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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February 19, 2009

Pros:

Cleared Acne, dried out skin.

Cons:

Dizziness, fatigue, dehydration

I started breaking out a little bit after I graduated highschool. I broke out super super bad. I went on everything in the book every antibiotic you can think of, took acutane twice, got laser treatments, went on birth control, nothing seemed to cure my acne. Everynight I would look in the mirror and hate what I saw. I never felt good about myself. People don't lose hope, because spiro has changed my life! The Dr's never thought it was hormonal acne, but when they finally decided it could be and put me on spiro it has changed my life. I started about 4 months ago, I saw some clearing at first, but did not see a significant change until the past month. Everyone has complimented my skin and I feel like a new person. I can actually look in the mirror without makeup on and feel good about myself. Be patient this pill takes time. Don't expect instant results. You'll feel side effects at first but keep on using it and hopefully you'll see results too.
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February 18, 2009

Pros:

I don't know yet

Cons:

Still breaking out, losing hope, more tired than usual, unmotivated, have been struggling with my daily run since taking this medication

My skin has not even begun to clear. I am about ready to quit this medication. In addition to dealing with my disgusting skin, my running has greatly suffered since starting this medication. I can't even run 2 miles anymore (use to running 6 daily) without feeling like I am going to die. I become extremely light headed and wheez which is something I never had a problem with before. Has anyone else had similar side effects and will it pass? I am also on doxycycline, birth control, and retin-a. If you can offer any info from your own experience, please email me at kristif79@[link removed]. Thanks.
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February 14, 2009

Pros:

So far so good. I havent been on it long enough yet though

Cons:

Little lightheadedness at first, peeing like seabiscuit, tired

Ive been on spironolactone for almost a week. So i havent been on it long enough yet to see any results. Im taking 100 mg of spironolactone, 100 mg of monodox (doxycycline), and levoclen-4 facewash (brevoxyl-4, benzyl peroxide). Ive been going to doctors for this since i was about 12 and im now 20, still struggling. I must say though...after 2 days it seemed like my whole back cleared up!! it was amazing haha. But im really hoping this works. Im worried about side effects...very worried actually. but i havent really had any yet so im hoping its ok. my doctor didnt say anything about blood tests or anything, im going to check my blood pressure at school. i read in the side effects to keep your potassium intake low...i think thats the hardest so far. but other than peeing atleast every hour and ive been more tired...its been good =]
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February 14, 2009

Pros:

small. tastes like mint. low dosage. minimal side effects. clear skin after 7 months with minimal break-outage in between (and that is usually related to your period coming)

Cons:

fatigue. depression. (although I'm not certain if it's just me or the spiro talking). definitely tiredness right after taking it.

Opted out of birth control as an option. Derm said that this blocked the androgens (testosterone) that causes hormonal acne. Started taking it August 08. Completely cleared my skin by Feb 09. I have one pimple on my chin that is healing and that is because I forgot to take 3 pills the week before my period. I take 3 pills the week before and one pill thereafter for the rest of the month. Keep a consistent face wash routine going with gentle cleansers and stay free of makeup. I've had to learn the hard way - don't pick your face! At the site of a pimple I apply a dab of Duac with a q-tip and let it go! It's better for you and the pimple. But now that I have been on Spiro, my whole face is clear. Soon I will be looking into ways to fade some of the scars. Best of luck to you. Patience is key. Patience will win in the end.
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February 13, 2009

Pros:

Miracle Drug!!! Clears up acne, less oily skin and better
skin texture. Could feel it working quickly...

Cons:

Feel a little more tired than usual but well worth the benefits of
this medicine

I am 54 years old and have battled acne since a teenager. Was told I would "outgrow" this by the time I was 20.. Ha.Ha.!! Taken accutane twice and every antibiotic available. This is the ONLY drug that has ever helped to this degree. Guess what?? I discovered spiro on this website and my ob-gyn prescribed 100 mg. daily. I cannot believe the results..it is amazing!! Would love to hear from others my age to see how this drug is tolerated long term. My only regret is that I did not learn about spiro sooner. I would urge anyone who has persistant acne to try it. Now...how can I get rid of all these scars?
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February 12, 2009
***Rosie in Virginia...My Dr. told me I absolutely had to stop taking Yaz before I could start taking Spironolactone because it would cause immediate heart problems. Any other oral contraceptive except for Yaz would be fine to take at the same time, according to my Dr., because Yaz contains Androgen blockers and, obviously, so does Spironolactone. This combination is too much for your heart to take. I read your note and am worried your Dr. may not know about this and may not tell you to change your oral contraceptive. My appointment was two weeks ago, so this is current information. I just started taking Spironolactone today. You should definitely check into it to make sure you do not have problems with the rhythm of your heartbeat. That would be worse than acne!
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared my acne completely. I used to have very bad cystic acne the kind that needed a cortisone shot since i was 11 years old I am 26. It has been a long road for me.

Cons:

tired, dizzy, spotting

when i first started taken SPIRONOLACTON I was taking it with YAZ. But I stopped both of them due to weight gain. I was off of all medication for about 5 months until i start break out again. I started taken Spironolacton again but with out the YAZ.... NOW my PROBLEM is that i have started to spot thru out the month... I am taking 100mg twice a day...IS ANYBODY ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM????
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

Generic version is cheap (at least, it is with insurance), possible increase in breast size, lowers blood pressure

Cons:

Dizziness, vertigo, overdrying of skin, stomach upset, fatigue

I was not connecting my fatigue and concentration problems with this medication until I started reading these reviews. I was on 50mg qd for 2.5 months and have been on 75mg qd up til now. Today, my dermatologist suggested upping the dose to 100mg qd and so I will begin that tonight. I also use Retin-A Micro and Azelex. About 6 weeks into treatment I started experiencing constant, mild vertigo which subsided after a couple weeks. I experience dehydration from time to time--easily remedied. I have experienced an overall decrease in cystic acne, which I used to get frequently mostly along my brow ridge, mouth and chin. However, the rest of my acne has not appeared to subside significantly. I currently have 21 pimples, one of which is cystic, and 8 areas of previous inflammation that are nearing the end of healing. My skin is also dry overall with some flaking. I will stick with it for a for a few more months but it's difficult to feel like the medication I'm on isn't doing e
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February 9, 2009

Cons:

take it before bed so you are not tired during the day. Once you are clear you have to remain on this med or it will come back.

A God Sent Miracle! I've struggled with serve acne my entire life & have been on everything under the sun even accuatane. I'm currently 40. My recent pimples were hard & remained under the skin along my jaw line down my neck & around my chin. My acne absorbed me and my daily life trying to find a solution while sufferings with each day looking like a walking connect the dots game. I left for a trip with at least 8 pimples and needed to have injections they were so bad. My doctor prescribed spironolactone but it didn't work I went thru a 90 day supply of 50mg. I went back months later for a follow up visit depressed and disappointed. This time I met with the PA where she raised my dose to 100mg per day. Within 6 weeks I was clear and now take 50 mg a day for maintenance. My skin looks beautiful maybe a pimple will come to the surface before my period. PA instructed me to take 100mg. 1 week before I get my period. It has been just a little over a year with skin that I always want
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February 9, 2009

Pros:

Might clear up stubborn flare ups

Cons:

gastrointestinal; cancer risk; low blood pressure

I have a new RX for 50 mg per day. Afraid to take because of possible side effects. I am over 60 yrs old and still breaking out, have migraines too, assume hormonal fluctuation. Not many people on this site are my age and still have acne, so find it hard to find answers. Worry about cancer risk, though it's not in my family.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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