Acne.org Products
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
August 15, 2008
Cons:
occasional headaches
This med was prescribed to me mainly for bloating, but found out that it had help clear my skin (hormonal acne) and less cramping. I've been on it for the last 3 months. I've stopped taking it for the headaches to see if it was the culprit and sure enough, it was. However, I'm starting on it again with a lower dose this time (50mg) and it's doing the trick without the headaches.
July 12, 2008
Pros:
Side-effects are minimal.
Cons:
I've been using it for 2.5 mo and still no decrease in oiliness at all.
I started with 50mg for 1mo., 75mg for 1.5mo.
I've been diagnosed with PCOS, which explains why I have extremely oily skin (gets oily 45 min after washing my face) and jawline acne.
My acne has decreased somewhat but I suspect that due to the topical medication I'm also taking (Benzaclin).
I think I need a higer dosage, maybe 150mg.
June 28, 2008
Pros:
I am 38. First time since i was 12 that I have clear skin.
Cons:
Don't take at night as it works as a diuretic!
Ashley from Naperville.... try Dr. Julianne Moore in Lombard. She is the dermatologist that I go to. She is in practice with Dr. Nancy Lichon. Hope that helps!
June 5, 2008
Pros:
It really works. My skin is completely clear! The texture is improving every day and the oiliness is no longer a problem.
Cons:
It took 3 months to really start working. My skin almost seemed to get worse before it really started to improve.
This has been a miracle drug for me. I am 37 years old and started to have cystic acne last summer. My skin was always on the oily side but never with the big painful bumps that appear along my cheek and jaw line. I was so depressed because I tried everything over the counter and then prescription antibiotics and topicals. Finally I went to a Dermatology Physician Assistant and she recognized my problem immediately. It was hormonal acne. She prescribed Spironolactone. I started at a very low dose and gradually worked up to my current dose of 100mg twice a day. My advice to everyone who is just starting on Spiro is to be very patient, it takes months for your skin to clear but if you have hormonal acne, it should help.
May 29, 2008
Pros:
Hair les oily, face less oily
Cons:
still have not seen any real change in face acne.
I still am having major breakouts around my chin and sides of my mouth. The acne is different than it used to be but I am still waiting for some real change. I am getting a little discouraged. I have been on the medication for almost two months. I am going to the derm in a couple days and am going to ask to increase my dosage. Currently I am taking 100mg a day. I also was thinking of changing my current BC to Yaz since it comtains 25mg in it. I really want this to work out since I do not know how much longer that I can handle this acne. I do not go anywhere or want to meet anyone. I continue to be positive but need some signs of improvement!
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.
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.
April 9, 2008
Pros:
I used to be a greaseball. My face was oily within 45 minutes of washing it in the morning. After three weeks my oil production has subsided remarkably. I have a few pimples left still but things are healing fast. My face feels smooth again.
Cons:
I had a TERRIBLE initial breakout for the first two weeks.I have also experienced the thirst that everyone is talking about-but I don't mind this too much as it forces me to drink more water. I have severe cramping in my legs though and it's a pain!
I am excited about this pill! I am taking 50mgs/2x per day. I had a horrible initial breakout, with pimples of every sort in places that I hadn't normally gotten them. My chest is almost completely clear after 3 weeks and my back is too. My face looks SO much better. The lessening of oil production has improved my overall complexion dramatically I think. I am going to stick with this pill for four months no matter what and hope for the best.
Has anyone else experienced cramping in their legs? Mine hurt terribly and it is making me nervous-- but I don't want to report this to my doctor as I am even more afraid that she will take me off spiro and my acne will return full-force. any suggestions?
March 9, 2008
Pros:
Less oiliness and clear skin (for the most part)
Cons:
Dizzyness
I have been on Spironolactone for a little over a month. I have definitely seen an improvement in oiliness. I am mostly clear now. I get a few small zits here and there... it seem usually around my period. I am only taking 50mg a day. I may go back to the derm. and up the dosage to 75mg, which may completely clear me up. I didn't experience any side effects but dizziness. It only happened a few times and hasn't happened in a long time now. So I think it was just my body adjusting to the medication. All n all I have had a great experience so far on Spironolactone. I definitely recommend giving it a try!
February 7, 2008
Pros:
Affordable, no horrible aftertaste
Cons:
Makes you urinate a lot, very thirsty, possibly causes me to be tired more often
Unfortunately right now I'm in the beginning stages of taking this medication and it's made my skin HORRIBLE. I read up on a lot of people's experiences with this drug and they said it takes a while to really work, but that it does product good results. That alone is pushing me to be more patient with it, but this past month has been hell with my acne. Anyone have a reason/hypothesis as to why I only get breakouts on the right side of my face, and nothing at all on the left side? I don't sleep on my right side, I don't touch my face, nothing. It's very confusing.
Pros:
Less bloating, lower blood pressure, aids in weight loss, clear skin, less menstrual cramping. I've also noticed less irritability (note: this is the only med I'm taking other than my multivitamins)