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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October 28, 2008

Pros:

clears my face up completely, regrows hair

Cons:

severe dehydration, have to go to the bathroom all the time, sore breasts, have to watch diet, fatigue, muscle cramps (early on), sexual dysfunction, insomnia, hair will all fall out when you stop taking it

I've taken this on and off for acne for six years. Bottom line is that it will clear your face up. It may take four or five months at most, but it will work. Unfortunately, I hate the way I feel when I'm on it - just completly exhausted and lethargic. Every year or so, I lower my dose or quit taking it and am amazed at how great I feel. It's like a whole new lease on life. Then my skin starts getting oily again and all my hair starts falling out. By the time my scalp gets really visible, I lose my nerve and start taking it again. It takes several months for my hair to grow back, and the whole cycle starts again. I really hate feeling tied to this drug, but it has worked for my face and it regrew hair for me that I can't keep without it.
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October 27, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY
Attacks hormonal acne where it starts
Affordable

Cons:

the day you quit is the day your acne returns
Some lowsy side effects the first 5 mths or so (nothing worth stopping treatment over)

I have been taking Spiro 50mg for about 11 mths now. Spiro is the first thing in over 10 years to work for me!!! It took 5-6 months to work, which I know is awhile, but it is worth the wait! Now, I get a pimple or two (or none) right before my period. I LOVE this drug. This drug does take several months to kick in (everyone is different). It took me about 6 mths of trial and error, questioning if it was doing anything, and questioning if it made my acne worse. I did not think it was going to have any positive affect on me. In addition, some side effects in the first few months included soar (in a painful way) breasts, irregular periods, dizziness out of nowhere, larger breasts, and just not feeling well in general some days. But these are nothing compared to how happy you will be when this stuff works. Please try this, and if you are on it and thinking about trying something else, please dont stop your treatment.
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October 27, 2008

Pros:

I had cystic acne - got worse in my forties- can you believe it? Nothing worked then I tried Spiro - I have had clear skin now for 3 months. My doctor said it tends to work better for women in my age group.

Cons:

None

As your estrogen drops, the male hormones takes over as they are more aggressive. Spriro fights this and blocks the male hormomes - finally a way to fight the source - acne comes from the inside, topical stuff does not fight severed acne. So try this, all you ladies out there !!!
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October 25, 2008

Pros:

Does clear up your skin, but takes about two months. Still get cystic acne on occasion. Boobs have gotten a little bigger, and it kinda helps with cramps. skin not as oily, almost a little to dry.

Cons:

Its like i have a baby bladder now, you will pee all the time.Boobs may be bigger, but they hurt like a b!*@h! when i first started the meds i got a little shaky, like i had to much coffee.

My skin is not where i want it to be yet, but i know these things take time. There is no such thing as a miracle acne pill, i just have to remember that. But i can see results, and others have noticed as well. I have been taking 50 mg a day for two months, and was just raised to 100 mg a day. So i'll just have to see how it all works out. Good luck to all of you taking or thinking about taking Spiro.
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

*Reduction in size of some cystic acne
*Easy to take
*Small pill/good taste

Cons:

*Dry Mouth
*Fatigue (first two weeks; cannot exactly pin-point this to Spiro though!)
*IB and no good side effects of this such as bigger breasts /loosing weight

I have only been on this for three weeks as of today. My derm started me on 100mg daily and I thought it was a lot (I wanted to start on 75) but now I am wondering if it was too low. Some of the cystic acne has reduced in size and so far that is the only progress. My face is actually worse than when I started, but I am hoping that is the IB. My neck is a HUGE problem area too, thanks to pro-actice (DO NOT use this) and nothing seems to help. Under my chin and on my cheeks I have red bumps, not sure what they are-somewhat easy to cover with makeup.I did not have to go pee more often and do not need to drink more water than usual, which I have read that the majority of users do,so I am afraid this is not having any effect. I have used everything (will not do accutane) and based on reviews I say try this and be PATIENT. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

Clearer Skin, Better tone,

Cons:

Headaches every one in a while.

I have had severe acne almost all my life. I have taken accutane, and practicaly every antibiotic on the market, nothing helped. I have cystic acne wich is incredibly painfully not to mention embarassing. I have been taking Spironolacton for almost 2 months now and I could not be happier. Don't get me wrong I still get one or two every once in a while but overall the improvement is incredible. I would definitly recommend this. The cost is also a bonus after spending thousands of dollers on products that did not work or worked for a few months.
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October 18, 2008

Pros:

Works! Reduces oil, dries out pimples,blackheadsand whiteheads, reduces breakouts, evens out skin tone...eventually. Oh yea lost a few pounds too which motivated me to workout and my boobs are firmer and a bit larger!

Cons:

Makes u pee like crazy at first. After a month or so not as frequent. Extremely tired first 3 wks. As soon as this ended I broke out pretty bad, which I kind of expected after reading the reviews. Who knows maybe stressing abt having a breakout cause

I take 50mg 2x/day and noticed a reduction in oil around day 10. Still break out but I have 3 pimples a week instead of 3-5 new ones everyday and I'm only on wk 8.I still have months for existing dark spots to heal but I'm very optimistic. The thing is spiro is not a quick fix and u have to be patient because it works from the inside out. Also, you have to find a daily regimen that works for your skin.
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October 16, 2008

Pros:

It's an inexpensive treatment compared to Accutane and some topical creams.

Cons:

It may take a while to clear up your skin. Also, sexual desire may slightly decrease.

I have tried tons of other products and medications including Accutane, Antibiotics, creams such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin, Differin, and Retinoic Acid... all of them worked while taking/using them, but after stopping, the acne came back. This is my 4th. week taking Spironolactone. My derm said that this would be the last resource (the end of the road)...It just started to work.... altough, the first weeks it made my acne worse I am hoping this is it and the final solution. I have to be patient... but it's so hard!!!
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October 9, 2008

Pros:

It works - it really does. I've had acne since I was 12 - and acne was all I focused on. For those who have moderate acne, you know what I mean. It's debilitating. I've been on this for a year and my skin is great. Be consistent with taking it

Cons:

irregular periods, dehydration, caffeine like effect

It's great - not sure what the long term affects are - which is scary...but I have clear skin.
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October 9, 2008

Pros:

So far so good

Cons:

Frequent urination. Feel more tired. Seem to break me out more in the beginning

Its been 3 weeks and will stay on it a few more months
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