take

Cons:

Didn't do that much for my skin..screws w/ your hormones

I used it for my moderate acne...maybe worked at first but I really didn't notice a huge difference. I still had mild to moderate acne every so often. also..SCARY to mess with your hormones like this...I was on it for a year (from age 19-20) and I NEVER got my period. Not even once! Strange because it just blocks your testosterone (and is even used to regulate periods), but as soon as I went off the meds, my period started up again right away as per usual. I just don't think it's worth it. Benzyl Peroxide works much better.
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September 5, 2008

Pros:

Didnt give it a chance

Cons:

I had severe side effects

I felt like I was going to die! I was feeling very week, unenergized, tired, sick to my stomach, headaches, bloating, early menstral bleeding, muscle aches, dizziness, you name it. I felt horrible. My derm just put me on Bactrim. So well see if that works for me, and I dont have the scary side effects. Any feedback on Bactrim?
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September 5, 2008

Cons:

It made my skin super sensitive and I had a nasty reaction when I got my normal hair color done. Plus I got a sore on my tongue that wouldn't heal. I even cut down my dose. All went back to normal when I stopped. Didn't do anything for my acne.

Didn't work for me. It could work for you though.
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August 19, 2008

Pros:

Haven't Noticed any yet

Cons:

Scary Side Effects...

I hate to leave a review after only being on this med for about a week, (seeing how every acne med takes time) But I have been having some pretty intense side effects with this drug and wondering if is even at all safe to stick it out. I started takeing 50mg twice a day, and am wondering if maybe that was too much for my body to handle at first. My derm perscribed this to me and didn't say anything about gradually starting on the drug then eventually working my way up to a higher dosage. As I read past reviews it seems like everyone started on a smaller dosage and then increased as their body got used to it. In one week I have had headaches, cramps, muscle tenderness, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and chest pain.. (a little scary) I cut my pills in 1/2 and the side effects have seemed to subside a bit. I would appreciate any feedback on this, Has anyone else had this problem?
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June 22, 2008

Pros:

Not really sure of any yet....

Cons:

none

I was given a low dose of Spiro almost 3 weeks ago to be taken along with the Yaz because the Yaz is not really working for me all that great after 4 months. I started getting few cystic like acne on my checks when I only had acne on my forehead. Did this happen to anyone? I'm thinking the Yaz needs to be changed to another BC. or maybe my Spiro is to low. I'm also using a Tazorac every other day as a topical. I hate being on so many prescriptions! Anyone go through the same thing??
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May 14, 2008
I am 39 and have been living with the fight of acne for 25 years. I have tried everything under the sun but nothing works. I switch doctors to try Accutane but he suggested Spironolactone because my hormones were somewhat elevated. I have been on Spironolactone for almost 2 months. I haven't seen much improvment as far as oil and was farirly clear for a few weeks. A few weeks ago I started breaking out really bad with cystic acne all over my chin and forehead. My doctor put me back on my antibiotic for a couple months until Spironolactone kicked in. I still haven't noticed much of a change in oil or the acne. Is this nromal or is this not going to work for me??????
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January 4, 2008
anyone on a combo of spirono (50mg twice daily), rozac wash and Metrogel? Started 3 weeks ago with a little improvement, but now am having trouble. I also take Yasmin for PCOS.
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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:

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