Antiandrogen
Acne.org’s Real World Take
“Spiro” has been shown to work in a real and noticeable way most of the time. However, messing with hormones is messing with hormones and it’s best to proceed with caution.
Antiandrogen
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Spironolactone? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 14, 2007
Cons:
Will start breaking out again if stopped, occassional headaches if you don't drink enough water.
I have been taking 150mg for a year now and nothing has worked as well except for Diane 35 birth control, which made me gain a lot of weight and caused mood swings. Diane-35 is also associated with increased risk of blood clots. Spiro makes my skin less oily and I am usually at least 90% clear. However, it is heavily dose dependent. I reduced dosage by 25 mg and I started breaking out around chin area.
April 12, 2007
Pros:
Works with no side effects
Cons:
Diuretic
I am in my 40s and still fight acne. My doctor prescribed Spiro about 5 years ago because he said it's good for older women who get acne. It worked like a charm and my skin cleared and stayed that way. It has added benefits for me because of my high blood pressure. About 2 months ago, a new doctor told me to stop taking it because he didn't think I really needed it and it wasn't proven to work for acne, so I stopped. Within a week or two I was breaking out again like a teenager, especially chin and jawline. I started doing some research, including this site, and have found that it does work well for a certain segment of the population. I'm definitely going back on it! Give it a try. You may have to run to the bathroom a little more often, but it's a small price to pay.
April 7, 2007
Pros:
IT WORKS!!
Cons:
None. I experienced NO side effects.
I developed some adult onset acne around when I turned 26. It started out a just a couple big ones a month which was traumatic enough. A year later I had cystic acne. I was getting 5 or 6 big cystic pimples a month for a few months and hating my face and my life when I decided enough was enough. The first dermatologist I went to prescribed Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, Klaron and DIfferin. I was on that regimen for 3 months and my acne was only getting worse. I was ready to go on Accutane when I went to another doctor who prescribed me Spironolactone. Even at the low dose she prescribed (25mg/day) it was unbelievable how fast it cleared up my skin. After a month and a half on it, I went off of the antibiotics altogether. At this point, my skin feels great, just like it did the first 25 years of my life. I haven't gotten a pimple big or small in 3 months! Now I'm just waiting for the scars to fade. And there are no side effects at all!
April 1, 2007
Pros:
Clear up acne and oily skin. Began to see results after about 3 -4 weeks.
Cons:
Frequent urination, lethargy, hair is dryer, nausea
The medication works well, the first couple of weeks my acne got a bit worse and my face was very sensitive, however, after the third week my acne got much better. I have been using this for 6 weeks now, 50 mg twice dialy. Have not had outbreaks like before. I am also using Yasamin which has eliminated irregular mestruation and spotting.
March 29, 2007
Pros:
Improves Acne fast even at low doses!! Easy to swallow
Cons:
I worry about my Potassium level frequently. I have had periods of nausea and breast tenderness.
This is the only medication I have taken that has worked. I am 53 years old with acne. (naturally very depressed about it). Dermatologists may not tell you about this treatment option. I changed dermatologists and did my own research for treatment options, and I am so happy that I did. For the first time in the last 10 years I see improvement in my skin. I have tried diet changes, holistic approaches, etc... nothing worked but this!!!!
March 17, 2007
Pros:
WORKS FOR ME!
Cons:
NONE!! Seriously...no bad side effects for me, except the first few months I had some spotting in between periods
I have NODULAR ACNE...or HAD it...very bad. I thought Accutane was my only choice..but I thought I would give Spiro a chance after praying and praying. I first started with 25mg but didnt seem to do anything, so I asked my doc to up it to 50 mg, so I take that once a day at night w/ food and thats it and I have NEVER EVER been so clear in my life! I'm 21 and suffered since I was 12. I now just get occasional nodules, and my back and shoulders are clear! It took about 3 months to start working, but WOW this is an absolute answered prayer for me. ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IT! They will let you know if its safe for you (most likely is!) and you just might see a huge change, check it out! Best of luck!
March 12, 2007
Pros:
Works wonders for acne resistant to other drug therapies
Cons:
I am sorry to be graphic, but you will have to pee 1616315 times a day!!
After everything my derm could think of failed to cure my horrible acne (yes - I was on accutane, it did nothing!), she sent me to a renown acne specialist at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He prescribed a combination of spiro (150 mg/day) and birth control pills, and explained that the drug was just beginning to be used to treat acne, but I should still give it a try. Well, 4 years later, my skin is 100% acne and oil free...I am still on the same therapy he prescribed when I was in high school, so I know spiro will not lose its effectiveness.
February 28, 2007
Pros:
Everything has been great with this medicine! Completely cleared my oily skin and acne.
Cons:
None. I have been on it with a combination of Yasmin, so I have not experienced any cycle irregularity. I am going to try to use it without the Yasmin, and see what happens.
This has been the best thing that I have ever found to treat my oily skin and acne!! It has been truly amazing! What a blessing!!
February 27, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up my face
Cons:
none
I have had problem skin for 30 years now. I am 43 and it was getting worse. I have tried everything out there, way to much money spent on hope. I was reading up on medications for hormonal acne, or adult acne, before seeing my OB/GYN. I found Spironolactone. I read up on it for two days before asking my doctor. I am on 25 mg twice a day and have been on it for two weeks. I am one happy camper. There is hope. Good luck to all.
February 23, 2007
Pros:
Absolutely cleared up acne I began getting after turning 25. I'm a little worried about what will happen when I have to get off of it to get pregnant but for now, works wonders!
Cons:
Gained 5 pounds - made me crave salty food like crazy.
It cleared up my acne, my skin is absolutely beautiful and rid me of terrible migraines. Just upset I can't be on it when pregnant, that'll be a tough journey. Anyone know how long you have to be off of it before trying to get pregnant??
Pros:
Works well, few side effects.