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 3, 2010

Pros:

i don't get huge pimples anymore, and when some do pop up, they heal much quicker than when i was not taking it. it also helps with my oily skin

Cons:

i've been taking spironolactone for over a year and it has not completely cleared my skin. it does help a lot and that is why i still use it. i take 150mg/day

it didn't clear up my skin completely but it does help!
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December 30, 2009

Pros:

Clearer and smoother skin.
Decreased hair growth.
Shorter, lighter periods.

Cons:

Unquenchable thirst.
Some dizziness, probably due to lower blood pressure.

I've had very bad acne since I was 12, and have been on every topical and a few pills. Nothing has worked like the combo of birth control and spiro! I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to get a hold of these meds. I'd definitely save myself a lot of grief and scarring. My skin has never felt so soft. The thirstiness definitely takes some getting used to, but I can deal with it for the pros. The dizziness was only a problem when I was sick and already a bit light headed. I would definitely recommend Spiro if more common treatments haven't worked for you.
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December 27, 2009

Pros:

clear skin, less depressed

Cons:

thirsty & pee alot

I am 25 years old and I have had hormonal acne sine I turned 20. I tried so many things just to be dissapointed and I have so many scars! have been taking 25mg a day for 3 months now. i had deep, painful cysts along with regular acne, but now i am 100% clear! I am so happy, i want everyone to know about Spironolactone! I can leave the house without wanting to cry because i felt like a monster. i will post photos soon!
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December 25, 2009

Pros:

Could possibly help if I had taken a high enough dosage.

Cons:

Mad me very, very, thirsty..

I have a pre-disposition for drinking massive quantities of water daily. I don't have diabetes, but I'm constantly thirsty. This product made me RAVENOUSLY THIRSTY. The kind of thirsty that almost makes you freekout if you hear running water (fountain or toilet) and don't have access to drinking water. I ended up getting off of it when I had to have knee surgery and couldn't walk to the sink every 30 minutes to get more water.
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December 22, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of cystic acne
Reduces bloat and PMS symptoms
Reduces menstrual cramps
Helps to balance mood
Cheap, easy to use
Decreases body hair

Cons:

Does not get rid of blackheads or whiteheads
Lowered blood pressure, though that might be a plus for some

I cannot recommend Spiro enough. I have adult onset (age 22) cystic acne that came out of nowhere and only got worse as I got older. No topical would touch it. Along with the acne came some mild hirsutism and terrible mood swings. Even though my hormone panel came out normal, I have a sensitivity to testosterone. I probably read every review for this drug on this site (thanks, everyone!!!) before going to the dermatologist and asking for this drug. I am so, so glad that I did. Within a 6 month period, I went from a few new cysts daily to nothing. Nada. I haven't had a cyst for 2 MONTHS! Also, I don't have to wax my upper lip anymore, and I shave my legs once every 3 days instead of daily. I didn't have the initial terrible breakout, but I started at a 50mg dose and upped it to 100mg after 2 months. This drug does lower blood pressure, so I take it at night and it helps me to fall asleep. Drink lots of water, and yes, you will be thirsty. Think of it as flushing your system. To get rid of the blackheads, whiteheads, and acne scarring, I am using Tazorac. Spiro dries out my skin, so I make sure to use a heavy moisturizer an hour or so before I use the Tazorac. Using these in combination has given me nearly flawless skin, and I've been using the Tazorac for less than a month. I am sorry for the long review, but I just want you to know that this medication has absolutely changed my life. I am confident, and I feel beautiful for the first time in years. I spend so much less time worrying about what I look like and putting on makeup. I don't even use a foundation or powder anymore. I think of all the money I've spent on facials, topicals, supplements, and holistic treatments over the past few years, and all it costs me now is $8.00 a month. (And yes, this is a $4.00 generic that they carry at Target.) What seemed like a terrible nightmare is actually over, and I hope that this drug works miracles for you like it has for me.
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December 21, 2009

Pros:

less oily skin and hair, weight loss of 10lbs, acne has improved

Cons:

need to be consistent with taking dose at certain times to keep a steady amount of the med in your system, may lower BP although it didnt lower mine, and may urinate more often but I didn't notice that either

Definite improvement. I started out at 25mg and worked up to 200mg a day, I've only been taking the 200 mg a day for little over a month now but I've noticed a significant change in my skin. I don't breakout constantly anymore.. clear skin days actually happen even if I fail to wash my face at night every now and then. The pimples I do get now are much smaller and seem to heal at a quicker rate also. I'm not completely clear all the time, but I'm hoping I will reach that eventually. I am going to continue to use spiro with hopes of consistently clear skin around 6 months or so of use. Even if things stay the same though, my acne is much more under control now than it ever was before.
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December 18, 2009

Pros:

Oh my goodness. Just one, a much lighter and shorter period. That's it!

Cons:

Oh wow, every side effect you can think of. Bloatedness, sore breasts, roller coaster nausea, worse breakouts, no improvement what so ever.

I was very disappointed with this product as the reviews here, have loads of happiness spilling over this medication. I was unlucky with this product and am very frustrated on where to turn next as I am 36 and can not go back on the pill as it will have detrimental affects as I am in a higher risk category to develop blood clots in my legs. Also, yes, with this product it can develop birth defects in a male. Beware ladies. It's not always as safe as they tell you.
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December 17, 2009

Pros:

Works fairly quickly, doesn't upset my stomach, no more oil slicks on my face!!! :)

Cons:

Heart palpitations from time to time (but diminished after a little time), dizziness, leg cramps (haven't experienced these in quite some time now).

I've battled acne for 25 years. Went to the Dr. begging not to prescribe me another expensive topical or antibiotic. She started me on 25 mg and it started to work then I started having outbreaks. Bumped it up to 50 mg and the same thing. I started to get discouraged (again) but went back for a follow up and bumped up to 75 mg. A bit scary but it seems to be doing the trick. I have noticed a couple of side affects such as tender breasts not only during menstruation (which was normal) but during ovulation as well and severe leg cramps but only on one or two occasions. I figure as long as I have my potassium levels checked and keep appts. it should work out well for me. I find myself picking at my face as a force of habit only to find there is nothing to pick! I'm loving it!!!
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

Significantly reduces hormonal acne; slightly lowers blood pressure (good for those who tend to have high BP), reduces water weight gain from too much sodium.

Cons:

Can raise your potassium levels; you must make sure you don't take supplements with potassium in it or eat too many foods loaded with potassium.

I've been on this for a couple years and noticed an immediate improvement in my acne. After getting off oral contraceptives, I had the worse breakouts I ever experienced. Spiro cleared my skin beautifully. I started by taking two a day, as my dermatologist recommended. Then once my face cleared up, I started taking only one pill a day and my face stayed clean. Now I'm taking one 25 mg pill every other day. My face has remained clear, and I have effectively minimized my exposure to the drug without compromising my results.
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

It has really cleared up my skin and it is easy to take I've also lost a bit of weight while on it, I'm assuming water weight.

Cons:

frequent trips to the bathroom! :)

It's been very effective for me so far
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Finding a Doctor

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.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website