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
May 11, 2011
Cons:
Frequent urination, fatigue, muscle weakness
I *think* this may be clearing up my VERY oily skin and acne, but my main concern is my libido. I almost got divorced over my complete loss of all sexuality about 8 years ago, and finding a doc who would listen to me and allow me to take testosterone supplementation saved my marriage. I'm worried that now the Spironolactone will counteract that. My derm told me it only blocks the receptors in the facial area, but it seems that if the side effects are systemic the blocking would be too. Have anyone of you experienced a drop in libido or sexual dysfunction on this? I've only been on it a week, but I'm so afraid I'll have to trade clear skin for staying married... :(
April 26, 2011
Pros:
-reduces cysts in number & depth
-doesn't interfere w/diet
Cons:
-some side effects aren't listed on label but still will occur
-infrequent (or more frequent) periods
-each time dosage changes, it takes 2 months to adjust & work again
I've used this for 7 mos, along w/another pill & 2 topical treatments. It's pretty effective for cyst pimples. For me, it stopped them from appearing in 2 out of 3 areas on my face. However, I also experienced side effects that weren't on the label...like dry scalp & enlarged pecs, because it made me wonder what else could happen. But these were both temporary & started when the doc increased my dosage to 4/day. This dosage also resulted in frequent periods...I had my period every 8-12 days for 3 months. At this point, I'm going off spiro to regulate my periods & because a lower dosage won't be effective for me.
April 12, 2011
Pros:
seemed to keep my skin clear after I got off of antibiotics for several months, but suddenly I began breaking out again and after a month of taking it at a higher dose the situation has not improved
Cons:
having to urinate 9 times a day; never being able to sleep through the night without getting up 1-3 times to pee; feeling light headed, dizzy and tired on a regular basis; constant dehydration; having to get blood tests; not being able to get pregnant while on it (risk of birth defects); uncertainty as to its tumerogenic effects on humans
I have no doubt that many people do very well with this drug and may experience little to no (perceptible) side effects while taking it, but unfortunately, in my case, the benefits were short-lived and the side-effects seem to outweigh any gains at this point. Even if maintaining my higher dose will eventually resolve the minor breakouts I've had recently, I will not continue to take this drug until I have tried a few other remedies. I am literally tired of not sleeping through the night like I used to (waking up an average of two times/night to pee), and I know I have gained a few pounds due to the constant feeling of hunger, which is more often than not dehydration in disguise. Good luck to others who are interested in spironolactone. As for me, I've had enough!
March 11, 2011
Pros:
TBD
Cons:
Tired, Diarrhea?
Not sure yet. I started taking 50mg 2x a day just yesterday morning, and almost immediately started experiencing diarrhea. I didn't see that anyone else had that symptom, so I'm a bit worried. Maybe it's a coincidence as I usually respond to most meds really well. Anyone have this symptom?
January 17, 2011
Pros:
My face is *MUCH* less oily
Hair on arms and legs grows slower and finer after shaving (not being prickly is SO cool)
Induced a period after the 2 day (I hadn't had a proper period in almost 2 months)
Boobs feel soft and mushy (they usually do while I have my period)
Cons:
Dehydration - In my case, I didn't feel as thirsty as I felt moody and had mild headaches. Drink about 6 cups of water a day. Good idea to keep a glass of water on your nightstand. You wake up super thirsty
Am on day 9 of Spiro, and it definitely reduces oil production and shine. I've noticed a reduction in the number and size of cysts. However, I have one really persistent cyst on my left cheek. Although the number of cysts seem to have gone down, they're taking far longer to subside. They don't seem like the horrific pus-filled cysts that would rupture and bleed everytime I'd wash my face. Try not to drink while on spiro, ladies. Alcohol worsens the dehydration caused by the pill. So, abstain from it or don't go beyond a glass, or you'll wake up in the morning feeling like crap. Fingers crossed. It's been under two weeks, and I'm going to be patient with this drug. I'm hoping it works. I'm getting married soon, and don't want these awful bumps ruining my big day.
December 4, 2010
Pros:
Completely cleared my skin from severe to flawless in one month.
Cons:
SEVERE exhaustion, frequent urination, dehydration, depression, headaches
Honestly I never thought I would say this but I would rather have pimples than feel the way I did while taking this medication. There are some pretty nasty side effects associated with this med including cancer so I highly suggest looking into this before you start. Also, this will not work for everyone. I know we all like to think our acne is hormonal but I see reviews on here that this med did not work for quite a few people. It cleared up my severe acne within one month. If it has been a few months and still hasn't done much you should probably look into something else.
September 16, 2010
Pros:
Worked great
Cons:
Side effects
Worked great but after taking just under a year I started getting tingling in my feet and hands. Talked to the Dr. and he stated it was due to the medication. I also had to urinate a lot. Stopped taking it and about a week later both of the side effects stopped.
July 30, 2010
Pros:
Clearer Skin
Weight Loss
Cons:
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Dry mouth
I had only been on this drug for about a week and had started to see positive results for my skin, unfortunately I was getting very lightheaded later in the day (I was taking 100mg in the am) which ultimately led to me fainting in the middle of a restaurant at the end of dinner. If you are having the same lightheadedness after taking it for not that long you should stop, passing out and being taken away in an ambulance was sooo much more embarassing than having bad skin!
If it works for you without the side effects its a great drug!
June 22, 2010
Pros:
Only took for a month so I saw no changes, but it COULD have worked if I stayed on.
Cons:
My potassium levels shot up so I was not allowed to continue taking it. So disappointed.
This could work for you! However before you begin, don't get too attached to the idea. I was so hopeful and excited. The doc prescribed me 100mg/day and ordered i take a blood test the day before my first day, one week later, two weeks later, and four weeks later. I shot up to 5.2, then 4.5, then 5.5, at which point my doc said "no more, not an option for you."
For those of you whose potassium stays under 4.7ish while on the med, this is safe and I wish you success!!
June 12, 2010
Pros:
less oily skin and hair
pimples that would have been cysts become moderate pimples
weight loss
mood regulation
Cons:
has not prevented acne only decreased severity
dizziness
increases heartrate
nauscia
fatigue
i like spiro...it has definately helped regulate my breakouts, made them more managable.i used to have large painful cysts all over my cheeks and jawlines...i still get those breakouts but the pimples that would have been painful cysts become pimples that i can eventually pop and go away quicker. i was expecting a miracle and i did not get one...i still, have acne and i still have to deal with unexpected breakouts, painful zits and low self-confidence. its helped but not enough...i start accutane in 10 days!
Pros:
Too soon to tell