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 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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June 20, 2009

Pros:

softer skin, somewhat clearer

Cons:

Dizzy first weak only, an unusual foot cramp, a little soreness to breast. Fatiqued more.

I'm about six weeks into taking this drug. I can cope with the side effects if I will get the results others talk about. I am a 40 year old African American with lots of scars from years of acne. The cyst get fewer the older i get but yet embarassing when they arrive. I have only had one in six weeks. Hope thats a good sign. I simethimes forget to take them on the weekends but I'm getting better. I'm using Retin-A every other night. They say it will help with the dark marks. I can't say i'm overjoyed but i can't say i'm dissapointed yet either. I will check back at 12 weeks.
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

clearer skin, less cysts (normally 8-12 each month)-this month only 2! Skin feels smoother, less facial hair growth

Cons:

Feel some weakness, heart palpitations. Swelling in lower arms, hands?

Started taking this "wonder" drug about two months ago. I've had acne since I was 10 years old. Have taken Accutane 3x but each time after taking the cysts, oil, etc. came back with a vengeance. First time IN MY LIFE (I'm 48) that I've had skin that's not loaded with breakouts. I do have a question, though for others that are taking this drug- my lower arms/wrists/hands have been swelling and are painful since I started taking this med. Today the skin is even painful to touch and it feels like my arms are going to 'bust.' Has anybody else had any symptoms of swelling, etc. like this?? I am currently taking 100mg daily.
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

cheap, easy to take

Cons:

made me feel dizzy and very sick most of the time, didn't notice any improvement in my skin

This medication apparently lowers your blood pressure so if you have normally lower blood pressure like I do, may not be worth it. I stuck with it for a month but with no results I couldn't handle the side effects.
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

Very soft skin and hair. Acne improving. Less facial hair.

Cons:

Scalp hair loss. If it doesn't subside I will stop taking spiro. Some light dizzyness and overall dryness at first.

I started 25 mg per day over a month ago. Almost immediately my skin and hair become really soft. My acne (jaw/chin/back) is improving. However, last week I upped my dosage to 50 mg per day and experienced significant shedding of my hair. Another reason I started taking spiro was because I do have some facial hair - which has improved. But I didn't expect my scalp hair to thin out.
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April 30, 2009

Pros:

none of as yet, maybe slightly less oily skin

Cons:

Increased periods which is a major pain (2 a month), takes a while to work.

hi I previously sent a post but as I have been only on the medication a month, I cant really see how effective it is yet, as from all the other posts it seems it takes 2-3 months to work, HOWEVER I have been having increased periods which not alot of girls have mentioned in the cons, except April in Houston who since starting has had 2 periods a mth, well thats like me, I started spiro just after my regular period, and was surprised when just 2 wks later I got another, I put it down to a blip in my system but then another 2 weeks on, I got another period, in the 12 years I have been menstruating I have never had 2 in a month (I would be more likely to skip the occasional month although rarely) I called my endocronologist and he said this is NOT normal, and I am really finding it an inconvenience, but I so wanted to give the spiro a chance!! The endocron was not helpful about staying on or off it...has any other women suffered this problem & if so did it stop after a while? or is it me
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

seems to make the pimples/cysts i get come to a head faster, less oily hair in between washes. mild weight loss (from the diuretic effect of the pills)

Cons:

Excessive thirst ans more frequent periods

I have only been on this medication 3 wks and have not really noticed a difference in my skin, altho I know it takes 2-3 months for improvements to show. I am a 25 year old who suffers with a moderate case of polycystic ovaries (all my andregen levels such as DHEA and testosterone are elevated) I have suffered with acne since I was 13 years old, it is mainly along my jaw line and overall my complexion which permanently looks clogged and I have open pores, I have previously been on the BC pills Dianette, Yasmin & various antibiotics over the years which really did nothing for my acne and the BC pills made me depressed & caused weight gain. since starting Spiro my skin has become slightly worse but this seems common when starting new treatments so i hope its only temporary. I did get 2 periods 2 wks apart since starting it also which never happens to me, (as my cycles are longer than normal due to PCOS) & i did find it a con.Im just waiting in hope now and will report back in a month!!!
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April 9, 2009

Pros:

so far just makes my pimples come to a head faster

Cons:

dryness, especially around the mouth. Flaky skin.
A lot of bathroom breaks!
I've also expirienced fatigue.

I've been on 50 mg per day, for about 3 weeks and havent noticed any improvements so far. I had a horrible initial breakout. Does anyone know how long it takes to start noticing some improvements?
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

I've been using this for six months. I still get small pimples but nothing like that painful red cysts that plagued my chin and cheeks. I have not had a bad pimple since December and now it is April.

Cons:

My nails have become very weak and splitting, and my gums are more sensitive. I tried lowering the dose to 25mg but I started to break out again, so I am back up to 50.

Great for cystic acne. I am having side effects but I would rather have weak nails than painful lumps on my face! Anyone else experiencing the nail thing?
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March 17, 2009

Pros:

reduced oil on face, helped breakouts

Cons:

dry skin, makes you pee a lot!

This is the only medication I've ever been on that helped my oiliness. That part is great. It didn't clear my pimples as much as I would like, but it did help quite a bit. Right now I am spiro plus minocycline, retin A micro, and duac gel and my skin is STILL not clear so it's frustrating! I will probably have to try accutane as a last resort and I am not looking forward to those side effects. All in all I would recommend this medicine for people with moderate acne.
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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.
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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.

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Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

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