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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November 14, 2008

Pros:

No uncomfortable side effects, easy to take

Cons:

Didn't do that much for my skin..screws w/ your hormones

I used it for my moderate acne...maybe worked at first but I really didn't notice a huge difference. I still had mild to moderate acne every so often. also..SCARY to mess with your hormones like this...I was on it for a year (from age 19-20) and I NEVER got my period. Not even once! Strange because it just blocks your testosterone (and is even used to regulate periods), but as soon as I went off the meds, my period started up again right away as per usual. I just don't think it's worth it. Benzyl Peroxide works much better.
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November 13, 2008

Pros:

Works, works, works !!!

Cons:

thirst and tiredness to begin with, but as my body adjusted to it, no side effects whatsoever

Bottom line is that this really does work. I was concerned about the possibility of having a bad breakout after beginning it (as I have read in previous ratings) but I had no problems! I have been on Spiro for 6 months now, and I have clear skin ! Several years ago my Derm. put me on Doxycycline and I used Benzaclin (topical). After a about a year and a half I started having the cystic acne breakouts again. I would have 3 to 4 at a time and they would last for 2 months or more before healing. As soon as one would heal, another one or two would show up, so my face was constantly broken out. So he added Spiro, 100 mg daily. That combination is perfect for me now !!! I am 42 years old, and I have other issues to worry about, and acne should NOT be one of them ! Dont be afraid to try it, it really is worth it, and I am soooooo thankful for it !!!!!
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November 13, 2008

Pros:

It works!!! Only thing i have ever taken that works to clear my skin up!

Cons:

I have had no major side effects, jut pee more.

I am 35, tried everything from hormone therapy, Accutane to antibiotics, skin products...BUT the only thing that actually stopped my skins overproduction of oil..and flareups is Spironolactone...i only wish I would have tried this 15 years ago...My skin is clear...and as far as I remember has never been clear...when I stop taking spironolactone for about 2 or 3 weeks...my skin starts breaking out again...face, forehead, neck...within a week...it starts to clear up and Im back on track!
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November 11, 2008

Pros:

It cleared up my skin completely! I think i have had 3 pimples in the 6 months. My face is no longer oily AT ALL. This medication is amazing!!!!!

Cons:

It did take a long time to work, but it is 110% worth it.

I started off at 25mg twice a day, and now I am taking 200 mg a day. I know it sounds like a lot, but my acne was terrible and painful. It was hard to feel good about myself. It took a few months for the medication to really kick in, but it is WONDERFUL. I read all these review about 10 months ago and I stuck with it and I am so HAPPY. Now I have a ques: I still have some scars on my face and little bit of redness, does anyone know what kind of treatment would be best and will it cost a long of money? Also, is it true that this medication makes you lose a little weight? Please respond if you can, Thanks =) -K
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November 10, 2008

Pros:

My skin is now a good balance between dry and oily. Not too oily, yet not too dry. I have noticed that my hair doesn't get as greasy either (what a blessing)! For the most part, my skin is now fairly clear.

Cons:

frequent urination, very low blood pressure

I am 21 and have been taking this for about five months. I didn't see real improvements until about 3-4 months. So be patient!!! I'm only on 50mg twice a day, and maybe if the dosage was increased I'd see an even bigger improvement, but this medicine has decreased my blood pressure significantly, so I'm a little apprehensive on upping the dosage quite yet. I do believe I have seen an improvement on the overall feel and look of my skin though.
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November 1, 2008

Pros:

Worked after the first month 100mg a day but the 2nd month broke out terribly. It seems to work but maybe this 2nd moth my hormones are adjusting but I am going to stick with it.

Cons:

2nd month bad breakout, irregular period and extremely dry mouth and lips.

I believe it is going to work and hopefully right now it is just the side effect of getting worse before it gets better. I am also on YAZ birth control. This will be my third month I will give an update at the end of the month.
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November 1, 2008

Pros:

This is a miracle - it works with now major side effects! This worked in the first few weeks and has kept everything clear since. Other big plus - bigger boobs and really short periods.

Cons:

The only thing I noticed is if you miss a couple doses a break out is certain.

I tried everything for years with cystic acne, even accutane, and nothing seemed to get rid of the acne. If you can't get results with creams or other meds - talk to your derm. about this!!! It works fast, and no horrible side effects. My skin is soft and smooth and I even leave the house without make-up now. Occasionally a little break-out, but no cysts and they clear up in a couple days. Don't mess with all the products that are expensive and meds that are awful. This really is the miracle for your skin that you've been looking for.
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November 1, 2008

Pros:

Clear up my skin completely!!! Notice difference in a week as old lumps are drying up and healing while no new lumps are popping up. Easy to take the pill before bedtime. Lucky to have minor side effects stated below which isn't a problem at all.

Cons:

Wake up with a dry mouth and feeling thirsty.

I had moderately severe cystic acne since I was a teenager and have tried every oral antibiotics, every topical cream/gels, and even did two 12 weeks treatments of Accutane and nothing worked. The costs of trying every treatments and dermatogists were in the $10,000s. The red painful lumps were constanty there on my face. The old lumps didn't even heal yet before a few more pops up. Besides the pain, I felt extremely ugly and had a hard time facing people as I see them staring at my face full of acne. My definition of being beautiful is just having smooth & clear skin like everyone around me. It wasn't until I was 36 that a gynecologist prescribed 100mg of Spiro as I was breaking out despite being on birth control pills. It changed my life forever!! I have been on Spiro for over 10 yrs now. I was on 100mg for a yr and reduced down to 50mg as maintenance. I just increased my dosage back to 100mg as I'm constantly breaking out again. It has been 2 wks now and my face is clear. Try it!
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October 29, 2008

Pros:

I felt like I lost weight, It didn't upset my stomach. I actually don't even feel like I am taking medication. I had hardly any of the side effects, but everyone is different.

Cons:

I did have to pee alot at first, but then I seemed to regulate back to normal.

I have had cystic acne since I was 12, I am now 30 and have been on Spiro for about 2 years. I have tried every oral antibiotic, every topical cream/gel and nothing else has worked. I actually get compliments on how great my skin looks....no one even knows I used to have bad skin. I very rarely get cysts, maybe once every 3 months I get a whitehead/blackhead. I love it and highly recommend it.
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October 28, 2008

Pros:

*started to see a tremendous difference within the first week
started off taking 100 mg and increased it to 200 mg the third wk
huge difference in oil production, clearer skin, dries out existing acne, reduces breakouts

Cons:

body aches, headaches, drowsiness, more emotional, pee alot, dry mouth, dizziness

im 19 and ive had acne since my early teens. i had just abt tried everything to get rid of the spots on my face, but it just seemed useless. I was really scared to try it out because of the inital breakout, but i just went for it. and believe me if ur acne is hormonal this is the medication for u. trust me.
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