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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July 17, 2009

Pros:

None so far, but it is early to tell.

Cons:

breast tenderness, dizziness, increased trips to the bathroom.

I started this medicine 1 month ago and my acne has gotten worse but it is hopeful to read that it takes some time for it to be effective. I have tried everything but accutane which will be my last option due to the serious side effects. My acne is hormonal, I am very hopeful this will be the final solution for my acne issues!
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

Less oily skin, less inflamation,when pimples appear they are very small and superficial and clear in a couple of days with topic treatment, bigger breasts, less fluid retention

Cons:

More frequent urination, fatigue (especially in hot weather), lower blood pressure, dizziness, feeling of depersonalisation and moderate sadness (although the better skin does make me feel happier!!), menstruation changings

I started taking it after a full course of retinoids, during the period when you cannot take antibiotics nor more retinoids. Does compensate, especially if you are taking it during winter time. Always take it during/immediately after dinner, so the lower blood pressure and dizziness will hit you while asleep =). Improves a lot your skin and you feel more comfortable with it, it doesn't get all sticky anymore. If you would like to have a little breast increase, then you will be radiant! Drink a lot!
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July 12, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin. Less blackheads. Stomach does seem flatter (less bloating).

Cons:

After about 8 weeks of use, still have acne. Fatigued during daytime, but can't sleep at night. Lots of urinating for a few hours after taking the pill. Muscle soreness and tingliness.

I'm 30 and have been battling acne since I went off birth control at 23. Still in the early stages of using this medicine (I was told to give it 3 months, dosed at 50 mg/twice a day), but I've read that muscle soreness and tingliness are actually serious side effects with this medicine as it's a sign of high potassium in the body, which can be fatal. Also, that it causes tumors in rats. I'm not sure at this point if I'll continue. Right now my arms are tingly when I'm writing this and my legs have been sore for about two weeks now. When I played T-Ball with my sons, just swinging the bat at the ball made my arms ache for hours afterwards, they felt bruised. Hate to complain, but thought others with these side effects should check into it too.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

I was hopeful that it would work.

Cons:

Depressed and fatigued, more than usual.

I didn't take this very long at all, because I couldn't stand being more depressed than usual. I don't know if this is a normal side effect, but I did read one other person who had this experience. I might try going back on it in a couple of months, but doubt it.
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Eliminated my hormonal cysts, less oil production, smaller looking pores

Cons:

Frequent urination, irregular menstrual cycles, first couple of months migraines

This is a great med for clearing up hormonal cysts. It takes 2-3 months to get results, but is worth it. I hardly ever get cysts anymore (2-3 per year). I've been on this about a year and want to try to get pregnant so I'm going to stop taking this. I'm a little nervous about stopping it and may taper down. Right now I take 50 mg, twice a day. Since I had migraines intially (hormone changes, I'm guessing), I am anticipating something similar when I stop. If you aren't planning to have kids soon, this is wonderful and much less harmful than accutane (so i've heard).
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July 8, 2009

Pros:

This product is great, I was on it for about 7 months and by 5 months my acne cleared up totally. I did notice that when antibiotics were added it really help clear up my skin.

Cons:

I didn't notice any cons until I was off of it. My period took two weeks to finish that first month I was off the medicine.

I am back on it because the acne came back with a vengeance. A new Dr. started at the practice I was going to and did not believe in prescribing this medicine and she took me off. I just started back on it with a new Dr. and hope I get the same results as before, I just hate that I have to start all over again. Good luck to you all.
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up Cystic Acne that I had battled for 12 years

Cons:

Was very tired the first three months(sometimes just had to take afternoon naps) . I seem to have adjusted and energy level is returning. Breasts are definitely bigger. Cannot take on an empty stomach.

Did not have bad acne as a teen, I started around age 40 and got progressively worst. It was so painful. I can't tell you how much I like this product. Dosage was raised to 125mg a day. This means you have to take tat least wo pills since it doesn't come in this dosage.
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June 26, 2009

Pros:

I've taken spirolactone for about two weeks so I haven't seen any results yet.

Cons:

I feel very tired and sleepy everyday.

I've have suffering of reallyl bad acne since I was 17 years old. Through out the years it's was taking all over my face. As a teenager I had acne in my cheeks, then in my twenties went on my chin, then after being pregnant I had the works acne of my life taking all of my face. I am almost 31 years old and I have been in so many treatments. My body doesn't tolerate accutane so I only took that for 2 weeks. I have hope in this new medication, spirolactone. I have to say though, I constantly feel tired, sleepy. I'll recommen it, even though, I've only using it for two weeks. I have faith that this will be the cure for my acne
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne completley, less oil, bigger boobs, and softer skin!! LOVE IT!! :)

Cons:

The worst breakouts ever for the first (4-9) weeks when using it, But totally worth it!! Takes a while to work, and getting blood work done.

Like the rest of you I've tried everything basically and spent tons and tons of money on products. I never had a big problem with acne throughout my teen years, but honestly when I turned 20 thats when the breakouts started to get bad and over the counter products wouldn't do the trick nemore. Went to the dermatologist and she prescribed me spironolactone knowin that my acne was hormonal and it's now been about 3 months and finally I'm starting to notice the change that everyone is talking about!!!! First month i was on 50 mg, second month 75 mg, and eventually worked my way up to 100 mg where I'am right now!! I just recently went back to the dermatologist this past week for a follow up and she gave me duac for spot treatment, and that also works wonders too!!! So my daily regime i take 100mg in the morning and wash my face with mary kay velocity followed by duac and then moisturizer!!! My confidence is back!!!! THIS IS A MIRACLE DRUG!!! TRY IT YOU WONT LOSE ANYTHING!!!! :) :)
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin for awhile, but after about a year my acne has come back!

Cons:

Frequent urination, lowers blood pressure, increased fatigue, lowers energy level, need to drink plenty of fluids when on this drug!

I have been on this drug for quite awhile, and at first I was very pleased with the results. The acne has come back full force again, though, in all the same areas. I'm hoping that increasing my dosage will help. I'm on 50mg twice a day.
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