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 23, 2008

Pros:

I had used EVERYTHING from age 13 until 23, I'm now 28. Antibiotics, mainly Tetracycline caused severe reactions so I couldn't take Accutane. I tried Spironolactone again almost 5 years ago and have been CLEAR since - until recently. :(

Cons:

Peeing all the time, 1 or 2 times a night, but it's worth it for clear skin. Right now I'm feeling devastated because after almost 5 years, my cystic acne has returned and I have no explanation as to why!?!?!

It works, but the dose and when you take it takes some getting use to. If you haven't tried it, find a doctor that will let you. It has few side effects, especially if your self esteem is as damaged as mine was and is now again. If you tried it before and it didn't work, try it again. I used it for a year when I was 18 and it didn't work, then worked within 2 months a few years later.
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July 23, 2008

Pros:

Nothing has cleared my skin like this has, ive been on it for a while now, well over a year, and although i do still get a couple pimples and cysts every now and then it is nothing compared to what i used to get.

Cons:

The only con i have noticed is the frequent peeing.

Definately worth the try, i get a lot of compliments on my skin and that is a miracle for me. I tired everything short of acutane, that was my next step if this did not work, but you have to give the med some time to work, just like most of the meds out there.
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July 22, 2008

Pros:

I had EXTREME facial oil with cystic acne x 15yrs. Tried accutane x 3, antibiotics, blue light therapy, lasers, retinA, trazadone, ETC. Within a week of spirinolactone it was manageable. I used to have to put on powder every HOUR or so. LOVE IT

Couldn't live without it...wish I would have had it 15yrs ago
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July 20, 2008

Pros:

Amazing healing of severe, cystic acne (considered use of Accutane) - tried everything else. No real side effects - been using for about 1 1/2 years.

Cons:

Sometimes have to pee more - no big deal

This was the ONLY drug that worked. I am 31 and have had horrible, debilitating acne since a teenager. This stuff was my last hope before trying Accutane. Many doctors do not know about using Sprionolactone for acne, so make sure to let them know/find a doctor who does know. This drug truly changed my life.
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July 18, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne within a few months of taking it.

Cons:

Decreases saliva production which leads to dry mouth and cavities.

Works very well especially if you have tried many different antibiotics and have not seen longer term results. However make sure to have a dental care routine which includes daily flossing and fluoride rinse to avoid any dental complications.
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of my acne all over my face in one week. Oil production way down.

Cons:

It makes me pee a lot, so I only take it once a week now instead of every day. Works great like that.

I started getting cystic acne in my 30's, started this two years ago, am now 39 and continue to use it. I don't take the 50mg twice daily becuase I would pee every second, I dropped down to once per week, and it works great, keeps it all under control.
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July 15, 2008

Pros:

cheap..no side effects,less oil, clear skin...it works!

Cons:

nothing. initial breakout on the second week.

The day I started taking it I could notice a difference in my oil production. It takes a while to work but after a month I already noticed that I was spending less time fixating on my acne, spending less time trying to pile on foundation to cover my spots. I admit, the first week of taking it, I felt extremely fatigued and felt some nausea (I am sensitive to medication) but after a week or two all the symptoms were gone..no side effects! Actually, bigger breasts and weight loss but I'm not complaining! I still get one or two pimples but they heal fast and the rest of my face is smooth (I am only on month 3). Safe for long term use! its the best!
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July 13, 2008

Pros:

less oil, acne much better! one of the best meds i've used (have been on EVERYTHING prior, even accutane twice)

Cons:

dizziness due to lower BP, lower sex drive, when first increased my dosage had scary chest pain one night but hasn't happened since

WONDERFUL Rx but does have some side effects. had to stop BC pills due to melasma and bc it killed my sex drive. been on tazorac and finacea, numerous antibiotics, mino, oracea, accutance twice (worked great but caused clinical depression) etc. i've learned that every pill you take has SOME sort of side effect. if you have hormonal acne, spiro works incredibly well. my skin and hair are much less oily, and acne free 80% of the time. my skin still breaks out a bit right before my period though. my sex drive has dropped on spiro a bit though which is fine if you are younger but is a problem for me as i'm 27 and married. am only on 75 a day in the morning and prefer not to increase any more. thinking about dropping to 50g for two weeks then to 75g for the two week pre-period and during period in hopes to increase the sex drive. does any body do a similar dosage schedule? is it safe/ok to increase before your period and drop back down afterwards? thanks!
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July 12, 2008

Pros:

Side-effects are minimal.

Cons:

I've been using it for 2.5 mo and still no decrease in oiliness at all.

I started with 50mg for 1mo., 75mg for 1.5mo. I've been diagnosed with PCOS, which explains why I have extremely oily skin (gets oily 45 min after washing my face) and jawline acne. My acne has decreased somewhat but I suspect that due to the topical medication I'm also taking (Benzaclin). I think I need a higer dosage, maybe 150mg.
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July 11, 2008

Pros:

It's working!

Cons:

I haven't experience anything i'd say is a con, considering this is the only medication I have seen results with, i'll take the good with the bad, although i have been going to the bathroom just a lil more, no biggie!

Just give it time, do not be discouraged by the initial breakout if it does occur to you, you will see results short after that. I'm still in awe of how good my skin looks after only ONE month!
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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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